Price for the climb for a group of maximum 2 persons per guide
Advanced tech level |
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Fitness level 3/5 |
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1 day climb |
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Maximum 2 climbers per guide |
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Available May - October |
Located half way down the Vallee Blanche traverse, the climbing route offers breathtaking views of Grand Capucin, Dent du Géant, and the east face of Tacul - all the iconic Chamonix peaks. A must if you are a keen rock climber!
Mid-way between the Aiguille du Midi and Punta Helbronner on the Vallee Blanche, Pointe Lachenal Contamines route is one of the great classic Chamonix trad routes - it is usually sunny and is fairly well-protected from the elements.
The Contamines route follows the right side of the South face of Pointe Lachenal. It is mainly crack climbing with two fantastic 6a+ pitches high up, the route is trad climbing but the belays are equipped with bolts.
This is a full day out, usually catching the first "bin" of the day from the Aiguille du Midi, which can be as early as 06:30am during the peak summer months. The climb itself typically takes around 3-4 hours with a gain of 250m, over 8 pitches of maximum 6a+, but you can expect the whole trip to take around 6-8 hours.
The day begins by taking the first lift up in the Aiguille du Midi cable car. From the top station we hike down the ridge of the Aiguille du Midi in the direction of Italy and the Punta Helbronner. The start of the Contamines route is midway, taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach on foot.
The route follows the right side of the South face of Pointe Lachenal and comprises 8 pitches, ranging from 5 to 6b.
We leave the heavy glacier gear at the bottom and climb light. It is mainly crack climbing with two fantastic 6a+ pitches high up, trad but the belays are equipped with bolts. The climb takes about 4-6 hours with 8 pitches in total.
Once we've reached the top we abseil a direct line back down. From the bottom of the South Face of Pointes Lachenal it takes about 1.5 hours to walk back up to the Aiguille du Midi cable car station, from where we return to Chamonix for a cold beer to celebrate!
To climb Pointe Lachenal you must be a confident rock climber, either on an indoor climbing wall or preferably with outdoor climbing experience. You need to be able to top rope grades 5 to 5+.
The face is quite steep and the descent is via an abseil, so you need to have some experience in this as well. If you are unsure of your ability we would be happy to have you join us on our Chamonix Granite Rock Climbing Weekend to gain some experience and tuition in techniques such as crack climbing, multi-pitch climbing and rope skills.
Mountaineering boots
Warm hat
Light puffer jacket
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Thin gloves
Gaiters
Sun hat
Climbing shoes
Climbing pants
Ice Axe
Climbing harness
Telescopic poles
3 x Screwgate carabiner
60 - 120 cm tape sling
Belay device
Climbing helmet
Crampons
25-30 litres rucksack
Sunglasses
Water bottle - Ideally two 1L bottles
Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)
Headlamp with fresh batteries
UIAGM / IFMGA mountain guide - a fully qualified and experienced Chamex guide will accompany you for the duration of your trip.
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.
Ropes, safety equipment, etc will be provided when needed by your guide.
You will need a lift pass to access the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Montenvers train, the Mont Blanc Unlimited is the best option as it covers both. We can have this ready for you on request, please don't hesitate to ask us to organise it for you.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.