The need for a high level of physical fitness cannot be over-emphasised. A regular programme must be followed for many months to achieve the level of fitness required. We recommend a training programme tailored to mountaineering those plan from Uphill Athlete.
If you really want to take your climbing to the next level then this is the course for you.
Instructed on a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, you have the focused attention of world class guides who are willing to share their climbing techniques and ascent strategies. Successful mountaineering at the top end is as much about judgment as technical prowess. Spend time with the specialists in the mountain environment and you will be able to accelerate your own pathway to bigger and better objectives.
- Advanced skills course based in Chamonix
- Push your standards to a higher level
Course Level
Course Level
Advanced
Elevation
Elevation
2,000m/6,562ft
Duration
Duration
5 days
Location
Location
Chamonix, France
Arrive in Chamonix, hotel night
Meet at the hotel for a team briefing and gear check. After organising our equipment hire, we drive through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Entrèves, and on to Val Veny before hiking and via ferrata to the Monzino Hut 2,580m/8,465ft. The afternoon is spent refreshing rope skills |
A nice early start sees us climbing Aiguille Croux, 3,251m/10,666ft, a stunning alpine rock climb. We review route finding skills. We descend back to the valley for a hotel night in Courmayeur
We're up early and take the Skyway Monte Bianco and travel over the glacier to do a traverse of Aiguille d’Entrèves, 3,600m/11,800ft, which is a spectacularly exposed ridge traverse climb, although never extreme and immensely enjoyable. This is a perfect warm up for our climb of the Dent du Géant (1:1) or Arête des Cosmiques (1:2) tomorrow. We head to Torino Hut 3,375m/11,073ft or Cosmiques Hut 3,613m/11,854ft late in the afternoon to relax and then get to bed early before another alpine start
Today's ascent will vary depending on the group size, ability and current snow and weather conditions. Ideally this would be a steep and exposed climb such as Dent du Géant (1:1) or Arête des Cosmiques (1:2). With a strong team, it is also possible to add additional climbing such as a traverse of the Arête de Rochefort before climbing the Dent du Géant. Overnight at Torino Hut
Today we make an early start for the Aiguilles Marbrées to the Col de Rochefort from where you will have the chance to plan and lead the traverse of Aiguilles Marbrées back to the Col du Géant (PD), and back to the Torino and then Chamonix. Hotel night
Breakfast, a chance to exchange photographs and departure
The programme may be subject to change if conditions are more suitable in another region or factors such as weather to lift service preclude access into this region
Departures and Pricing
Check out our Chamonix Introductory Mountaineering Course or Alpine Climbing Course for fixed departure options.
PREPARE
You should be happy seconding rock to Alpine Grade V- (US 5.6/AUS 14) with boots and rucksack. This course is physically demanding, and participants should be prepared to push themselves on some of the climbing routes.
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.
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.
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.
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.