Guided Climbing & Mountaineering from the Chamonix Valley

Base yourself in the heart of the Alps in Chamonix, and experience the best climbing and mountaineering this area has to offer. Whether you're keen to scramble along alpine ridges, take your first steps onto a glacier, or you want to do classic routes like the Cosmiques Arête, Aiguille d'Entrèves Traverse or the Midi-Plan Traverse, we’ll make sure you get the most out of whatever time you have in the valley.

Mountaineering in Chamonix is about much more than ticking summits—there are so many excellent routes for climbers of all abilities. So, let us know what experience you have, the sort of thing you'd like to do while you're here, and we'll do the rest!

WHERE SHOULD I BASE MYSELF?

Stay in Chamonix and explore the best climbing and mountaineering the area has to offer.

WHEN CAN I CLIMB 4000M PEAKS?

It's always conditions dependent, but the mountaineering season is generally from May to October.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?

The Chamonix Valley offers something for every level of mountaineer. Whether you're a first time alpinist or are fairly experienced, let us know what you've done in the past and we will recommend the right routes for you.
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Having a good level of fitness is key to experiencing successful and enjoyable days out in the mountains. To increase your enjoyment and success during your Chamonix Mountaineering trip we work with Apexx Endurance Coaching, who provide custom training plans written specifically for you and your goal. Get in touch with Apexx Endurance Coaching directly to start your training.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The price depends on exactly what you want to do. Get in touch to let us know what you'd like to do, and we can send you a price and more information.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

The price will include an IFMGA Certified Guide. You need to cover your valley accommodation, huts, lifts, transport, food, insurance and your guide's expenses.

WHAT KIT DO I NEED?

Clothing
Waterproof Jacket - Full weight with helmet compatible hood is best
Waterproof trousers - Full Weight with 3/4 or full length side zips
Socks - Warm mountaineering socks plus thin liner socks and spares
Thermal/Base Layers - Wicking thermal top and bottom. Long sleeves and a hood can be good in sunny weather. No cotton.
Technical Fleece - Technical fleece midlayer. Zippered front is useful
Softshell Jacket - Mid weight, wind resistant, light insulating layer
Belay jacket - Down or synthetic insulation
Warm mountain trousers - Should fit comfortably under your waterproof trousers
Gloves - Thin inner gloves and at least 2 pairs of warm, waterproof gloves 
Hat - Warm hat that must fit under a helmet
Spare mittens - Recommended if you suffer from cold hands

Climbing Equipment
Rucksack - 40-50 litres is recommended to fit extra winter kit
Boots - B2 or B3 rated climbing boots
Crampons - C2 rated crampons
Rock climbing shoes - must be comfortable enough to wear for several hours
Approach shoes or trainers
Trekking poles
Harness - Climbing harness with a belay plate and locking carabiner
120cm sling and locking carabiner
Helmet - Climbing specific helmet
Ice axe - Single mountaineering ice axe

​Hut Kit & Other Equipment
​Sunglasses - Cat 3 or Cat 4
Goggles - Cat 3/4 for sunny days. Low light lenses for poor weather.
Suncream - Suncream and Lipbalm - SPF30 or higher
Headtorch - Lightweight and fully charged headtorch (or new batteries)
First Aid kit - Small personal kit including personal medication, blister plasters and pain killers
Waterbottle - 1 Litre (flask or waterbottle)
Lunch & Spare Food - Enough for a full day on the hill; preferably lots of snacks you can pull out of pockets easily
Small wash kit
Sleeping bag liner
Spare t-shirt/socks/pants
Earplugs
Wallet
​Passport
Alpine Club/BMC card (for hut discount)
Insurance documents
Mobile phone