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Mountaineering Winter mountaineering course
Duration:
3 days
Price from: 700€
Fitness:
Infobulle physique
Physical Level 1: For individuals who engage in occasional physical activities, positive elevation gain of up to 300m.
Physical Level 2: For individuals who engage in regular physical activities, positive elevation gain of up to 600m or routes above 3500m.
Physical Level 3: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain of up to 900m or routes above 4000m.
Physical Level 4: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain of up to 1300m.
Physical Level 5: For individuals who engage in intensive endurance activities, positive elevation gain exceeding 1300m.
Technique:
Infobulle technique
Technical Level 1: For regular hikers wishing to discover mountaineering. The route is not very steep and is well-marked, or the activity may also take place in beginner-friendly areas.
Technical Level 2: For experienced hikers wishing to discover mountaineering. The route includes short, steep sections and may involve scree or rocky ridges, requiring surefootedness.
Technical Level 3: For occasional mountaineers (2 to 5 recent outings). The route includes steep sections requiring prior climbing experience at a French grade 3c level and/or mastery of crampons and ice axe use.
Technical Level 4: For regular mountaineers (5 to 10 recent outings). The route requires climbing at a French grade 4c level and mastery of mountaineering techniques, including the use of crampons and an ice axe, as well as basic roping and belaying techniques.
Technical Level 5: For experienced mountaineers (more than 10 recent outings). The route requires climbing above a French grade 4c level and mastery of mountaineering techniques, including the use of crampons and ice axes for ice climbing, as well as advanced roping and belaying techniques.
General information
During the winter season, the Mont Blanc massif remains an exceptional playground for mountaineers. The numerous ski lifts provide swift access to a wide variety of routes. This winter mountaineering course primarily focuses on improving your mixed climbing skills. The distinctive feature of this course is its small group sizes, with a maximum of four guests per group led by one guide. You'll receive personalized guidance from your guide, and the course's flexibility ensures a high-quality experience. Snowshoes will be used for approaches. To enroll in this course, previous mountaineering experience is required, including proficiency in using crampons and basic belaying techniques. For total beginners, we recommend considering our ice climbing course.
The objectives of the winter mountaineering course
- Introduction to understanding avalanches risks and winter mountaineering
- Mastery and progression of mountaineering techniques on mixed terrain
Group booking
Group session associates several people who don’t know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.
Dates : See below for the group booking module
Price 2025 : 700€ per person based on minimum of 3 participants
Registration possible from age 18
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- lifts tickets
- transfer to Italy (Day2)
- technical equipment: crampons, ice axes, harness, helmet & DVA, snow shoes
Not included in the package :
- all meals
- personal drinks and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- cost of getting to meeting point
- personal technical equipment
- accommodations in Chamonix
Private booking
A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a guide to his/her client. It allows you to be alone, or in a constituted group, with your guide that meets your specific needs. It is undoubtedly the ideal formula to realize your projects because it guarantees you a maximum of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date and the itinerary can be adjusted, according to your specific expectations.
Prices 2025 :
2 people : 1165€ per person
3 people : 855€ per person
4 people : 700€ per person
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- lifts tickets
- transfer to Italy (Day2)
- technical equipment: crampons, ice axes, harness, helmet & DVA
Not included in the package :
- all meals
- personal drinks and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- cost of getting to meeting point
- personal technical equipment
- accommodations in Chamonix
Further information
In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips. They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience.
Meeting point : Meet at 08:30 am at the Compagnie des Guides office in Chamonix - 190, place de l'eglise - 74400 Chamonix
Physical level : For people doing regular exercise
Technical level : This course is aimed at people with prior experience in mountaineering : I am used to using crampons and an ice axe, I have previous climbing experience, and I know the basic belaying techniques
Guiding policy : Our guiding policy is to have 3 to 4 people per guide. Registration possible from age 18
Accommodation : No accommodation during the trip.We have hotel partners in Chamonix with special prices for our customers
Documentation : Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance when you sign up. Participants must also take valid ID with them
Documents available for download
Equipment
We recommend you to pay particular attention to the choice of your equipment. It contributes greatly to the success of your stay. Weight is decisive: you always have to evaluate the ratio weight/comfort, to find the best compromise. In a general way, it is better to pile up several light coats rather than wear one big clothing.
Equipment
- Comfortable frameless rucksack (about 35-40 litres)
- Hiking boots to use semi-rapid crampons
- A pair of gaiters if your pant is not equipped
- A pair of telescopic poles
- A pair of crampons, helmet, harness & Ice-Axe - lended
Clothing
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated parka with hood (Gore-tex or equivalent)
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated pants
- Thick polar-pile fleece jacket or equivalent
- 1 long-sleeve shirt
- Medium weight thermal underwear (top + bottoms, silk or polypro, double as pyjamas)
- Warm socks
- Warm ski hat and light sun hat with brim
- Warm ski gloves or mittens
- A pair of adjusted gloves allowing you to easily handle material,
- Neck protection,
- Spare thermal underwear (for sleeping and change), down vest, T-shirt (s)
Accessories
- High-altitude sunglasses (grade 4 is recommended)
- 1.0 or 1.5 quart water bottle (insulate if possible)
- Sun block for face and lips
- Aspirin, elastoplast, 2nd skin kit
- Camera
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Millet, Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Itinerary
Day 1
Ice-Climbing & mountaineering basics
First meeting with your guide, check of the equipment. Ice climbing at the Cremerie in Argentière or Berard in Vallorcine, top rope or lead climb. Mountaineering basics : roping, belaying, rapelling. Depending on the conditions, Day 1 may take place on the Mer de Glace.
Day 2
Route from Pointe Helbronner (3642m)
This day is focused on a snow route. We will climb Petit Flambeau (3407m), Aiguille de Toule (3534m) or a corridor in les Marbrées.
Day 3
Route from Aiguille du Midi (3842m)
This day is focused on an ice or mixed route. Pointe Lachenal (3613m), Arête à Laurence or itinerary to the Cosmiques ridge (3800m).
Booking
Book your activity
Calculate your carbon footprint
Discover the carbon emissions of this activity and add your trip to the meeting point.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 44 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 44 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 4.4€The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
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