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Legendary summit Drus
Physical Level 1: For individuals who engage in occasional physical activities, positive elevation gain of up to 300m.
Physical Level 2: For individuals who engage in regular physical activities, positive elevation gain of up to 600m or routes above 3500m.
Physical Level 3: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain of up to 900m or routes above 4000m.
Physical Level 4: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain of up to 1300m.
Physical Level 5: For individuals who engage in intensive endurance activities, positive elevation gain exceeding 1300m.
Technical Level 1: For regular hikers wishing to discover mountaineering. The route is not very steep and is well-marked, or the activity may also take place in beginner-friendly areas.
Technical Level 2: For experienced hikers wishing to discover mountaineering. The route includes short, steep sections and may involve scree or rocky ridges, requiring surefootedness.
Technical Level 3: For occasional mountaineers (2 to 5 recent outings). The route includes steep sections requiring prior climbing experience at a French grade 3c level and/or mastery of crampons and ice axe use.
Technical Level 4: For regular mountaineers (5 to 10 recent outings). The route requires climbing at a French grade 4c level and mastery of mountaineering techniques, including the use of crampons and an ice axe, as well as basic roping and belaying techniques.
Technical Level 5: For experienced mountaineers (more than 10 recent outings). The route requires climbing above a French grade 4c level and mastery of mountaineering techniques, including the use of crampons and ice axes for ice climbing, as well as advanced roping and belaying techniques.
The Drus - A legendary summit
The Les Drus are among the most iconic peaks in the Chamonix valley. The first ascents of the Grand Dru (3,754 m) and the Petit Dru (3,733 m) are considered, alongside the Grépon, as milestones in the development of modern alpinism. For the first time, climbers followed direct rock lines with a level of difficulty that was exceptional at the time, opening the way to a more technical and aesthetic approach to climbing.
The traverse - A demanding classic
Starting from the Charpoua hut (2,841 m), the traverse of the Drus is the classic way to climb this legendary summit. It is a major alpine objective, both aesthetic and demanding, requiring solid experience in crack and chimney climbing. The route combines sustained climbing (up to 5c) with easier sections, following a logical line through steep granite terrain. After crossing the Charpoua glacier, which can be delicate depending on conditions, the climb unfolds in a continuous and physical progression.
The descent involves a long series of rappels and requires excellent efficiency and experience in rope handling.
A symbol of the Compagnie des Guides
With their slender silhouette, clearly visible from the Chamonix valley, the Drus have been chosen as the emblem of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix. They embody the core values of the Company — commitment, experience and dedication — which guide our approach to mountaineering and shape our guiding philosophy.
📩 Booking is available by email or phone only. Our team is here to help you choose the route that suits you best. Prices vary depending on difficulty and duration; full details are available in our dedicated brochure.
Private bookings are the best way to enjoy a fully tailored experience with a guide. You will be on your own or in a small group, and your guide will adapt the itinerary to your preferences and pace. It is the ideal option for maximum flexibility and comfort.
Dates for private bookings
Depending on conditions and availability
Meeting point & logistics for private bookings
The program is defined with our team
Guiding ratios for private bookings
- Traverse: 1 people
Prices for private bookings
- Traverse: €2100 (in 3 days)
✅ Included
- Mountain guiding services
❌ Not included
- Personal equipment
- Ski lift passes
- Mountain hut accommodation (including the guide’s accommodation)
Find in this section all the information about the basic equipment required for routes on the Drus
⚠️ The equipment list may be adjusted with your guide depending on the chosen itinerary
Equipment
- Light backpack
- Mountaineering boots suitable for walking and climbing
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay device with a screwgate carabiner
- Lanyard with a screwgate carabiner for abseiling
- Light crampons and an ice axe for the approach
Clothing
- Standard mountainnering clothing
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- High-protection sunscreen
- At least 1,5L of water
- Snacks
Our Rental Partners
You can rent your equipment from our partner shops and benefit from special prices: Millet (excluding crampons, ice axes and helmets), Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co, and Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners
Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Calculate your carbon footprint
Discover the carbon emissions of this activity and add your trip to the meeting point.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 52 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 52 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 5.2€The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
