EURO
PRE-TRIP
PRIMER

Europe Pre-Course & Acclimatisation Program

Two climbers in bright green helmets rest on a ridge line high in the European Alps
Olivier Baron aiguille des glacier

Ascents of the high peaks in the European Alps are significant objectives that require fitness, acclimatisation and stamina, and in some cases, more than a modicum of technical prowess.

For this reason, you can schedule a two-day acclimatisation and re-familiarisation program that takes you on day climbs to high elevations on peaks that are easily accessible from Chamonix.

Our two-day acclimatisation and re-familiarisation program takes you on day climbs to high elevations on peaks that are easily accessible from Chamonix, thus kick-starting your acclimatisation and getting you out climbing before the main program begins.

The advantage you gain when you enhance your acclimatisation before embarking on one of the higher peaks in the Alps will be palpable. You will be able to really enjoy your climb once your body has fully adjusted to the higher elevations. Add to that the benefit of having extra time to get ‘back on your feet’ with your climbing and you will be fully prepared for the upcoming course or ascent. Your guide will be happy to work with you during this time to work on specific techniques or ascents of lower alpine routes.

This option can also be used to extend your 1:1 guided ascent or Private Instruction Course, giving you a longer duration program with additional weather contingency. If your summit is achieved early, there will be additional time at the end of the program to tackle other great objectives in the local area.

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  • Gain valuable acclimatisation ahead of your European ascent or course
  • Rediscover your climbing feet in advance of a big goal
  • Add extra weather days as a contingency for your main trip

Climbing Ability

Climbing Ability

Any

Elevation

Elevation

2,000m/6,562ft

Duration

Duration

2 days

Location

Location

Chamonix, France

ITINERARY
DAY 0

Arrive in Chamonix. Hotel night

DAY 1

Meet the guide at around 8:30am in your hotel for a briefing and gear check. You will take a lift into the high alpine regions for the day to climb peaks; work on technique and promote acclimatisation. This is a good time and place to sort out minor problems with equipment or technique before venturing into the larger mountain setting. Typical ascents would be Aiguille de l’Index, Petite Aiguille Verte, or similar. Descend to the valley. Hotel night

DAY 2

You will again ascend one of the many lifts and potentially climb a peak or focus on technique. Typical areas we may visit would be accessed by the Aiguille du Midi or Helbronner lifts. Whatever the activity these two days will greatly enhance your adaptation to altitude.

On this night you return to Chamonix for day 0 of your planned Ascent or Course program. Hotel night. If you are going on to a 1:1 ascent during the upcoming week your guide may organise a move to a mountain hut the following night. This will accelerate your program and give you more time to achieve the ascent and then focus on other peaks or technical skills depending on your desire.

NOTE

This is a sample itinerary, your actual itinerary may vary if conditions are more suitable in another region or factors such as the weather or lift service precludes access. In some cases, this may be an additional expense to you.

Europe Pre Acclimatisation Map

Departures and Pricing

Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Start/End Pricing Book
Jun - Sept 2024 €1,890 EUR $ Book Now
Jun - Sept 2024 €1,090 EUR $ Book Now

PREPARE

Fitness

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.

Technical Experience

No previous climbing experience is required. A background in hiking is beneficial.

A climber makes their way up a slab in Europe
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.

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.

Climbing via normale alla Tour Ronde. A rope team ascend a steep snow slope.
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
Our Guides
Jon Bracey
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Europe Chief Guide
Sandy Allan
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IFMGA Mountain Guide
Suze Kelly
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AC Director/Europe Specialist
Roped climbers on ridge

"Excellent course, really good value and huge amounts of info given to us by the guide. Course was tailored well depending on our experience."

Emma McCahill, United Kingdom
Traversing the upper slopes of Mont Blanc

"Our guide was excellent – really experienced, professional at all times and someone we could put our trust in to make good decisions. To top it off, our guide was also good company and fun! I would definitely recommend AC again – professional, experienced and great trips."

Helen Dransfield, Australia
Mont Blanc is 4,807m high, the highest mountain in the European Alps

Continue on from your mountaineering course or guided ascent with our 3-day Mont Blanc Ascent add-on!

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