Guided Ice Climbing Around Chamonix
Climb frozen waterfalls in Chamonix or Cogne valleys with IFMGA mountain guide
The Chamonix Valley offers numerous great spots for waterfall ice climbing and ice climbing courses. From easy beginner climbs to advanced ice falls.
The icefall are spread out from Les Houches to Chatelard on the Swiss border. Additionally, within 1 hour drive from Chamonix we find many more amazing ice falls, including the world famous Cogne valley.
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Ice Climbing Guides Chamonix
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We will take you ice climbing at a icefall suiting your level of climbing. For beginners icefalls in Chamonix we can start at the wide and lower angle ice in the Cremerie. For more advanced climbing, and multi-pitch ice climbs, we can climb higher up in the Argentiere basin, with the backdrop of the active Argentiere glacier. The deep gorge the Arveyron is a hidden get-away not far from Chamonix town. We also have the option to drive to Cogne Valley or to Trient in Switzerland, should that present better conditions.
Multi-pitch climbing normally runs at a maximum of 2 people per guide. For ice climbing introduction courses you can be a group of up to 4 persons.
Including:
– Full day of private guiding
– All group equipment (ropes, carabiners, ice scews etc.)
– Transport in the Chamonix valley
Not included:
– mountain rescue insurance
– personal ice climbing equipment (harness, boots, crampons, axes, can be rented)
Price
From 550€ per day depending on our objective.
Included
– Full day of private guiding
– Group equipment including ropes, carabiners and ice screws
– Transport in the Chamonix valley (for max 2 pers)
Not included
– Mountain rescue insurance
– Personal ice climbing equipment such as harness, boots, crampons and axes
Ice Climbing Weekend Cogne
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Situated in the Grand Paradiso National Park, Cogne is a peaceful and picturesque Italian village. Further into the valleys extending from Cogne valley, Valeille and Valnontey, the ice climbing is an extraordinary experience. The mountain environment and wildlife matches the beauty of the ice-falls. Beginner ice climbs in Cogne starts at the Cascata de Lillaz, where we can focus on ice climbing techniques and basic skills. For more experienced climbers, we can work our way up through the line of harder classics from French grade 4-6.
The proposed weekend contains 3 days of ice climbing and 2 nights at a charming hotel in the rustic village of Valnontey. We can shorten or extend the program according to your wishes.
Price: | Group size: 1 2 | Price per person: 2090 € 1270 € |
Included
– 3 days of private guiding
– Group equipment including ropes and carabiners
– Transport from Chamonix to Cogne and back
– All expenses for your guide
Not included
– Mountain rescue insurance
– Personal equipment including harness, helmet, crampons and axes
– 2 nights in hotel in Cogne
FAQ’s
Yes. Beginners can start on lower angle ice with a private guide, learn crampon and axe movement, and progress only when the conditions and confidence are right.
January and February are the main months for Chamonix ice climbing. Cogne can work from December to February when the cold conditions build reliable icefalls.
You need winter mountain clothing plus personal climbing equipment such as boots, harness, helmet, crampons and ice axes. Ropes, ice screws and group safety equipment are included.
Most technical ice climbing runs with a maximum of 2 people per guide. Introductory ice climbing on easier terrain can sometimes work for groups of up to 4.
During autumn and spring we can climb ice gullies (goulottes) in higher altitude in Chamonix. Please contact us for recommended routes and quotes.
More reading about ice climbing adventures in our Ice and Mixed climbing blog category.