Chamonix Alpinist
High on the Dent du Geant (Giant's Tooth). One of the classic technical 4000m peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Chamonix is the capital of World Mountaineering. Put simply, it has it all. Rich in alpine history; ripe with hundreds of superb climbs and overlooked by the spectacular presence of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Aiguilles. This, is the domain of the 'Alpinist'. On this course we aim to make the most out of the remarkable infra structure of high mountain lifts in the valley and do as much high quality alpine climbing as possible.
This course is designed for folk who already have some alpine climbing experience and want to focus on enjoying the quality of the mountaineering on offer here in the Chamonix Valley. To tackle technically interesting mountaineering routes, rock, ice & mixed, all in a stunning high mountain setting. Thus whilst all our courses have a training element, so that you are always developing as a climber, this is more focused on maximum climbing time. Those looking for more structured training should look at our 'Becoming an Alpinist' course.
This course is run at a ratio of 1 Guide to two clients. Chamonix Alpinist is also a popular theme for a week of private guiding in Chamonix
Because the quality of the mountaineering in Chamonix is no secret, it can be a busy place, even high in the mountains. However, by choosing climbs a little off the beaten track, using mountain huts strategically or coming to climb in Chamonix in spring or autumn quiet routes can usually be climbed and enjoyed.
The programme is left flexible until the start of the week when conditions and weather will be discussed alongside clients specific experience, abillity and aspirations for the week. Our knowledge of Chamonix climbs will offer you the right level of challenge and a suitable progression in terms of the difficulty, length and style of climbing. Here is a list of just a few suggested climbs below to represent something of this progression and diversity.
Chamonix Alpine Climbs
- Multi-pitch rock climbing training day. This often gives a great start to the week as a technical and ropework 'shakedown' day. There is some superb alpine rock to be experienced on both the granitic Mont Blanc side of the valley and gneiss Aiguilles Rouges side
Rock Climbing in Chamonix
The rock climbing in Chamonix is justifiably world famous both for the quality and position of the high mountain routes as well as the variety and accessibility of many other styles of rock climbing. From extreme granite big mountain walls to pleasant easy roadside climbs, Chamo... more>
- Petite Aiguille Verte (3512m), North Face (PD+)
- Aiguille de Moine (PD+)
- Cosmiques Arete (AD)
- Left Edge Route (AD), Mont Blanc du Tacul
- Dent du Geant (AD+)
- Couzy Route(V), Aiguille de l'M North Face
- Forbes Arete (AD), Aiguille de Chardonet
- Aiguille Purtscheller, S. Ridge (D+)
- Midi-Plan Traverse (AD)
- Tour Ronde N.Face (AD+)
- Aiguille Dorees traverse (AD+)
- Chere Couloir (D-)
There are many many more classic Chamonix alpine routes, rock, ice & mixed and we would be delighted to discuss with you your plans should you have any specific routes in mind. Please see our Chamonix galleries and reports pages below for further inspiration:
Chamonix Alpine Mountaineering / Climbing Reports
Reports and accounts from Alpine Mountaineering & Rock Climbing around the Chamonix Valley.
Chamonix Mountaineering
An impressive collection of galleries giving an insight in to the quality and huge variety of mountaineering within and around the Chamonix Valley. Routes include classic beginners alpine ridges, 1000m+ classic North Faces, winter style Chamonix Goulottes and many more.
Suggested Fitness and Experience Levels:
Chamonix Alpinist is designed for people with existing alpine experience who want to do more climbing under the supervision of a guide. Folk should be able to second F5C on rock and have some easy ice climbing experience. The peaks around Chamonix offer tough physical and technical challenges. Folk preparing for climbing these peaks should be able to complete 8-10 hour days of sustained mountaineering and climb again the next day. If traverses are made folk should have a good recovery rate and ability to climb on multiple days in a row. Many of the suggested routes are exacting and exposed alpine challenges and a variety of practiced mountaineering skills are required from deft scrambling and sound easy rock climbing with a pack to accurate and reliable cramponing skills.
Equipment List
Please see out Alpine Mountaineering Equipment List below.
In addition to all the items mentioned in that list you will also require the following items which can be cheaply hired from us:
- X 2 Technical Ice Axes
- Comfortable rock climbing shoes that you can wear all day with a pair of socks underneath
2012 Course Dates & Prices
This course includes 5 climbing / guided days
July 23 - 27, Monday - Friday Inclusive Inclusive, 4 Places Available
September 17 - 21, Monday - Friday Inclusive Inclusive, 4 Places Available
2012 Price - £1025
Minimum group size 2, maximum 4. Ratio of 1 Guide to 2 clients.
What’s included in the Price?
Our courses are priced on a 'guiding only' basis which means you pay the exact cost price for all other expenses like hotels, mountain huts and lift passes.
- 5 full days mountain guiding with an IFMGA Mountain Guide
- Transport during the course including travel in the valley and across to the Italian Vallee d'Aoste to climb the Gran Paradiso
- An introductory talk and briefing for the week
- Discounted equipment hire prices
What’s not included?
- Valley accommodation. This course is based at the Hotel Chaumiere in Chamonix (around 60 euros per night for dinner, bed & breakfast). If this is full or you would like an alternative style of accommodation please see our recommended list forplaces to stay in Chamonix. Camping will significantly reduce the overall cost and the 'île des Barrats Campsite' is recommended and very close to the Hotel Chaumiere (12-15 euros per night).
- Mountain huts & lift passes, for you and the guides. Allow about 50 euros per night half board accommodation. The guides expenses are split between the group members and are discounted in huts and on lifts. Lifts are between 20-40 euros and around 3 will be taken during the week.
- Flights and transfers to Chamonix.
- Mountaineering equipment. Check the kit list above
- Insurance suitable for alpine mountaineering in Europe
Further Details & Booking
For more details on our terms & conditions, to fill in a booking form and make a payment, please visit our booking page via the link below:
Contact
We are always delighted to hear from past, current and future clients so whether you have a booking enquiry, want a conditions report, or some mountaineering advice please do get in touch.
In the meantime, Good climbing / skiing ! Rob.
High Mountain Guides
Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
Mobile: + 33 (0) 670 819 250
Tel: + 33 (0) 450 53 56 08
Email contact via the form below
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