Rock Climbing Basics in Chamonix

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 travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Chamonix, France, please refer to France Diplomacy’s advice for travelers and foreign nationals and the Chamonix COVID-19 sanitary rules.

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!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 2 days of rock climbing
  • All technical climbing gear

What’s not included:

• • Transportation
  • Accommodations
  • Food and snacks

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

Chamonix has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

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:

• • Helmet
  • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
  • Ropes
  • Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
  • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
  • Water bottle
  • Food you can eat on-the-go
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

• • This course is not private. For the group course, the max guest to guide ratio is 4:1.
  • Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

Climbing days in Chamonix can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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 1.5 hours away from Chamonix. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus, shuttle service, rideshare or train to Chamonix.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop in Chamonix or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.