With its perfect granite rock towers and snow-covered ridges that loom over the picturesque town, Chamonix looks like it fell out of a postcard. Whether you’re looking to conquer your first climb or check a classic ascent off your list, Chamonix has something for everyone. With incredible routes, breathtaking views, loads of climbing history, and amazing food, wine, and culture, climbing in Chamonix will be the experience of a lifetime. Find yourself amongst a plethora of routes suited to seasoned climbers and rookies alike, all easily accessible. Some of the classics include the Cosmiques Arête, Argentiere Basin (Grade II-IV, 5.6 – 5.10+), Aiguille du Tour (easy snow to technical mixed routes), the Dent du Géant, Marbrées & Entrèves Traverses, and more. Find out why Chamonix is called the birthplace of alpinism and all about climbing Chamonix from Brian Monetti, a Brooklyn-based techie, and Jeff Witt, a local professional mountain guide with more than 25 years of experience!

  • The mountain guiding industry was born in 1821 right here in Chamonix

  • Climb multi-pitch routes which can take upwards of ten hours

  • Range of alpine experiences provide something for everyone

Choose itinerary

A Customized Day of Climbing With a Private Guide
Available upon request
Skills Development Course: Partner Rescue
Available upon request
Skills Development Course: Crevasse Rescue
Available upon request

Meet your guides

Rob Coppolillo
5.00
Rob Coppolillo
IFMGA/AMGA Certified Guide
Rob is a AMGA/IFMGA guide who runs ski and climbing trips all over the world — from the Rockies to the Dolomites. We tour at least once a year with him because he always brings out the best in us wherever we go and whatever the objective. Rob is the ow...
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Jeff Witt
5.00
Jeff Witt
AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide
Jeff is a professional mountain guide with more than 25 years of experience in the field and the founder of High Peak Adventures. He’s been everywhere and climbed it all — from the U.S. to the Himalayas, the Alps and more. He’s also based out of Chamon...
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5.00 (3 reviews)
Climb the Alpine Classics of Chamonix
Claus Gomes Jensen about Rob Coppolillo on 57hours

I had a crevasse training course day with Rob. It was a great day where we went through the basics and had the opportunity to do some tailored things. Rob is a great teacher and coach. He is always positive, really knows how to break down complex techniques and make them easily understandable. You can see he is passionate about what he does and is fun to be around! I cannot recommend Rob enough and will book more training when I get the chance!

Great mountain guiding
Bruno Schull about Rob Coppolillo on TripAdvisor

Rob is a great guide, a great teacher, and a great person. I’ve worked with many guides to expand my range of skills and experiences in the mountains, and Rob is one of the very best. He literally wrote the books about guiding! (Check out his books about climbing and skiing). He is extremely generous with his knowledge and time, he focuses on making sure his clients have a great experience, and he genuinely loves the mountains. I will definitely go climbing and skiing with Ron again!

A days climbing in the Italian Alps!
Chris about Rob Coppolillo on TripAdvisor

Originally I was planning to traverse Aiguille Entreves, however, due to severe blisters and mixed weather I asked Rob to come up with a brand new plan that would involve less of a trek but still have all the exposure. No problem for the man from Colorado – what a legend. Within an hour he had made a brand new suggestion to head to Italy for a days rock climbing.

I was picked up at 8am and we were on the rock face by 10am. Di Fronte al Paradiso – a seven pitch 5a. The weather and company was perfect – my climbing however was rusty.

Thanks Rob – see you in May!

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, 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!

  • 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
      • Accommodation
      • Meals and snacks
  • 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!

  • 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.

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

    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 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.

  • 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.

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

Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
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