Introductory 5 day course in Cogne, the capital of ice climbing. A highly instructional course, ideal for beginners and intermediates. Your UIAGM mountain guide will make sure that you do a lot of great climbing, learn new skills and have a good time!
This course is highly instructional & covers all basic ice climbing techniques & safety skills
The Cogne Valley is ice climbing paradise with fantastic ice falls for climbers of all levels
This course includes 4 nights in a hotel in Cogne (shared accommodation on half board basis)
Cogne is a world-class area when it comes to ice climbing. Located in Italy, 1.5 hours drive from Chamonix; Cogne offers stunning ice falls of all grades in a beautiful and wild environment.
There are two valleys to choose from in Cogne; the Valnontey and Lillaz, both of which have an amazing quantity of ice routes. There are over 130 routes in Cogne, ranging from as easy as grade 2 going up to the expert grade of 6.
This 5 day ice climbing course is set in Lillaz, a picturesque village at the end of the Cogne valley. You will stay in a comfortable hotel where you will enjoy delicious Italian cuisine for breakfast and dinner. Don’t miss out on the hot chocolate - a drink that has entirely new meaning in Italy!
The goal of our 5 day ice climbing course is to teach you all the essential rope and climbing techniques, build your confidence in climbing on ice and lead you to climb routes that you would never normally attempt without a mountain guide. The days are intense and packed with tuition and single-pitch / multi-pitch ice climbing. The length and difficulty of the routes will be chosen accordingly to your skills and fitness level.
Our UIAGM Mountain Guides will be present at all times during the course to ensure your safety and teach you the best ice climbing techniques. The idea of our introductory ice climbing course is to climb these fantastic ice falls without destroying them! So the right technique to anchor your ice axes and crampons is the most important thing.
Your group will be divided into climbing teams of two, and each team will be led by a qualified UIAGM Mountain guide. There will be an emphasis on teaching basic ice climbing skills, using crampons and ice axes and improving technique with routes from French ice grade 3-5.
If you do not have 5 days to spare then we recommend doing our 3 day ice climbing course in Chamonix. If you already have some ice climbing experience and want to broaden your skills then our Winter Alpine Course will take you to the next level of mixed rock and ice climbing in the high mountains and glaciers of the Chamonix valley.
Do not hesitate to contact us if our existing course dates are not convenient for you. We will be happy to customise a set of dates according to your holiday plans. He best time of year is from late December until February (depending on conditions).
There will me maximum 4 participants per guide on day 1, and 2 participants per guide for the rest of the course. We accept maximum 4 participants per course / group.
You have no previous experience in ice climbing and you have never used crampons and ice axes before. You may have some basic rock / indoor climbing experience.