For
those who enjoy mountaineering climbing classic
routes, this course allows you to push your
skills (grade III ice or UK Severe or
US Grade 5.9) to
attempt some of the major mixed and ice mountaineering
routes around Chamonix and the Mont Blanc
Massif.
This
course ascends famous routes around the
AD+/ D grade. Examples include the Dent
du Geant, Midi-Plan traverse, Chere Couloir,
Gervasutti Couloir (Tour Ronde), or the
South Ridge of Aiguille du Moine.
This
is the twin course of the Summer
Alpine North Faces,
which is run along the same lines as this
course, but the North Faces course is geared
more to those prefering snow or ice routes,
and is run in June each year. It's not to
say that you can't climb summer ice on this
course, but the focus is more on mixed routes.
By
using the many cable cars in Chamonix you
will have access to these fantastic routes
and minimise your length of time spent travelling
or walking into the routes. If
you have climbed in Chamonix before, there
are over 4000 routes so you are guaranteed
not to repeat anything.
This
course can be used as progression from the Chamonix
Alpine Rockcourse,
as it is focused ice & mixed rather than
just rock, and is less demanding of stamina
than the Monte
Rosa 4000m Peaks.
Whatever
your previous ice or rock experience, the
aim of this course is also to teach you more
skills and style points useful in your own
climbing, developing your mixed climbing,
grades and techniques on different routes.
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.
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.
Night in Chamonix.
Mon
A
day to refresh your climbing skills. Popular routes
include the Chapelle de la Gliere with its knife
edge traverse, Couloir de Chevalier on Petitie Verte
or the L'Index. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in
Chamonix.
Tue
Exposed
altitude climbing in the higher Aiguilles du Chamonix,
on routes such as the NNE Arete of the Aiguille
de l'M, Petite Charmoz or the Arete des Papillons. Guiding
ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Wed
A
long day route on an exposed ice / snow ridge with
broken rocky sections such as Traverse of Aiguille
D'Entreves (AD+) or the Midi Plan Traverse. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night
in Chamonix.
Thu
A
technical day route, e.g. ice on Chere Couloir or
a shorter route followed by a night in a mountain
hut, e.g. Pyramid du Tacul. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in
mountain hut or Chamonix.
Fri
An
early start for a major route at altitude such as
Contamine Mazeud on Mont Blanc du Tacul or the Dent
du Geant (if you stayed in a hut last night). Guiding ratio 1:2 (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.
ITINERARY
NOTES: Where possible we follow itineraries. Mountain
adventures are weather and conditions dependant, so occasionaly
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.
Course
Prices
Standard
course
5 days guiding, 7 days holiday in total
IFMGA mountain guides for 5 days
£1595
Live
availability
Click
on the planner logo to the right to
see the real time live course availability
How to book
Secure
payments, bonded tour operator
Details of how to book, click
here
Standard
Course Inclusions: 1) IFMGA Mountain Guide
for five days, 2) Chamonix course hosts for logistics
& briefings, 3) Twin / double room self-catered accommodation
in Chamonix (inc. linen, bedding & towels) for the
whole week, so you don't move out when in huts, 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) Evening technical
instruction on nights in Chamonix.
Exclusions:
1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Equipment hire, 3)
Personal laundry, telephone calls, lunches, evening meals
in valley, & any purchases in mountain huts / hotels
/ restaurants, 4) Cable cars and uplift for you and your
guide (if required), 5)
Transport / tunnel ticket outside the Chamonix valley,
6) Any night(s) half board in mountain hut (inc. costs
for guides), 7) Sunday pre-dinner drinks & Friday celebratory
meal & drinks, 8) Activities insurance, & excess
baggage charges.
Notes:
This course assumes 1:2 guiding throughout. Note that
is there is just one person on a course, less 1:1 guiding
days can be offered, however accommodation will be provided
for the whole week, and guiding options and locations
will be discussed with you within the budget paid.
Course
upgrade options
Many clients on this
trip consider upgrading with one or more of
the following course additions...
Private
room
Big
5 Alpine
extensions
Technical
kit rental
Acclimatise
weekend
Upgrade
to single from
£300-£500 in addition to
standard course price,
depending on week.
Extend by 2 days after
to ascend one of the
Big 5 Alpine peaks as
an extra summit.
Rent all technical kit
for a week. Full Alpine
Bundle costs you just
£100 for the week.
Saturday
night spent in
Chamonix, with choice
of self-guided or guided
on Sunday. From £70.
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.
Current
course availability
Course Dates Tech Ice and Classics
[ 2 ] 29 Jun - 5 Jul 2025
[ 2 ] 6 - 12 Jul 2025
[ 2 ] 13 - 19 Jul 2025
[ 2 ] 20 - 26 Jul 2025
[ 2 ] 27 Jul - 2 Aug 2025
[ 2 ] 3 - 9 Aug 2025
[ 2 ] 10 - 16 Aug 2025
[ 2 ] 17 - 23 Aug 2025
[ 2 ] 31 Aug - 6 Sep 2025
NOTE:
This trip has scheduled
dates, but if there are two who
are booking together, it can be
operated on any date you wish
It
was a fun week with Frank guiding us
and we were pushed each day Mark
J , Tech Ice & Classics
This
is the third time I've done this trip
with your team, and I know that I am
still only stratching the surface of
all of the classic routes there to climb Dave
McC , Tech Ice & Classics
The
Guides knew exactly what routes
were in condition, and we were pushed
to our limits. A great week or fantastic
climbing on famous routes I had dreamed
about for years Chuck
N , Tech Ice & Classics
Testimonials
Press
& media
Films
& videos
Photo
gallery
Location
data for this trip
The
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.
View
full course equipment list,
with examples of kit, click
here
Why
choose our trips?
See
our Alpine blog, by clicking on the Word-press logo
to the right.
Itinerary
flexibility to allow you to take full advantage
of the weather windows on any day, to maximise your
summit chances.
Our
prices are fixed in £ Sterling, to protect
you from euro fluctuations, so you can budget accurately.
There
is a choice of routes to opt for, depending on the
weather, conditions, and your experience.
Any further questions?
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.
