Intermediate tech level |
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Physical fitness level 3/5 |
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3 days of climbing |
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Maximum 6 climbers per group |
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Day 1 guiding ratio 4:1 |
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Day 2 & 3 guiding ratio 1:2 |
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Available December - February |
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 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.
Start date | End date | Spaces |
Prices
Prices
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December 20, 2022 | December 22, 2022 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
December 23, 2022 | December 25, 2022 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
December 26, 2022 | December 28, 2022 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
December 30, 2022 | January 01, 2023 |
2
|
925.00€ |
A
|
Spaces available | |
L
|
Limited Availability | |
F
|
Fully Booked | |
G
|
Guaranteed | |
2
|
Two More to Guarantee |
Start date | End date | Spaces |
Prices
Prices
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January 06, 2023 | January 08, 2023 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
January 13, 2023 | January 15, 2023 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
January 20, 2023 | January 22, 2023 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
January 27, 2023 | January 29, 2023 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
February 03, 2023 | February 05, 2023 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
February 10, 2023 | February 12, 2023 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
February 17, 2023 | February 19, 2023 |
2
|
925.00€ | |
February 24, 2023 | February 26, 2023 |
2
|
925.00€ |
A
|
Spaces available | |
L
|
Limited Availability | |
F
|
Fully Booked | |
G
|
Guaranteed | |
2
|
Two More to Guarantee |
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.
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.
Mountaineering boots
Warm hat
Thermal underwear
Fleece or woollen layers
Light puffer jacket
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Warm gloves
Thin gloves
Gaiters
Belay Jacket - warm puffer jacket that fits over your layers
Climbing harness
Telescopic poles
3 x Screwgate carabiner
60 - 120 cm tape sling
Belay device
Climbing helmet
35 - 45 litres rucksack
Pair of technical ice axes
Ice climbing crampons
Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
Sunglasses
Water bottle - Ideally two 1L bottles
Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)
Headlamp with fresh batteries
3 days of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide.
Any local transport that is required during your course.
Ropes, safety equipment, etc will be provided when needed by your guide.
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.
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.
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 is not included in the price but we would be happy to advise or organise it on request.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.