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

What about required equipment?

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 age requirements

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.

Guided Rock Climbing Basics Course in Chamonix

Top three reasons to go rock climbing in Chamonix

Hone your skills on high-quality compact granite and gneiss
Experience the amazing nature and majestic views in the French Alps
Master the fundamentals of rock climbing in the stunning Chamonix valley

The world-famous Chamonix is an essential stop on any rock climber’s journey. Situated in the French Alps just north of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix area houses over 27 monumental peaks just begging to be conquered. The mountains are high, the rock is compact, the granite is superb, and you have miles upon miles of gneiss at your disposal. From long multi-pitch climbs to high-quality sport climbing and bouldering routes, Chamonix has something for everyone. And for those seeking to take their first steps in the world of climbing, you can’t go wrong with one of the greatest climbing areas in the world. Learn to identify and use climbing equipment, develop efficient cliffside movement, and master techniques such as abseiling and belaying in the stunningly beautiful heart of the Alps. Find out more about alpine climbing in Chamonix from Perica Levatic, an avid climber and co-founder of 57hours.

Season May through August	Nearest city Geneva International Airport (GGV) is 1 hour from Chamonix
Duration 2 days	Skill level Beginner

Book this adventure

Looking to get into climbing? This beginner’s rock climbing course in Chamonix, France, is just what you need! This course is ideal for motivated and enthused beginners looking to start rock climbing under the watchful eye of an experienced local guide. The magnificent Chamonix area in the French Alps provides the perfect backdrop for your climbing education. You’ll learn safe rope techniques, movement skills, abseiling, and much more!

Itinerary

Here’s what you’ll learn in this climbing course:

- Understand climbing equipment and how to use it correctly
- Safely fit a harness and tie it into a rope
- Develop the ability to climb safely using a rope
- Belay and lower effectively and safely
- Belaying both leader and second
- Descend rock climbing routes via abseiling
- Develop and practice participant’s movement skills
- Learn to interpret a climbing guidebook and the grading system
- Gain knowledge of the range of climbing opportunities

Meet your guide

Mountain Focus

Mountain Focus is a bespoke guiding company operating in the European Alps, the UK, and other locations around the world. Based in Chamonix in the Mont Blanc massif, they have a strong focus on delivering personalized courses and building lasting client relationships. Whether it’s giving people the skills and experience for independent climbing/skiing or guiding people to discover the climbs and descents they really enjoy, Mountain Focus can provide support to every level of ability.

Reviews (1)

Hamish M. about Mountain Focus on Facebook

I’ve recently spent a week with Mike in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. This is now the third trip we have climbed together and as always was a great experience.
The reason I hire Mike is that I know I am guaranteed a full week of climbing and learning. If the weather is bad in one area we move to another and always have plans a,b,c & d (which are all good plans) I always learn a bucket load of new skills and take away lots from the experience.
One thing that does stand out is the passion for the Mountains, Mountain life, and the willingness to share the experience which is what I myself thrive on.
Keep up the good work, Mike!

Things to know

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.

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