Mountaineering courses, trips and initiation

Take the step towards the high mountains with our mountaineering courses

Beyond hiking, an introductory mountaineering course to learn all the basics

Do you frequent the mountains and their trails in all directions and dream of the high peaks that taunt you?

Take the plunge and introduce yourself to mountaineering during a small group course!

Make no mistake, this activity is not reserved for the mountain elite. On routes with adapted difficulty and duration, you can, with the help of high mountain guides, familiarise yourself with this magical environment in complete safety and progress at your own pace thanks to a course adapted to your level.

Rock climbing, glacier hiking, ridge routes, nights in refuges, on a mythical peak or in a confidential sector, the possibilities are endless for your sporting trip to the summit.

Discovering the high mountains is like changing worlds, marveling at the unreal lights of high altitudes, enjoying early morning departures by headlamp light and feeling the adrenaline boost at the foot of the first difficulties before, of course, tasting the magic of the summit during your mountaineering course!

Preparation of the apprentice mountaineer

Beginner mountaineering course: Well trained, well equipped, for a great start!

To start in the best conditions, there is no secret, you must arrive in good physical condition and choose a course formula with an adapted difficulty and duration.

Faced with a demanding environment, characterised by exposure to cold, wind, sun and potential bad weather, endurance is essential. In the high mountains, days can be long and you must always keep some energy in reserve to deal with any unexpected events such as a change in weather during your course.

The best preparation for your introduction to mountaineering remains the experience of the mountains in all their forms, and in particular through hiking. And for those who are not lucky enough to live nearby, any sport that develops endurance will be welcome. Put on your trainers! Regarding acclimatisation to altitude, it is specific to each individual, we still advise you to test your capacity on the subject during previous mountain experiences before the course.

Finally, regarding equipment, you will need to be prepared for all eventualities. It is not uncommon to start the day with a beanie on your head and a down jacket on your shoulders and end up in a t-shirt on the way back down to the valley! Your high mountain guide will be able to advise you on the right mountaineering gear depending on the level of difficulty.

On the way to the summits: Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso and many others

Learning mountaineering: Where to make your first steps with crampons on your feet and an ice axe in hand?

To start on the right foot, also choose the right learning location for your active trip! Some massifs are particularly suitable for first steps in the high mountains. This is notably the case of the Italian Alpine massif of Gran Paradiso. With its mythical altitude just above 4000m and its routes of an accessible level of difficulty, the playground is ideal for familiarising yourself with the basics of the practice.

For your mountaineering course, we also recommend Chamonix, the cradle of mountaineering with its beautiful peaks to climb such as the mythical Mont Blanc.

Taking your first steps roped up, walking with crampons, using an ice axe, performing your first rope maneuvers: you might as well learn calmly during your course before aiming for more difficult mountain routes. This will be the opportunity to subsequently consider more ambitious goals: why not Mont Blanc or Monte Rosa? Always with a high mountain guide, of course!

Also to discover:

1. Our mountaineering weekends

Our mountaineering courses by level:

1. Our mountaineering courses for beginners
2. Our mountaineering courses for advanced

Our destinations for a mountaineering course:

1. Mountaineering in Europe
2. Mountaineering in France
3. Mountaineering in Switzerland
4. Mountaineering in Italy
5. Mountaineering in the Ecrins
6. Mountaineering in the Alps
7. Mountaineering in Gran Paradiso
8. Mont Blanc Ascents

All our sports for mountain holidays:

1. Canyoning trips
2. Climbing trips and courses
3. Gravel biking trips
4. Hiking and trekking trips
5. Introduction and caving courses
6. Trail running trips and courses
7. Mountain biking trips