mont blanc - how many options?

I am heading off to Chamonix in August. I understand there are a few route options to the Summit, anyone done it before and can recommend a quieter route that is not massively technical?

I have also got in contact with a guide who is asking for a deposit now to book his services. How do I know whether he'll be there/ alive in August or should I not be so cynical and trust the bloke?

All comments and views welcome realting to MB!
cheers
giles

Guide: Check his qualifications. If he's a member of the BMG, then do it through them, and he can be trusted. Other than that, ask for phone numbers, of his previous clients, and phone them to see what he was like.

Route: I am going to Monty Bloncky (as we call it) summer 2003 all being well, and we're taking the normal route (Gouter Route). There are websites like the BMC's which have details about the mountian, and routes as well as guides. Also Google search for "Mont Blanc" (inc quote marks). Also look for my thread in this thread titled Mont Blanc. There's a few people's accounts of their experiences.
Take a look.

The normal route is the Gouter Ridge. A better and slightly harder option, which is more weather-dependent, is the North East Ridge, '3 Mont Blancs' route, which takes in Mont Blanc de Tacul and Mont Maudit.

If you don't mind going from the Italian side, the Aiguille Grise route is reputedly quieter than the Gouter approach, though longer.

Check out Gaston Rebuffat's excellent Mont Blanc coffee-table book for more info, inspiration and great pics.

I've done the north east ridge that joan describes. It's a hard day but not many people. Starting from the aiguille du midi is awesome to start with.
There are plenty of experienced and qualified guides (both english and french) to be hired from the maison de guides at either chamonix or argentiere no notice required. You can turn up one day and book a guide for the next. I personally wouldn't pay any money up front. Wait till you get there, study the forecast and book a local guide for a couple of days settled weather. When I did it there was a scale of charges for whatever you did. I think if you get anyone who offers you a 'discount price' then they're probably not in the system