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.

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.

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.

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.

 

• 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

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.

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. 250€ per car for one way and 500€ per car for a return trip.

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.

We highly recommend that you take out specific insurance for mountain activities. We can organise this at a cost of 8€ per day for EU citizens and 12€ per day for non-EU citizens. 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.

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.