Level 1: You have no experience.
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Level 2: You have had at least one previous experience.
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Level 3: You practice regularly.
Body
The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix has developed a set of mountaineering courses to accompany you from your first alpine adventures to lead climbing:
- Beginner course, 3 days: To learn the basic mountaineering techniques
- Beginner course, 5 days: To learn the basic techniques with an overnight in hut
- Safety course - Level 1, 4 days: To know all the basics about safety in the mountains
- Safety course -Level 2, 4 days: To learn the advanced safety techniques
- Lead climbing course, 4 days: To learn how to plan and manage a climb
- Winter mountaineering course, 3 days: To develop your skills focus on ice & snow
In winter, the Mont Blanc massif offers a unique playground for mountaineering. The many ski lifts allow quick access to a wide choice of routes. At this time, due to the ongoing climate change, the routes are often in better condition now rather than later in the season. The main objective of this "winter mountaineering" course is to improve your snow & ice skills.
The objectives of the “winter mountaineering" course :
- Introduction to understanding avalanches risks and winter mountaineering.
- Mastery and progression of mountaineering techniques on snow and ice.
The originality of this course lies in the small group size. You progress over five days in groups of maximum (one guide for four clients). Personalised advice from your guide and the flexibility of this course guarantee a high-quality trip. Approaches are with snowshoes.
For this course, a previous mountaineering experience is required: use of crampons ans basic belaying techniques. If you are total beginner, please see our ice climbing course.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Ice-Climbing & mountaineering basics
First meeting with your guide, check of the equipment. Ice climbing at the Cremerie in Argentière or Berard in Vallorcine, top rope or lead climb. Mountaineering basics : roping, belaying, rapelling..
Days 2 : Route from Helbronner (3642m)
This day is focused on a snow route. We will climb Petit Flambeau (3407m), Aiguille de Toule (3534m) or a corridor in les Marbrées.
Days 3 : Route from Aiguille du Midi (3842m)
This day is focused on an ice or mixed route. Pointe Lachenal (3613m), Arête à Laurence or itinerary to the Cosmiques ridge (3800m).
This programme is meant as a guide only. Depending on the abilities of the group and the conditions in the mountains, your mountain guide may alter the route.
GROUP BOOKING
Group session associates several people who don’t know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.
Dates : Find all the dates available in the drop-down list below
Price 2023 : 640€ per person based on minimum of 3 participants
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- lifts tickets
- transfer to Italy (Day2)
- technical equipment: crampons, ice axes, harness, helmet & DVA
Not included in the package :
- all meals
- personal drinks and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- cost of getting to meeting point
- personal technical equipment
- accommodations in Chamonix
PRIVATE BOOKING
A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a guide to his/her client. It allows you to be alone, or in a constituted group, with your guide that meets your specific needs. It is undoubtedly the ideal formula to realize your projects because it guarantees you a maximum of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (depending on the availability of the huts) and the itinerary can be adjusted, according to your specific expectations.
Prices 2023 :
2 people : 1060€ per person
3 people : 760€ per person
4 people : 610€ per person
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- lifts tickets
- transfer to Italy (Day2)
- technical equipment: crampons, ice axes, harness, helmet & DVA
Not included in the package :
- all meals
- personal drinks and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- cost of getting to meeting point
- personal technical equipment
- accommodations in Chamonix
Further information
In this section, find all the information about this activity. For further information, please contact our advisor (contact details above).
Meeting point : Meet at 08:30 am at the Compagnie des Guides office in Chamonix (190, place de l'eglise).
Ability level : For people doing regular exercise. This alpinism course is aimed at people with some experience in crampon use and climbing.
Guiding policy : 3 to 4 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business.
Accommodation : No accommodation during the trip.
We have some hotel partners in Chamonix with special prices for our customers.
Documentation : Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance when you sign up. Participants must also take valid ID with them.
Preparing for the trip : One week before the trip, the mountain guide will be in contact to answer any questions you may have.
Equipment
We recommend you to pay particular attention to the choice of your equipment. It contributes greatly to the success of your stay. Weight is decisive: you always have to evaluate the ratio weight/comfort, to find the best compromise.
In a general way, it is better to pile up several light coats rather than wear one big clothing.
Equipment
- Comfortable frameless rucksack (about 35-40 litres)
- Hiking boots to use semi-rapid crampons
- A pair of gaiters if your pant is not equipped
- A pair of telescopic poles
- A pair of crampons, helmet, harness & Ice-Axe - lended
Clothing
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated parka with hood (Gore-tex or equivalent)
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated pants
- Thick polar-pile fleece jacket or equivalent
- 1 long-sleeve shirt
- Medium weight thermal underwear (top + bottoms, silk or polypro, double as pyjamas)
- Warm socks
- Warm ski hat and light sun hat with brim
- Warm ski gloves or mittens
- A pair of adjusted gloves allowing you to easily handle material,
- Neck protection,
- Spare thermal underwear (for sleeping and change), down vest, T-shirt (s)
Accessories
- High-altitude sunglasses (grade 4 is recommended)
- 1.0 or 1.5 quart water bottle (insulate if possible)
- Sun block for face and lips
- Aspirin, elastoplast, 2nd skin kit
- Camera
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Carbone Calculator
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 44 kg. In 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.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 44 kg. In 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.
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 1.3€ to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
Book your activity
For more information, contact Pôle Alpinisme : +33 (0)4 28 70 28 92
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