Want to climb one of Chamonix’s granite Needles?
Chamonix is a Mecca for climbers and there are more people in mountain boots than in city clothes. A huge variety of climbing routes for every taste, accessibility of the mountains from ski lifts, developed infrastructure combined with untouched nature and breathtaking views make Chamonix a truly unique place. The majestic Mont Blanc, giant glaciers and impregnable rock walls – all gathered here. Chamonix attracts with its exquisite French cuisine, cheese, wine, special charm of the villages around and the old town. There is a very good rescue service here.
The area is especially interesting for lovers of rock climbing; there is no such diversity anywhere else.
Our qualified guides will ensure your safety and introduce you to this beautiful mountain region. During the program, you will undergo training in rock climbing, learn the basics of mountaineering techniques, rope work and, of course, make some unforgettable ascents to the granite Needles of the Chamonix Valley.
The program “Mountaineering in Chamonix” is available at our mountaineering school for beginners, sufficient level of climbing on rocks 5a-5b. It is advisable to have previous experience in the mountains or in rock climbing, for example, you can combine this program with an ascent of Mont Blanc or as acclimatization before the Matterhorn.
Important: the guide works on the route with a maximum of two participants in order to ensure maximum safety of the ascent.
*You can combine this program with the Mont Blanc ascent
Главные впечатления от похода по Фанским горам:
Route of the program “Mountaineering in Chamonix”:
Geneva — Chamonix — Lake Gaillands — Chamonix — Brevent summit (2525 m) — Chamonix — Aiguille del’Index summit (2595 m) — Chamonix — Vallorcine village — Chamonix — Aiguillel’M peak (2844 m) — Chamonix — Geneva
Your guides in the program “Mountaineering in Chamonix”
Routeof the “Mountaineering in Chamonix” program by days
day
Usually 2-3 hours of travel depending on traffic conditions. Check-in at the apartment from 17:00. Discussion of questions about the program with the guide.
Checking the availability of the equipment and clothing required by the program. If necessary, the missing items can be purchased in numerous stores or rented at rental points. Preparation for departure, packing backpacks.
day
Wake up at 7:00. Leave at 8:30 and travel by bus to Lake Gaillands. Rock activities: rock climbing with top and bottom belay, belay techniques, rope work.
day
Wake up at 6:30 am. Departure at 7:30 am. Ascent by cable car. Ascent to the summit of Brevent, 2525 m. Frison-Roche route. Classic route with varied climbing. Beautiful views of Mont Blanc and the Needles of Chamonix. There is a cafe at the summit. Descent by cable car.
day
Wake up at 6:30 am. Departure at 7:30 am. Transfer by bus to the village of LesPraz. Then ascent in two stages of the cable car.
Ascent to the summit of Aiguille de l’Index, 2595 m along the SE ridge. On the descent there is one rappel, then on foot along a scree/snow couloir to the cable car. Depending on the snow conditions, mountaineering boots, crampons and an ice axe may be required.
An alternative ascent of similar difficulty to the summit of PointeGaspard, 2741 m.
day
Wake up at 7:00. Departure at 8:00 and transfer by train to the village of Vallorcine. Climbing. Rock activities.
day
Wake up at 4:45 a.m., leave at 5:45 a.m. Take the cable car from Chamonix to the Plandel’Aiguille station – 2317 m. Climb to the summit of Aiguillel’M, 2844 m along the NE ridge. Approach along the glacier and scree moraines for 3-4 hours. The route is included in the list of the 100 best ascents in the Mont Blanc massif.
During the ascent itself, you will experience very interesting climbing on monolithic granites. There will be all types of rock relief: walls, cracks, chimneys and even cornices. The stations are equipped with bolts. The descent from the top is 4-5 rappels, then a steep path and a via ferrata.
Return back to the Plandel’Aiguille station. Descent by cable car.
To participate in this climb, climbing boots are absolutely essential and trekking poles are advisable. Depending on snow conditions and glacier conditions, crampons and an ice axe may be required.
day
Check out of the apartment by 10:00 am. Transfer from Chamonix to Geneva Airport by bus of the transfer company.
Note:
*The program may be changed for safety reasons, weather conditions or by mutual decision of the participants and guides.
**All names of peaks and routes of ascents to them are given as an example. The guide will choose the most optimal option based on current conditions and the preparedness of the group.
Why is it profitable to go hiking with Extremeguide?
Cost and conditions of the “Mountaineering in Chamonix” program
Is this trip right for you?
The program “Mountaineering in Chamonix” is available for beginner climbers, sufficient level of rock climbing 5a-5b. It is advisable to have previous experience in the mountains or in rock climbing, for example, you can combine this program with an ascent of Mont Blanc or as acclimatization before the Matterhorn.
Included in the price:
- Transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix and back;
- All transfers within the Chamonix Valley;
- Accommodation in apartments with 2-3 people per room, 7 nights;
- Ski lifts to: Brevent (2525 m), L’Index (2396 m), Plan De L’Aiguille (2317 m);
- Group equipment rental – ropes, nuts, friends, slings, carabiners;
- Group first aid kit (carried by the guide);
- Guide services: 1 guide per 2 participants on ascents; 1 guide per 4 participants on training days.
The price does not include:
- Travel from your place of stay to Geneva Airport;
- Accident and emergency insurance (including mountaineering) and medical coverage from €30,000 (issued by ExtremeGuide); cost €3–10 per day depending on the chosen insurance program and residency. Please inquire about the cost;
- Schengen visa;
- Rental of personal equipment necessary for climbing;
- Meals;
- Telephone calls;
- Tips for the guide (optional);
- Other expenses not specified in the itinerary.
Price depending on the number of participants
| Number of participants | Cost per 1 participant |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1800 EUR |
| 1 | 3000 EUR |
Best price guarantee!
- We have included in the price all possible basic expenses for the program and guarantee that there are no hidden additional costs, while we have retained the best service at a low price: transfers, hotel accommodation, guides and staff!
We have a flexible discount system
Find out the details right now:
Necessary equipment
Basics:
- Trunk/bag 60-70 l for personal belongings
- Backpack for mountaineering 25-30 l (Read more about choosing a backpack)
Shoes and clothing:
- Approach shoes (it’s important that the shoes are comfortable and well-broken in. Typically, shoes with a snug toe box and 1.5-2 sizes larger than your foot size are recommended) (Read more about choosing clothes and boots);
- Climbing shoes;
- Insulated jacket (down, primaloft, etc.);
- Membranous jacket (preferably without insulation, for protection from wind and precipitation. It’s best to choose from mountaineering brands. Ski clothing isn’t very suitable for mountaineering – it’s too heavy and warm);
- Membranous pants (same as with the jacket);
- Fleece jacket;
- A set of thermal underwear: top and bottom;
- A few t-shirts;
- Lightweight trekking pants (for trekking);
- 3 pairs of socks (“thermal socks” or other thick ones);
- Warm gloves (ski or fleece);
- Gloves for working with rope;
- Hat;
- Buff;
- Sun cap;
- Rain cape (if your main clothes get wet);
- A change of underwear.
Additionally:
- A cape for a backpack (or large plastic bags for packing things);
- Headlamp + spare set of batteries;
- Hygiene supplies (a toothbrush and a small tube of paste, a bar of soap and a little shampoo will be enough; you should not take full bottles of shower gel and shampoo, heaps of creams and lotions with you);
- Documentation;
- Individual first aid kit (bandage, cold, stomach, head. You also need to take into account specific and chronic diseases, if any. In addition to the individual first aid kit, the guide has a public one);
- Climbing goggles (protection category 3-4);
- Hygienic lipstick;
- Sunscreen ointment (with protection factor SPF 30-50);
- Water container (1-2l.);
- Mobile phone.
Special equipment:
- Belay system (anchoring, protection);
- Self-belaying lanyard – 1;
- 4 carabiners (2 medium);
- Climbing helmet (ski helmets will not work!);
- Reverso descender;
- Prusik (Prusik loop);
- Trekking poles (optional).
The amount of special equipment required depends on the specific event; a comprehensive list is provided here. Also, depending on the specific event, this equipment is either included in the price or not. In this case, you don’t need to purchase it; you can rent it.
- Thermos (0.5 – 1.0 liters);
- Camera;
- Trekking poles.
More information
We have reliable cell phone service throughout virtually all of our locations. If you’d like to stay in Chamonix after the program, we can help you find accommodation. Please let us know in advance. A great follow-up to “The Granites of Chamonix” could be a climb with us on more challenging rocky mountains or a trek to Mont Blanc. Contact us!
10 working days before the start of the program, so that we can arrange your transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix and back, you must provide the exact arrival/departure time and flight numbers.
This program is accessible to any healthy, physically fit person. However, a basic level of fitness is required. You should be prepared for long walks with a backpack weighing up to 10 kg and be able to climb rock with a top rope and a light pack. Upper body exercises and aerobic exercise, such as running and cycling, will help you stay in shape during the program. Mountain weather is changeable and not always comfortable: rain and wind are common, and temperatures can drop to 0 degrees Celsius. If you have previous climbing experience, you will enjoy the program more.
A sufficient climbing level of 5a-5b is required.
We reserve comfortable apartments for the entire duration of the program. Check-in is from 5:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM.
Modern apartment with views of Mont Blanc, Les Houches
Spacious apartment of 85 m² with three bedrooms and a large terrace-balcony (50 m²) with panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the spires of Chamonix.
Equipped kitchen (dishwasher, oven, coffee maker), living room with dining area and balcony access, 3 bedrooms (2 double beds + 2 single beds), 2 bathrooms. Bed linen and towels are included, and the beds are made for your arrival.
Additional amenities: Wi-Fi, parking, and a ski storage room. The Prarion ski lift is 300 meters away, and the bus stop is 50 meters away. Professional cleaning is provided after each stay, with additional cleaning available.
You can eat on your own or together. You can shop for groceries at Chamonix supermarkets and cook in your apartment, or eat in cafes or restaurants. We all cook together (on duty).
A general first aid kit will be available with the guide at all times. We recommend that you carry a small personal first aid kit with specific medications. Each participant in the ascent must have mountaineering medical insurance. The guide is not authorized to provide medical services, so do not expect them to have pills, injections, or any specific medications.
The table shows the basic cost for a group and may change depending on the number of people in the group. For the calculation of the cost of the tour for a smaller number of people and individual groups, see the «Price» block for more details.
We guarantee that on the dates indicated in the table, even if there is a minimum number of people allowed in the group, the tour will take place 100% with a minimum change in cost.
Pleasant bonuses, which everyone receives when ordering a tour with us
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