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.
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.
Course
Prices
Standard
course
5
days guiding, 7 days holiday in total
£1695
Live
availability
Click
on the planner logo to the right to
see the real time live course availability
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.
Current
course availability
Course Dates Summer North Faces
[ 1 ] 22 - 28 Jun 2025
[ 2 ] 29 Jun - 5 Jul 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
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
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.
