Body
Ice climbing is often seen as a very physical activity, in short, inaccessible. Try the experience supervised by our guides, you will find that this is far from the case. You will quickly discover that finesse and intuition are the key words of this activity! The Chamonix Valley has two sites perfectly suited to a safe discovery: the Crémerie in Argentière and the Cascade de Bérard in Vallorcine. Thanks to our partner Grivel, all technical equipment except shoes is provided: ice axes, crampons, helmet and harness.
From the first cold, taste the pleasure of ice climbing in Chamonix. Discover the use of crampons and ice axes and move through a magical crystalline universe. This activity does not require previous mountaineering and rock climbing experience. The fast approach (20 ’) allows easy access to the sites.
The Bérard icefall site is entirely man-made. It was developed by Louis Laurent, member of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, helped by a collective. They set up a system of heated pipes to provide reliable water supply. Every evening the sprinklers are turned on so that the ice forms. Only one parameter remains uncontrollable: the temperature! Fortunately, thanks to its inertia, once formed, the ice at the Bérard site is resistant, to a certain extent, to periods of warmth.
GROUP BOOKING
The group formula associates people who do not necessarily know each other. It is ideal for people looking for group friendliness and attractive prices.
Dates 2021 (group session) : On Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays from the end of December to early March depending on conditions
Guiding policy (group session) : Group of 4 people maximum per guide.
Children, minimum 15 years old accompanied by a parent.
Meeting Point (group session) : 8.00am at the Compagnie des guides in Chamonix
Price 2021 (group session) : 138€ per person
Half day outings are not available for the collective sessions
This price includes :
- Mountain guides fees
- Technical equipment: helmet, harness, crampons & ice axes
- Transfer to the activity place
This price does not include :
- High mountain boot (rigid soles)
- Lift ticket if needed
- Transfer
- Lunch
Group : The group is assured with a minimum of 3 people.
Maximum 4 people per guide.
PRIVATE BOOKING
The private formula is a historical relationship that binds a guide to their clients. It allows you to be either alone or in a group of friends with your guide. Your guide can organize your trip to meet your specific needs. It is undoubtedly the ideal formula to realize your projects because it guarantees you a maximum of comfort.
Dates 2021 (private guiding) : Every day from December to early March depending on conditions
Meeting Point (private guiding) : Your guide will call you the evening before your trip around 6.30pm to organize the meeting time and place
Guiding policy (private guiding) : Group of 1 - 4 people per guide
Price 2021 (private guiding) :
- Day : from 390€ for the group
-1/2 day : 260€ for the group
This price includes :
- Mountain guides fees
This price does not include :
- Your technical equipment
- High mounain boots (rigid soles)
- Lift passes if needed
- The transfer
- Food
Further information
You will find in this section, all the information about this activity. For any further information please contact our advisors (contact details above).
Duration : Full day
Place : Argentiere glacier, Cogne (Italy) or Berard valley depending on conditions
Ability level : The choice of destination adapted to your level is essential for you to fully enjoy your trip.
Ice climbing is intended for people who practice regularly a sporting activity.
No previous mountaineering experience is required.
Equipment
You will find in this section all the information about the different equipment that is required. Since weather conditions can be very variable, it is better to have several thin layers rather than to have one big garment.
Equipment
- High Mountain boots (with a rigid sole)
- Backpack
Clothing
- Warm and waterproof clothes
- Hat
- Warm gloves
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Lunch
- Hot drink
Partners : There is the possibility to rent your equipment at a preferential price from one of our partner sports shops. Sanglard Sports & Ravanel & Co.
Book your activity
Select the package of your choice:
Click here to book a private guide
For more information, contact Pôle Accueil : +33 (0)4 50 53 00 88
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