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There’s no better place to dip your toes into the world of alpine climbing than in the birthplace of alpinism itself. Boasting a mind-boggling number of climbing objectives, Chamonix is a world-famous haven for outdoor addicts venturing into Mont Blanc—and it has been ever since the first ascent in 1786. The training ground is suitable for both total beginners and experts, so spending 6 full days climbing on this terrain with IFMGA guides is really all you need to take a deep dive into the art, techniques, and commitment of alpine climbing. With its mountain guiding industry going strong for two centuries now, you’ll understand its appeal as soon as you set foot on the crag. Find out more about the charm of alpine climbing in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc from Perica Levatić, an avid climber and co-founder of 57hours.
Nestled right underneath Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the birthplace of alpinism and the world’s greatest alpine playground
After three days of learning and mastering new skills, spend another three days working on your personal alpine climbing objectives
Take your first stab at alpine climbing with an expert guide by your side and learn about technical complexities needed to reach the top
If you’ve been wanting to give alpine climbing a go, this is your sign. It’s difficult to find a more iconic and unique place than Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. As the birthplace of alpinism, it’s a well-respected and beloved valley of countless opportunities. You’ll be trained by expert IFMGA guides, who will spend a week with you honing new techniques and then moving onto bigger routes. When you’re not scaling superb quality rocks, slip down to the valley where you can taste delicious Alpine French dishes and enjoy the small-town charm.
The starting point of the adventure is Chamonix, the world’s most famous destination for alpine climbing. Today you won’t be climbing, just meet your guides, go over the details of the itinerary and settle into the hotel. Get a good night’s sleep so you’re ready for the days ahead of you.
Accommodation: Hotel
For the first three days you’ll train with your professional and friendly guides, Rob and Nino. As a place with more than two centuries of tradition of high-end alpinism, Chamonix is the perfect starting point for your alpine climbing journey. You’ll learn new skills, identify areas for improvement, and enjoy lower-elevation crags around Chamonix. Find out what it takes to do a proper mountain summit and work out the technical complexities and prepare for a summit.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfasts
The second section of the trip will be spent in smaller teams—with 2 new IFMGA guides joining the group, the client-to-guide ratio is now 2:1. This will allow guides to have a more personalized approach where you can work on your personal alpine climbing objectives. You’ll spend these days at a refuge, which will also give you a chance to climb higher. Day 6 is the last day of climbing, so make sure to seize the day and achieve what you used to consider unachievable! Retreat to your accommodation for your final night in the Chamonix area.
Accommodation: Refuge and hotel
Meals included: All breakfasts and 2 dinners
It’s time to leave the refuge and get back to the valley. If you’d like to extend your stay, just ask your guides about recommendations. If not, head back to Geneva to catch your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
During 8 days, you will learn about:
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
Although this is a beginner-friendly alpine climbing clinic in Chamonix, keep in mind that alpine climbing in general is physically demanding. A course that is too hard will be less enjoyable for you. Work on your fitness by walking up hills or in the gym.
Mountain days are long, low-intensity exercise, which is hard to replicate in short gym sessions, so strength exercises (squats, step-ups, stair-climbing with a rucksack) are more useful than speed exercises (running, spinning). Make sure you’re fit enough to climb for 6 days in a row.
Ice climbing needs more upper body strength, and calves can take a beating when front-pointing. It’s useful if you have done some ice and/or rock climbing before, but it’s not a prerequisite.
While prior rock climbing experience is certainly useful, you can join this trip if you’ve never alpine climbed. Your guide will help you meet your individual objectives with your safety as the number one priority. Still, keep in mind—all alpine climbs are physically demanding, especially 6 days in a row, so make sure you’re prepared for it!
If you’d like to take a rock climbing course in this area, check out this guided day of rock climbing basics in Chamonix.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
Group sizes and prices:
Contact us prior to booking if you have any questions.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Chamonix, France, please refer to France Diplomacy’s COVID-19 travel advisory.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
Secure your early bird spot for the following season with a 10% deposit!
This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!