Climb the Alpine Classics of Chamonix

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get in this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • A full day of rock climbing

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation
    • Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs
    • Accommodation
    • Meals and snacks
• How fit do I need to be?

  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!

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  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.

  For intermediate to advanced climbers, Chamonix has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

• What about required equipment?

  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
    • Crevasse rescue kit
    • Harness
    • Helmet
    • Belay device (your typical multi-pitch personal kit)
    • Chalk bag
    • Ice axe
    • Crampons
    • Trekking poles
    • Rock shoes
    • Mountaineering boots
    • Headlamp

  Clothing list:

  • • Beanie
    • Base layers (insulating thermal underwear for both top and bottom)
    • Lightweight outer layers (made from moisture wicking materials)
    • Lightweight jacket
    • Medium/heavyweight jacket
    • Shell jacket and pants
    • A pair of climbing pants
    • Gloves
    • Liner socks
    • Socks (wool or synthetic)
    • Waterproof rain jacket
• Can I rent equipment?

  All mandatory gear will be provided by the guide if you don’t have your own. As for the personal items:

  • • Mountaineering boots and crampons can be rented from Vertical Frontiers
    • Helmet, harness, ice axe and other equipment can be rented from Vertical Frontiers

  Rental location is in Chamonix and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For the customized day of climbing with a private guide, the max client to guide ratio is 2:1 and cost is per person. The cost decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family!
    • For the rescue clinics, the max client to guide ratio is 4:1 and cost is per person.

  Climbing days can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  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 the airport transfer hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop-Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet.

• Covid measures 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, please refer to the Chamonix-Mont Blanc.

  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!