Ice climbing course Chamonix
3 DAYS OF ICE CLIMBING ON FROZEN WATERFALLS IN THE CHAMONIX VALLEY
Ice climbing in Chamonix
Chamonix Valley has great ice falls of various difficulties to suit climbers all levels; from beginners to experts. The ice falls are located all over the valley with the most well known being at the Col des Montets, Argentiere, Les Houches and Servoz. The best season for low altitude ice climbing in Chamonix is from December to February. There is also the high altitude ice accessible from the Aiguille du Midi or Les Grands Montets lift stations, which makes ice climbing in Chamonix possible all year round.
Our course
Our 3-day ice climbing course is a great opportunity for those who have ice climbing experience and want to refresh their technique and learn new skills. Our IFMGA / UIAGM Mountain Guides will take you and your ice axes to some of the best frozen waterfalls in the Chamonix region and teach you everything you need to ice climb confidently and safely.
The course is exhilarating, instructive and a lot of fun! We have designed this 3 days course because not everyone can afford to spend a full week away from home or work. The course is intense and it will give you the necessary skills to climb on ice confidently and safely.
We will be based in Chamonix but depending on ice conditions your guide may choose to take you over the border to Switzerland or Italy in order to find the best icefalls.
This course is for everyone who has previous ice climbing experience. You do not have to lead your climbs but should be able to follow grade 3.
From: 999 €
Intermediate
-
Fitness level 3/5
-
Guiding ratio day 1: 4:1 and day 2 & 3: 1:2
-
Maximum 6 climbers per group
-
3 days of climbing
-
Available December – February
Dates
Start date | End date | Space | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Friday 20 December 2024
|
Sunday 22 December 2024
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 27 December 2024
|
Sunday 29 December 2024
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 3 January 2025
|
Sunday 5 January 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 10 January 2025
|
Sunday 12 January 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 17 January 2025
|
Sunday 19 January 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 24 January 2025
|
Sunday 26 January 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 31 January 2025
|
Sunday 2 February 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 7 February 2025
|
Sunday 9 February 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 14 February 2025
|
Sunday 16 February 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Dates
Start date | End date | Space | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Friday 20 December 2024
|
Sunday 22 December 2024
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 27 December 2024
|
Sunday 29 December 2024
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 3 January 2025
|
Sunday 5 January 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 10 January 2025
|
Sunday 12 January 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 17 January 2025
|
Sunday 19 January 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 24 January 2025
|
Sunday 26 January 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 31 January 2025
|
Sunday 2 February 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 7 February 2025
|
Sunday 9 February 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Friday 14 February 2025
|
Sunday 16 February 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
999 €
| Make enquiry |
Itinerary
Ice Climbing 3 Day Course Itinerary
The following is a sample itinerary and not a guaranteed schedule – your course will be planned to take the weather, ice conditions and the ability of the group into account.
Day 1 – Ice Climbing in Chamonix
On your first day your guide will take you for a day of introduction on a gentle single pitch ice fall – La Cremerie in Argentiere is a popular spot and is perfect for starting out on. The goal of the day is to show you the different techniques, explain to you how the equipment works and make sure that you understand all the safety aspects. You will be able to climb several pitches and train hard for the following days.
Day 2 – Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing in Chamonix
On the second and third days you will be taken to different areas to climb multi-pitch routes, either in the Chamonix valley or elsewhere. Your guide will choose the ice climbing routes according to the conditions and your capacities.
Day 3 – Ice Climbing in Italy or Switzerland
Depending on conditions your guide may take you over the border to Trient in Switzerland or Cognes in Italy, to sample some different ice climbing routes. There are plenty of options to choose from both in Chamonix and the surrounding area so your guide will make the best decision for the group.
Learning outcomes
During the course you will learn
- How to improve your balance and body position
- How to anchor your ice axes and crampons as accurately as possible
- Safety procedures, use of ice screws and different systems of protection
- Abseiling & belay techniques on ice
Level requirements
This course is for everyone who has been ice climbing before or has done some winter mountaineering (mixed climbing). We accept beginners but it is important that people have a good level of fitness.
Additional services
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.
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.
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.
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 headtorches to expedition standard sleeping bags, so whatever you don’t already have you can find it here.
Guide Fees
3 days of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide.
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
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.
Additional Transport
Transport out of the Chamonix valley, for example into Italy or Switzerland, is not included. If conditions are better elsewhere your guide will discuss the options and any extra travel costs with you.
Accommodation in Chamonix
Accommodation in Chamonix is not included in the price but we would be happy to advise or organise it on request.
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.
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.
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.
Lift Passes
We will advise you on which lift passes you will need prior to your trip. If lift passes are required we can preorder them for you on request.