Climb the Alpine Classics of Chamonix

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

Personal equipment:

• Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 30L bag)
• Glacier glasses
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Toiletries
• Food you can eat on-the-go
• Camera — optional

Technical equipment:

• Ropes
• Light rack
• Crevasse rescue kit
• Harness
• Helmet
• Belay device (your typical multi-pitch personal kit)
• Hardshell
• Ice axe
• Trekking poles
• Rock shoes
• Headlamp

Clothing list:

• Climbing pants
• Base layers
• Softshell
• Gloves
• Boots /Crampons
• Puffy jacket

Chamonix’s versatile, easily accessed routes are part of its charm. While it’s known for technically challenging and daunting terrain, there are plenty of climbs complete beginners can tackle. Regardless of your skill level, there is a peak to conquer waiting for you at Chamonix.

Day 1:

• In the morning, we’ll take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from town
• We’ll spend the day climbing the Cosmique Arete, a classic of the Mont Blanc Massif
• In the evening we’ll have dinner, beers and sleep at the Cosmiques Hut

Day 2:

• We’ll face 9 pitches on Pointe Lachenal
• After a day of climbing, we’ll cross over to Italy for dinner

Day 3:

• On our last day, we’ll be climbing the 4013-meter Dent du Géant, one of the most beautiful peaks of the entire Massif
• Return to Chamonix

Click here for a more detailed look at your three-day climbing adventure!

To be able to enjoy all Chamonix has to offer, you’ll need to be on a pretty good fitness level. It’s a good idea to prepare yourself with hikes that gain 1,000 vertical feet per mile for several miles to strengthen your legs, arm and back muscles. While you don’t need to be a seasoned climber or have significant experience with winter mountaineering, it will immensely aid you in this challenging terrain. The routes are long; you can expect to spend about a third of the day climbing at high altitude, so prior to conquering the Alps, go out and climb!

It’s highly recommended that you cover all your bases with travel and medical insurance. Serious accidents can happen in alpine terrain and we recommend insurance to avoid paying out of pocket for costly medical expenses. And as we’ve recently seen, travel plans can be abruptly halted, so it’s a good idea to have cancellation insurance that also covers lost baggage. It’s tried and tested and it works.

• Rates for Chamonix alpine climbing are $330 – $660 per day depending on guide/client ratio, route length and difficulty.
• Group sizes are usually between 1–2 people per guide depending on your skill level and objectives.

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

Rain clouds rarely appear on Chamonix’s blue skies. If you happen to get unlucky with the weather, your guide will find suitable alternatives. The most common practice is to head to another climbing location nearby. The Italian Alps are just a short drive away, with excellent climbing opportunities to explore.

If there’s no suitable alternative on a given day, you can reschedule with your guide to a more favorable day. Take the opportunity to explore the idyllic town of Chamonix. Or, try authentic gelato in nearby Italy. Don’t let bad weather rain on your parade…there’s plenty to experience in the area!

All policies regarding cancellation, rescheduling and trip insurance will be clearly laid out by your guide prior to booking your adventure. Contact us if you’d like more information on a specific adventure.

Geneva International Airport (GGV) is a one-hour drive from Chamonix. If you’re inexperienced with driving on mountain roads, consider hiring a driver. There’s also private or group transfers between Geneva Airport and Chamonix. If you’re traveling by train, the Chamonix Mont Blanc Station is located in the city center.