Big Wall Climbing Course Chamonix

Day 1 – Introduction to Big Wall Climbing

Your guide will introduce the fundamentals of big wall climbing, including the logistics, required equipment, and how to effectively plan a big wall ascent. You’ll learn how to read a big wall topo, interpret aid and free climbing grades, and understand what each symbol and rating means.
We’ll review the gear specific to big wall climbing and ensure you’re familiar with how and when to use it. To refresh your existing knowledge, we’ll quickly revisit key trad climbing and multi-pitch rope techniques.
The day will also include an introduction to advanced anchor systems and the basics of aid climbing. You’ll start learning various jumaring techniques and how to ascend fixed ropes efficiently.

Day 2 – Aid Climbing and Station Management

Today you’ll focus on the fundamentals of aid climbing. You’ll practice leading aid pitches, learn how to fix ropes correctly, and understand the process of cleaning a pitch efficiently.
We will also cover tackling of roofs and traverses, as well as learning how to execute a pendulum—get ready for the king swing!
We’ll also cover station management and rope organization, helping you streamline your systems for better efficiency and safety during multi-pitch and big wall climbs.

Day 3 – Hauling Systems and Pulley Techniques

Now that you’re confident with leading and cleaning aid pitches, it’s time to learn how to haul gear up the wall. Today, you’ll be introduced to hauling techniques essential for big wall climbing.
We’ll revisit the anchors, teach you how to set up and operate different pulley systems, and how to efficiently haul your haul bag—also known as “the pig.” You’ll practice handling weight, friction, and mechanical advantage to move gear smoothly and with minimal effort.

Day 4 – Big Wall Simulation and Vertical Bivouac

Today you’ll put your skills to the test on a short, steep wall. You’ll lead an aid pitch, fix the rope, and haul up your gear—practicing the full sequence as you would on a real big wall.
We’ll also cover how to choose the best bivouac spot and how to safely secure both yourself and your equipment for an overnight stay. In the afternoon, you’ll set up a portaledge or natural bivy, and as the sun sets, you’ll experience what it’s like to sleep on the wall—an unforgettable night suspended in the vertical world.

Day 5 – Descent and Return to Chamonix

After breakfast on the wall, you’ll pack up camp and begin your descent. We’ll learn safe techniques for taking down a vertical bivouac and organizing gear as if you would continue the ascent. Once back on solid ground, we’ll head back to Chamonix to wrap up the course and debrief your big wall experience.

• Review of Trad skills – trad equipment, gear placement, knots & hitches, belaying, anchor building.
• Introduction to Big Wall & Aid Climbing Gear – Learn the specialized equipment used for big wall and aid climbs.
• Introduction to aid climbing techniaques – Learn the techniques needed for leading an aid pitch, including traverses, pendulums and roofs.
• Jumaring and Ascending Fixed lines – Learn efficient techniques for jumaring
• Following an Aid Pitch – Focus on techniques for cleaning pitches, including roofs and traverses.
• Hauling Systems – Gain expertise in setting up and using hauling systems for gear and supplies.
• Station management & Rope Management – Master the art of station management, including rope handling and transitioning between climbers.
• Vertical Bivouac Techniques – Learn how to comfortably bivy on natural ledges and how to set up a portaledge.
• Complex Anchor Systems – Build and manage advanced anchors for aid and trad climbs, camps and hauling stations.

You are a highly experienced climber in both sport and traditional (trad) climbing. You are confident and proficient on multi-pitch trad routes, and you can comfortably climb long alpine routes with sustained exposure and technical challenges, at a minimum of French grade 6a ( 5.10). You know all the essential climbing knots.

You are physically fit and capable of climbing for up to 6 hours a day over 5 consecutive days without excessive fatigue.