Rock Climbing Course «Chamonix Granites»
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.
Available dates:
August 14 - August 20
August 22 - August 28
September 5 - September 11
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
Want to climb one of the granite needles of Chamonix?
Chamonix is the mecca of alpinists, where people in mountain boots outnumber those in city clothes. An огром variety of climbing routes for every taste, easy access to the mountains via cable cars, and well-developed infrastructure combined with untouched nature and breathtaking scenery make Chamonix a truly unique destination. The majestic Mont Blanc, massive glaciers, and imposing rock walls are all gathered here. Chamonix also captivates visitors with its refined French cuisine, cheese, wine, and the special charm of the surrounding alpine villages and historic old town. The rescue service here is highly professional and reliable.
This area is especially fascinating for lovers of rock climbing and alpine routes — such diversity is hard to find anywhere else.
Our certified guides will ensure your safety and introduce you to this magnificent mountain region.
During the program, you will receive training in:
- safe climbing on natural rock,
- basic mountaineering techniques and belay systems when climbing in rope teams,
- rope handling and use of rock climbing equipment,setting up protection using natural features and traditional gear placements,
- basic rescue techniques in small teams,
- handling non-standard situations during ascents,
- leading a trad/multipitch climbing route.
Of course, you will also complete several unforgettable ascents of the granite needles in the Chamonix valley.
The “Chamonix Granites” rock climbing program is available in our mountain school for beginner climbers. A sufficient level of rock climbing ability (5a–5b) is required. Previous experience in the mountains or rock climbing is recommended. For example, you can combine this program with an ascent of Mont Blanc or use it as acclimatization before climbing the Matterhorn.
Important: one guide works with a maximum of two participants on the route (during training sessions — groups of up to 4 people), to ensure the highest level of safety during the ascent.
Route of the program Rock Climbing Course «Chamonix Granites»:
Geneva — Chamonix — Lake Gaillands — Chamonix — Aiguilles Rouges peak — Chamonix — Aiguilledel’Index peak (2595 m) — Chamonix — Vallorcine village — Chamonix — Aiguille Crousher peak (3256 m) — Chamonix — Geneva
Your guides in the program Rock Climbing Course «Chamonix Granites»
Routeof the Rock Climbing Course «Chamonix Granites» by days
day
Usually 1.5-2 hours of travel, depending on the road conditions. Check-in to the apartments from 17:00. Discussion with the guide about the program.
Checking the availability of equipment and clothing required by the program. If necessary, missing equipment can be purchased in numerous stores or rented at rental points. Preparation for the first day of training.
day
At 7:00 a.m. we get up. At 8:30 a.m. departure and transfer by bus to Gaillands Lake.
Rock climbing classes: rock climbing with top and bottom belay, belay techniques, rope work, interaction in bonds. Organization of a rappel descent.
day
Today we have a multi-pitch sports route (multipitch), difficulty 5a-6a. Get up early. At 8:00-8:30 in the morning we have to sit in the cable to Flegere or Brevent. Going by cable car. Climb to one of the peaks of Aiguilles Rouges.
The route and difficulty are chosen by the guide based on the experience of the participants. During the climb we have a beautiful view of Mont Blanc and the “Needles of Chamonix”. Descent by cable car. Return to the apartments.
day
Early departure, until 8:00. Transfer by regular bus to the village of LesPraz. Then climb the Flegere cable car in two stages. Climb to the top of Aiguille de l’Index, 2595 m along the ridge PS. Difficulty AD-(3A), 4c, 200 m. The route is a classic ridge with various climbing.
On the descent, one dylfer, then on foot along the scree/snow couloir to the cable car (an ice axe is required at the beginning of the season).
Alternative climb of similar difficulty to the top of Pointe Gaspard, 2741 m.
day
The first half of the day we practice rescue work in a small group, and solving non-standard situations while climbing.
We analyze methods of organization and risk reduction when belaying on rocks at our points (fixed elements). We study various schemes of base belay points and work in bundles, we learn to work with equipment on the terrain.
day
Early departure, until 8:00. Transfer by regular bus to the village of Les Praz. Ascent on the Flegere lift. Short trekking. Ascent to the top of Aiguille Crousher along the Travers des Crochues route to the southern summit, difficulty PD (2A), 3c, 200 m. This is a climb along a beautiful ridge with a view of the main peaks of Chamonix.
Return back to the Index-Flegere station. Descent by cable car.
To participate in this climb, mountaineering boots are absolutely necessary, and trekking poles are desirable.
At the beginning of the season, an ice axe may be needed on the descent.
In the evening, summing up, presentation of commemorative diplomas and souvenirs.
day
Check out of the apartment by 10:00 am. Transfer from Chamonix to Geneva Airport by bus of the transfer company.
Note:
*Depending on the level of preparation of the participants, weather and other circumstances, the order of training climbs and training days may be changed by the guide.
Why is it profitable to go hiking with Extremeguide?
Cost and conditions of the Rock Climbing Course «Chamonix Granites»
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:
- guide-instructor work throughout the program with a group of up to 4 people;
- additional guide during training climbs;
- accommodation in apartments – 6 nights;
- cable cars according to the program;
- group special equipment rental – ropes, belay devices, friends, loops, carabiners;
- group first aid kit for emergency first aid (located with the guide);
- guide services: 1 guide for climbing for two participants, on training days 1 guide for four participants;
- participant’s diploma and souvenirs.
The price does not include:
- road from your place of stay to Geneva airport;
- accident insurance (with indication of mountaineering) and medical coverage from 30,000€, the cost of 40-100€ depends on the selected insurance program, residence. Please specify the cost;
- rental of individual equipment necessary for climbing;
- meals from 200 €;
- tips for the guide (optional);
- other expenses not specified in the program.
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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