Chamonix
Via Ferrata 2024
Experience the best
Via Ferrata in the Chamonix Mont Blanc
region
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FREE
via ferrata safety equipment
All
bookings on this trip are
loaned the following; safety harness, helmet,
and via ferrata lanyard... |
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Course
overview
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A
via ferrata is Italian for an iron road (known
as klettersteig in German), and it is a mountain
route equipped with fixed cable, ladders,
bridges, staples and rope pig tails for safety.
The first via ferratas were built in the Dolomite
mountain region of Italy during the First
World War, to aid the movement of mountain
infantry. |
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Once
equipped and instructed in the use of the
via ferrata safety lanyard clips, you can
progress along some easy via ferrata, even
with no previous experience. Don't worry as
the guide is there to look after you. They
can add a safety rope if you are nervous at
first. |
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Routes
in France are graded for difficulty using
a six level system.F
- Facile: Easy, suitable for initiation.
PD - Peu Difficile: Slightly difficult,
suitable for beginners. AD - Assez Difficile:
Moderately difficult, suitable for accompanied
beginners. D - Difficile: Difficult, for
those accustomed to the sport. TD - Tres
Difficile: Very difficult and physically
demanding. ED - Extrem Difficile: Extremely
difficult and very physically demanding.
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The
course is aimed at beginners on via ferrata,
and is carefully designed to develop your
skills during the week. You are led throughout
by qualified leaders and guides, so are in
the best of hands at all times. Note this
is not always the case in with some operators
in the Dolomites, where unqualified leaders
are sadly not uncommon! |
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For
this course you need no previous experience,
just a basic level of hill fitness, and a
willingness to learn and have a great laugh.
These courses are great fun, and the mountain
scenery is always stunning.
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Dates:
these
are listed in the column on the right, and
they show the live availability from our secure
online booking system. When you book online,
you receive immediate confirmation, your Alpine
Information Booklet, course specific kit list
and invoice. |
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Brief
Course Itinerary |
| Sun |
Travel
to Chamonix to arrive for the 17:00 check-in followed
by and course safety and itinerary briefings. There
is time for kit checks or rental of equipment. Briefings
are over by 19:00 and the Chamonix hosts accompany
the group to
pre-dinner drinks to answer any queries.
Night in Chamonix. |
| Mon |
Echelles
de l'Aiguillette d'Argentiere,
Chamonix (F). This is a great introduction, with
a trek opposite the Mont Blanc massif, that ascends
the Cheserys cliffs by a series of ladders, steps
and chains. Option of descending by cable car from
La Flegere or on foot. Guiding ratio 1:6 (max).
Night in Chamonix. |
| Tue |
Via
Corda de Le Bois, Chamonix (AD). This
roped way is a great introduction to via ferrata
and moving on steeper ground. A mix of scrambling
and easy climbing. Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night
in Chamonix. |
| Wed |
Via
Ferrata de Curalla, Passy (AD+). This classic via
ferrata has it all; wood and cable bridges, staple
ladders and airy traverses. Brilliant views to Mont
Blanc. Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix. |
| Thu |
Option
1: Yves Pollet Villard, La Clusaz (D+). This day
route has an amazing and airy footbridge. Guiding
ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix.
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Option
2: Balcon de la Mer de Glace (D). Cross the glacier
to reach the series of ladders and chains.
Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night
in mountain hut.
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| Fri |
Option
1 (cont'd): Tour Jalouvre, Grand Bornand (D+). Another
great day route with lots of vertigo.
Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in
Chamonix. |
Option
2 (cont'd): Continue
from Couvercle to the Leschaux hut then walk back
down the glacier with crampons. Ratio
1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix. |
| Sat |
Breakfast
then the accommodation check out is by 10:00. Most
arrange their airport transfers to leave around
this time, to catch a flight from Geneva about midday.
Depart for home. |
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| ITINERARY
NOTES: Where possible we follow itineraries. Mountain
adventures are weather and conditions dependant, so occasionally
we are forced to alter the plans. If this is the case,
suitable alternatives are offered. Please use this outline
itinerary as a guide to the types of route / activity
that you will attempt. |
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| Course
Prices |
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Standard
course
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5
days guiding, 7 days holiday in total |
£999 |
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Live
availability
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Click
on the planner logo to the right to
see the real time live course availability
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Secure
online booking system |
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Course Inclusions: 1) Five days guiding in
Chamonix region, 2) Chamonix course hosts for logistics
& briefings, 3) Self-catered accommodation in Chamonix
(inc. beddings & towels), 4) Pre course information
booklet, 5) Equipment discount voucher for UK shops, 6)
Free 36 page technical Course Instruction Booklet, 7)
Road transport in Chamonix valley, 8) Optional evening
technical instruction on nights in Chamonix. |
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| Exclusions:
1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Equipment hire that
is not already included, 3) Personal laundry, telephone
calls, lunches, evening meals in valley, & any purchases
in mountain huts / hotels / restaurants, 4) Cable cars
and uplift (c. £10), 5) Costs of any optional nights
in mountain huts on half board basis for you and your
guide (c. £30), 6) Sunday pre-dinner drinks &
Friday celebratory meal & drinks, 7) Activities insurance,
& excess baggage charges. |
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| Notes:
Group
sizes minimum 2 to maximum 6 clients, with 1
leader. The
loan of all technical safety equipment for each client
is included* in the course price as required: harness,
helmet, and the via ferrata lanyard to each participant
(and crampons for the high mountain option). If you prefer
to bring your own, you are welcome. The guide supplys
extra krabs, ropes, belay devices etc as required. |
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Course
upgrade options
Many clients on this
trip consider upgrading with one or more of
the following course additions... |
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Private
room |
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Big
3 Alpine
extensions |
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Packed
lunches |
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Acclimatise
weekend |
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Upgrade
to single from
£300-£500 in addition to
standard course price,
depending on week. |
Mont
Blanc two day;
1:1 £1199, 1:2 £599pp
(booking together). Eiger
or Matterhorn 1:1 £1399. |
We can supply a good
packed lunch for each
day of guiding, for 5
days for £60pp. |
Saturday
night spent in
Chamonix, with choice
of self-guided or guided
on Sunday. From £50. |
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Click
for details |
Click
for details |
Click
for details |
Click
for details |
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Standard
course accommodation - normally clients are based
in self-catered flats (details),
so take a look, and decide if it's for you. For
more luxury, contact us for quotes in higher standard
apartments, or hotels of any standard required.
If you have / source your own course accommodation,
or we cannot provide an upgrade, the standard course
price has a £100pp reduction applied on your
invoice. |
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Current
course availability
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| Testimonials |
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| Press
& media |
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| Films
& videos |
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| Photo
gallery |
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| Location
data for this trip |
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trips are based in the Chamonix valley in the French Alps,
at the foot of Mont Blanc. It is easily accessed via a
90 minute transfer from Geneva airport. |
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Time
Difference
GMT +1hr
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Local
Currency
€ Euros
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Travel
from UK
1hr flight
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| Trip
photo gallery |
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| Suggested
reading and kit |
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View
full course equipment list,
with examples of kit, click
here |
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| Why
choose our trips? |
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See
our Alpine blog, by clicking on the Word-press logo
to the right. |
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Itinerary
flexibility to allow you to take full advantage
of the weather windows on any day, to maximise your
summit chances. |
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Our
prices are fixed in £ Sterling, to protect
you from euro fluctuations, so you can budget accurately. |
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There
is a choice of routes to opt for, depending on the
weather, conditions, and your experience. |
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| Any further questions? |
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A key part
of choosing a company is being able to come and talk about
your plans with an experienced course advisor face to
face. In an increasingly virtual world, we know our clients
value speaking to real people, getting open and honest
advice. The vast majority of our clients are British,
and our office and outdoor store is based in Windermere
in the English Lake District.
 
Get in
contact to arrange a meeting, and come in for a coffee
to discuss your course in person with a trip advisor.
Many people opt for this service, and it is an integral
part of what we offer, as we are keen to ensure that you
are prepared as possible, and that you select a course
that is suitable for you. It makes it easier and more
enjoyable for you and us, if you are on the right trip. |
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