Alpine climbing course in Chamonix – Level 2
UIAGM MOUNTAIN GUIDES
1:2 GROUP RATIO
ICONIC CHAMONIX CLIMBS
Alpine Climbing Progression Course in Chamonix
Take your mountaineering skills to the next level with our intensive alpine climbing progression course in Chamonix. Designed for climbers seeking greater autonomy and competence in high mountain terrain, this advanced-level course is ideal for those aiming to tackle more committing and technically demanding alpine routes.
Throughout this week-long experience, our certified UIAGM mountain guides provide close personal instruction and custom-tailored route selection to help you develop efficiently and safely. With a strong focus on technical progression, you’ll refine essential skills across rock, ice, snow, and mixed terrain while learning to operate with greater independence in the alpine environment.
Key topics include advanced climbing techniques, glacier travel, crevasse rescue systems, and proper rope management on varied terrain. You’ll practice building anchors in snow, ice, and rock, placing and removing traditional protection, and mastering rappelling systems using prusiks on multi-pitch routes. Route planning, gear selection, interpreting weather and conditions, and risk assessment are all part of the comprehensive curriculum.
This alpine climbing progression course in Chamonix emphasizes safety, precision, and decision-making. You’ll learn to navigate alpine terrain with confidence, read the mountains, and choose routes that match your skill level. Orientation, terrain evaluation, and efficient movement over technical ground are practiced daily.
Starting from the second day, the guide-to-client ratio is reduced to 1:2, ensuring personalized coaching and optimal learning conditions. Whether you’re preparing for classic big alpine routes or aiming for greater self-sufficiency in the mountains, this course provides the advanced skills and knowledge needed to reach your goals.
Join us in the heart of the Alps and elevate your climbing journey with our immersive alpine climbing progression course in Chamonix.
From: 1750 €
Intermediate
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Fitness level 3/5
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Guide ratio 1:2
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Groups of 4 maximum
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5 days course
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Available June – September
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1 night in a mountain hut
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Instructional course
Dates
Start date | End date | Space | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monday 23 June 2025
|
Friday 27 June 2025
|
Guaranteed
|
1750 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 30 June 2025
|
Friday 4 July 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 7 July 2025
|
Friday 11 July 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 14 July 2025
|
Friday 18 July 2025
|
Guaranteed
|
1750 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 21 July 2025
|
Friday 25 July 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 28 July 2025
|
Friday 1 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 4 August 2025
|
Friday 8 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1750 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 11 August 2025
|
Friday 15 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 18 August 2025
|
Friday 22 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 25 August 2025
|
Friday 29 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 1 September 2025
|
Friday 5 September 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 8 September 2025
|
Friday 12 September 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 15 September 2025
|
Friday 19 September 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 13 October 2025
|
Friday 17 October 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 20 October 2025
|
Friday 24 October 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 27 October 2025
|
Friday 31 October 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Dates
Start date | End date | Space | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monday 23 June 2025
|
Friday 27 June 2025
|
Guaranteed
|
1750 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 30 June 2025
|
Friday 4 July 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 7 July 2025
|
Friday 11 July 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 14 July 2025
|
Friday 18 July 2025
|
Guaranteed
|
1750 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 21 July 2025
|
Friday 25 July 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 28 July 2025
|
Friday 1 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 4 August 2025
|
Friday 8 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1750 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 11 August 2025
|
Friday 15 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 18 August 2025
|
Friday 22 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 25 August 2025
|
Friday 29 August 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 1 September 2025
|
Friday 5 September 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 8 September 2025
|
Friday 12 September 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 15 September 2025
|
Friday 19 September 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 13 October 2025
|
Friday 17 October 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 20 October 2025
|
Friday 24 October 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Monday 27 October 2025
|
Friday 31 October 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
1790 €
| Make enquiry |
Itinerary
The course itinerary is an example of a typical week with good weather, sound conditions, and fit, able clients. The guides will change plans depending on the weather, client aptitude and ambition, and the current state of the mountains if needed.
Arrival Day
Rendez-vous the evening before the week starts in the Chamex office to meet the guide. The week’s program will be presented, and any questions will be answered to insure a smooth start to the course.
Day 1
Rock climbing at the Brevent! Working on rock climbing technique, rappel (abseil) method, and the placement and removal of natural, traditional protection are the basics for the first day. Facing the Mount Blanc, there are few places better suited, and with better views, than the Brevent. Rope use/ organization and familiarization with the skills needed for lead climbing, climbing single and multi pitch routes, rappels and climbing technique are on the agenda.
Day 2
The client to guide ratio is reduced to 1:2. This allows you more personalized instruction, and to climb more difficult and committing routes. The emphasis is on ice and mixed terrain, accessed from the Aiguille du Midi. Practicing your ice and mixed skills, under the eye of your guide for learning maximum efficiency in the alpine domain. A review of previously learned material (protection placement, rappels) and safe glacier travel tactics are practiced.
Day 3
Rock climbing on Chamonix’s famous granite! Traditional climbing requires the team to have the ability to recognize when and where to use the appropriate material. A multi pitch route suited to your level where gear selection, organization is necessary. You’ll be on the best cracks and slabs in the valley making for a great learning day on some of the best, most storied alpine rock in the world. The skills from the previous day’s outings are also revisited.
Day 4
You’ll approach a mountain hut in order to do a bigger route the following day. Decision making and course planning with your guide, as well as participation in the evaluation of the conditions and the weather forecast for help you learn to choose an appropriate route. On the way to the hut we may cover glacier rescue skills (pulley systems and fixed rope climbing, snow anchors, step by step course of action) and any other elements not yet seen or that need repeating / perfecting. Course timing, map skills, gear necessary, and the day’s strategy – all parts of effectuating a safe, successful alpine climb.
Day 5
The Mt Blanc range hosts a plethora of great mixed routes for all abilities.
You finish your week with a longer mixed route in the mountains- a culmination of the week’s efforts, a challenging, fun route and a beautiful summit. The challenges involved in the ascent of a big alpine itinerary are all present- route finding, timing, glacier travel, mixed climbing, long technical descent- a fitting finale and the ultimate, logical application of the week’s course content. Your guide will supervise, coach and tailor your ascent. A beer and a debrief back in Chamonix to top off a great week- enjoy a rest day, and start planning the next trip!!
Learning outcomes
- Refinement of rock, snow, ice and mixed techniques
- Correct tying and appropriate use of essential climbing knots
- Correct use of the rope on the glacier, rock ridge/crest, climbing a bergschrund, and pulley systems used in crevasse rescue
- Recognizing placement, building and using anchors in varied terrain types (ice, snow, rock)- deadman and special anchors
- Installing and descending rappels in autonomy, with the use of a prusik on multi-pitch climbs
- Placement and removal of “natural” or “traditional” protection (cams, wired nuts, ice screws)
- Course planning, analysis of the weather forecast and mountain conditions, evaluation of group ability
- Gear choice adapted to the chosen objective and preparation of the backpack
- Risk assessment in the mountains and good decision making
- Orientation, choosing an itinerary and reading the terrain in the field
Level requirements
This is the logical follow up to our Level 1 Alpine Climbing course. It is also designed for participants with some mountaineering experience, without necessarily having already led a climb or an excursion in the mountains. A basic knowledge, some previous training, and prior use of equipment (rock shoes, crampons, ice axe) in rock climbing, ice climbing and general mountaineering are prerequisite. One should be able to follow French grade 5 on rock (US 5.8+), grade 4 on ice, and up to M3 or French AD+ in the mountains. Appropriate physical fitness is needed – the ability to move in the mountains for 6-8 hours at a regular, sustained pace without excessive suffering, over the week’s duration.
Additional services
Equipment hire
Please see the list of recommended equipment on the other tab. Most technical equipment can be rented here in Chamonix, please contact us if you would like prices and advice on whatever you need. Chamonix has dozens of outdoor shops selling everything from basic head torches to expedition standard sleeping bags, so whatever you don’t already have you can find it here.
Insurance
We highly recommend that you take out specific insurance for mountain activities. This will cover you for search and rescue services, evacuation by helicopter and emergency medical treatment. You should also make sure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers you for the usual things such as cancelled flights, lost luggage, hospital treatment, etc. Please contact us to organise mountain rescue insurance for your trip.
Accommodation in Chamonix
If you wish to book accommodation in Chamonix we would be happy to recommend some local hotels, gites, self-catered apartments, or chalets and advise on the best locations. Please contact us if you would like help finding accommodation in Chamonix.
Airport transfers
We can help you to organise your transport to/from Chamonix. We work with well-established airport transfer companies which use new and comfortable vehicles and which have the capacity and know-how to handle everything from delayed and cancelled flights, to unexpected traffic jams with professionalism and efficiency.
To book your transfer, we will need the following:
- Your full name
- Mobile phone number
- Email address
- Your destination address
- Your flight details (date, time and flight number)
SHARED TRANSFERS:
This is the most economic and ecologically friendly way of travel. The driver will meet and greet you at the airport, gather you and the rest of the passenger group together and then head off to your chosen destination. The door-to-door service means that you will be dropped off and picked up right at your hotel /chalet / apartment. From 40€ per person for one-way and 80€ per person for a return trip.
PRIVATE TRANSFERS:
Private Transfers are the quickest way to get to and from the airport. Your driver will meet and greet you at the airport and guide you to your vehicle. There is no waiting for other passengers. Private transfers are available for one to eight person bookings and travelling together and you are guaranteed sole occupancy of the vehicle for your transfer. And, of course, it’s a door-to-door service, so you won’t be lugging any bags very far.





























Guide Fees
5 days of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide.
Mountain hut
1 night in a mountain hut with breakfast and dinner included.
Local Transport
Any local transport that is required during your course.
Group Equipment
Ropes, safety equipment, etc will be provided when needed by your guide.
Office Support
Our team is based at the foot of the Aiguillle du Midi cable car and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before, during or after your trip to Chamonix.
Not included in price
Lift passes
Insurance
Travel insurance including a mountain search and rescue insurance is mandatory on all our trips (we can organise the mountai search and rescue insurance for you on request). We highly advice to have a policy covering the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.
Accommodation in Chamonix
Accommodation in Chamonix is not included in the price but we would be happy to advise or organise it on request.
Travel to Chamonix
The price does not include flights, airport transfers or any other travel to/from Chamonix. However, we can organise airport transfers for you on request, please contact us for details.
Personal Equipment
Please see the “Equipment” tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course. For private customised guiding, please contact us directly to confirm your personalised kit list.
Food & Drink
The price does not include lunch or snacks. You can bring your own food and we can stop for a picnic, or there may be the option to buy lunch at a mountain hut. Please make sure that you are carrying sufficient water and snacks as we will be in the mountains for a number of hours.