To make the most of your climbing experience we encourage you to work on your fitness before the trip. You will find that training on hills with a +10kg pack is the best preparation for the mountains, to build your endurance. We recommend training programmes tailored to mountaineering such as those from Uphill Athlete.
From our base in Chamonix you will be introduced to the essential mountaineering skills that will be the foundation for your future climbing endeavours.
This challenging course is an instructional and coaching mountaineering course. It gives you grounding in the more important alpine skills and is set in the most inspirational of classrooms - the Mont Blanc Massif. To be a safe and competent mountaineer it is beneficial to learn the most current techniques from the experts.
Your week with us will be spent learning the basic skills of rock climbing, belaying, crampon techniques, how to move safely on glacial terrain, ice-axe self-arrest and how to effect a crevasse rescue. These skills will then be put into practice during ascents of various peaks in the Mont Blanc Massif where you will discover the joy of mountaineering!
The course is aimed at keen hill walkers and/or rock climbers who want to experience alpine climbing in a way that will be both informative and enjoyable. It is a good preparatory course for our intermediate course the Chamonix Alpine Climbing Course and our Mont Blanc Guided Ascent.
- Learn how to climb properly and safely
- Introduction course based from Chamonix
Course Level
Course Level
Beginner
Elevation
Elevation
2,000m/6,562ft
Duration
Duration
5 days
Location
Location
Chamonix, France
CIMC CURRICULUM
DAY 0
Arrive in Chamonix. Hotel night
DAY 1
Meet your guide at 8:30am at La Chaumière Lodge reception for a team briefing and an equipment check. Arrange last minute rentals and/or equipment purchases in Chamonix before getting down to business! Today is spent at Les Gaillands 1,000m/3,400ft with a focus on rope skills and basic climbing techniques before returning to your Chamonix hotel. 1:4 Guide to climber ratio
DAY 2
| Take the Funicular to Montenvers 1,913m/6,276ft and onto the Mer de Glace 3,500m/11,500ft for a training glacier travel and ice climbing skills. Return to Chamonix overnight. 1:4 Guide to climber ratio |
DAY 3
| Take the télécabine and chairlift at le Tour and trek 3 hours up to the Albert Premier Hut 2,702m/8,864ft. Spend the afternoon learning snow skills. Hut night. 1:2 Guide to climber ratio |
DAY 4
Today is an early start to enjoy the alpine surrounds and climb Tête Blanche 3,707m/12,162ft and Petite Fourche 3,512m/11,522ft. A snow craft session in the afternoon if time allows. Overnight at Trient Hut 3,170m/10,400ft located across the border in Switzerland. 1:2 Guide to climber ratio
DAY 5
| Another alpine start to tackle the Aiguille du Tour 3,529m/11,578ft and then descend back to the valley floor and return to Chamonix. Overnight at La Chaumière Lodge, Chamonix. 1:2 Guide to climber ratio |
DAY 6
Breakfast, a chance to exchange photographs and departure
NOTE
The programme may be subject to change if conditions are more suitable in another region or factors such as weather or lift service preclude access into this region
Departures and Pricing
Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Looking for a specific date? Book a private course
PREPARE
Fitness
Technical Experience
No previous climbing experience is required. A background in hiking is beneficial.
Why Adventure Consultants
We offer focused guide attention to ensure consistency across the program. Whilst other operators combine you with large groups on training days we know your safety will be better protected and the learning progressions will be enhanced with the attentive care of your guide and smaller guide to climber ratios.
Adventure Consultants guides are BMG/NZMGA and / or IFMGA-UIAGM qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest industry standards. Being a technically proficient climber alone is not enough to work with us; our standards demand that trip leaders are great guides as well. You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.
Adventure Consultants only employs IFMGA qualified guides for European ascents and courses and this is the only certification that is recognised in the French Alps. In order to gain these qualifications guides must undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training and much more. The qualification takes many years to attain and ensures you are getting a world class professional service.
Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
- Qualified mountain guide
- Group technical equipment
- Lift passes as per the scheduled itinerary
- Hut accommodation as per the scheduled itinerary
- Hotel accommodation on a B&B basis during trip dates as specified on the schedule, including first / last night of your trip
- Local ground transport as per the scheduled itinerary
- Breakfast & dinner during mountain component of course/trip.
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