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Summer Alpine North Faces 2024
Week of Chamonix classic routes in the Mont Blanc massif
Climbing up to Col Copt in the Aiguilles Dorees
Course overview
For those who enjoy ice climbing during the winter, this course allows you to push your skills (grade II ice or UK Severe or US Grade 5.9) to attempt some of the major Summer Alpine ice and some North Face routes around Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Massif.

This course ascends famous routes around the AD+/ D grade. Examples include the Chere Couloir, Midi-Plan traverse, Couloir du Table (Aiguille du Tour), or the Gervasutti Couloir (Tour Ronde).

This is the twin course of the Technical 'Ice & Classics', which is run along exactly the same lines as this course, but the Classics week is geared more to those prefering mixed routes, and is run from July to September each year. It's not to say that you won't climb mixed routes on this course, but the focus is more on Summer ice 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.
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.

Topping out of the ice on Tour Ronde

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 A day to refresh your climbing skills. Popular routes include the Couloir de Chevalier or the Demi Lune snow arete on the Petitie Aiguille Verte above Argentiere. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Tue Exposed altitude climbing such as the North Face Triangle of Mont Blanc du Tacul, by the left edge route, or one of the other classic routes on this legendary face. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Wed A long day route on an exposed ice / snow ridge the Midi Plan Traverse. This classic route summits the Aiguille du Plan, and follows an amazing snow arete. 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. Couloir du Table (Aiguille du Tour). 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 Couloir du Col Copt (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.

Climbers on the Contamine Grizole
Course Prices
Standard course
5 days guiding, 7 days holiday in total £1599
Live availability
Click on the planner logo to the right to
see the real time live course availability
Latest Availability
Secure online booking system
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 (cable cars for guide included in Chamonix), 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 if there is just one person on a course, less 1:1 guiding days and half board nights in hotels 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.
High on the Chere Couloir
Current course availability

Course Dates
Summer North Faces
  • No Dates Available
NOTE: This trip has scheduled
dates, but if there are two who
are booking together, it can be
operated on any date you wish
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Price: £1599 Book online

Alternative courses
Mont Blanc Summit
Technical Ice & Classics
Autonomy & Techniques
Chamonix Alpine Rock

Client feedback


I got all down at the end of winter, when putting my ice tools away, and then I saw this trip and booked with you guys, and had a total blast. Awesome week!

Brad T , Summer North Faces


Just a quick letter to say thank you for a very challenging and memorable week. I will be recommending you to all of my friends. Thank you again

Vicky D , Summer North Faces


Just what I wanted, and it lived up to each and every expectation

Glen U , Summer North Faces

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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.
Time Difference
GMT +1hr
Local Currency
€ Euros
Travel from UK
1hr flight
Pro top tips - geeks corner!
Suggested reading and kit
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.
Icicle Blog
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.


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