Skip to main content

Discover ice climbing in Les Ecrins – 5 days

Discover the magical world of ice climbing in Les Ecrins, France’s premium region for ice! The Hautes-Alpes are full of frozen gems and the conditions often great. Treat yourself to discovering this icy wonderland!

INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE

Start with the basics and develop your skills and technique under supervision of our UIAGM mountain guides.

DISCOVER A NEW VALLEY EVERY DAY

Visit 5 different ice crags with the finest ice lines in France.

GREAT VARIETY OF CLIMBING

The large spectrum of grades will facilitate your climbing development.

DISCOVER WHY THE “ECRINS” IS CONSIDERED FRANCE’S FINEST ICE CLIMBING VENUE

You’ve always dreamed of climbing frozen waterfalls? You want to learn how to climb safely in this fragile environment?

Les Ecrins, in the heart of the Hautes Alpes region, hosts many of France’s most sought-after ice climbs. Conditions are often excellent due to the great variety of exposures and the high altitude of it’s many ice-filled canyons and valleys : Ceillac, Crevoux, Les Orres, Fressinières, Le Fournel, La Grave… and many more! Every day you can climb in a new valley.

Over 5 days you will learn how to be a better ice climber, accompanied by the best IFMGA mountain guides. The emphasis will be on your personal progression as an ice climber, while getting the maximum amount of time on the ice. Efficiency and safety are the key words!

For the first two days, you will climb on single pitch ice crags. You will learn about rope manoeuvres specific to ice climbing, will practice ice tool and crampon techniques, and will improve your skills to tackle the second part of the course! The next three days will be spent climbing the plethora of massive ice falls that make the region so great for ice climbing. You will also discover the increasingly popular and fun dry tooling and mixed climbing activities.

During the 5 days you will be staying in a cozy hotel in the town of l’Argentiere. This little town is at the center of the ice climbing frenzy that takes place in winter.

From: 2390 €

Beginner

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.
  • Fitness level 3/5
  • Guiding ratio: first 2 days 1:4 guiding ratio and last 3 days 1:2
  • 5 days of climbing
  • Available mid December – March
  • 5 nights Accommodation
Ice climbing in les Ecrins
Ice climbing in Les Ecrins
Climbing with Chamex guides - discover ice climbing in les Ecrins
Climbing the nice structured ice in Les Ecrins
Interesting ice climb, Les Ecrins
Ice climbing in Les Ecrins
Ice climbing in Les Ecrins
Ice climbing course in Les Ecrins
Ice climbing in Les Ecrins
Climbing with Chamex guides - discover ice climbing in les Ecrins
Climbing the nice structured ice in Les Ecrins

Dates

Discover ice climbing in Les Ecrins – 5 days
Start dateEnd dateSpacePrice
Monday 30 December 2024
Friday 3 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 6 January 2025
Friday 10 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 17 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 20 January 2025
Friday 24 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 27 January 2025
Friday 31 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 3 February 2025
Friday 7 February 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 10 February 2025
Friday 14 February 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €

Dates

Discover ice climbing in Les Ecrins – 5 days
Start dateEnd dateSpacePrice
Monday 30 December 2024
Friday 3 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 6 January 2025
Friday 10 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 17 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 20 January 2025
Friday 24 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 27 January 2025
Friday 31 January 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 3 February 2025
Friday 7 February 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Monday 10 February 2025
Friday 14 February 2025
Two more to guarantee
2390 €
Clothing
Mountaineering boots
Clothing
Warm hat
Clothing
Thermal underwear
Clothing
Fleece or woollen layers
Clothing
Light puffer jacket
Clothing
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Clothing
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Clothing
Warm gloves
Clothing
Gaiters
Clothing
Thin gloves with leather palms for better grip
Technical gear
Belay jacket – warm puffer jacket that fits over your layers
Technical gear
Climbing harness
Technical gear
Telescopic poles
Technical gear
Screwgate carabiner x3
Technical gear
Belay device
Technical gear
Climbing helmet
Technical gear
Pair of technical ice axes
Technical gear
Ice climbing crampons
Technical gear
Lanyard
Technical gear
30 litres backpack
Technical gear
60 cm tape sling or cordelette for prusik
Technical gear
Snowshoes
Safety Equipment
Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
Other essentials
Sunglasses
Other essentials
Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)
Other essentials
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Other essentials
Washbag and toiletries
Other essentials
Towel
Other essentials
Thermos
Included in price

Mountain Guide Fees

Our course includes 6 days of guiding and instruction by experienced UIAGM qualified mountain guide. All our guides have been chosen for their lovely personality and high standard of skills.

Accommodation

5 nights in a hotel. Accommodation is on shared basis with breakfast and dinner.

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.

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.

Transport to L’Argentière-la-Bessée

Transport is not included. Closest airports to arrive there are Torino (2h drive), Grenoble (3h drive), Lyon (3h30 drive). Best way to get from any of the airports is to rent a car and drive to L’Argentière-la-Bessée.