• Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
  • Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif
Mont Blanc Massif / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Discovering mountaineering on the Mont Blanc massif

4,5/5 (14 reviews)
Réf : FAPRO

In summary

  • Sports
    Mountaineering
  • Duration
    5 days
  • Level
    Confirmed

    Levels

    Mountaineering
    Beginner
    Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
    Intermediate
    For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
    Confirmed
    For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
    Advanced
    For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
    Expert
    For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
  • Destination
    Mont Blanc Massif / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    62.06 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇫🇷
    French
    🇬🇧
    English

In a few words

Experience a 5-day course in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif , ideal for acquiring the fundamentals of mountaineering and high-altitude climbing. From Chamonix, we'll travel to Champex, Switzerland, to take a large chairlift. A trail will then lead us to the Orny hut at 2811m , on the Swiss side of the Mont Blanc massif: your base camp for the week. Each day, head out into the mountains for rock, snow, and ice climbing lessons , and summit attempts. You'll learn the basic techniques for roped climbing and ensuring your safety and that of your fellow participants, in all types of high-mountain terrain. The program includes: cramponing on snow and ice, roped progression on glaciers, rock climbing, rappelling techniques, rescue maneuvers, route planning, map reading, and navigation.

The highlights

  • A true discovery of mountaineering and climbing
  • Friendly accommodation at altitude at the Cabane d'Orny (2811m)
  • Ideal base camp on the Swiss side of Mont Blanc
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Photos

Sport

Level

Mountaineering

Confirmed

Levels

Mountaineering
Beginner
Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
Intermediate
For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
Confirmed
For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
Advanced
For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
Expert
For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.

In figures

Rock climbing

  • Average daily elevation gain: 375 m
  • Maximum altitude: 2811 m

Mountaineering

  • Average duration/day: 5h
  • Average distance/day: 5 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 571 m
  • Average daily descent: 571 m
  • Maximum altitude: 3542 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 4 to 5 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
Guide de haute montagne

Our stay is supervised by a high mountain guide who will provide you with the technical elements necessary for the success of this program.

Management

Security

For safety reasons and to ensure a consistent level of competition as advertised, the organizers and staff reserve the right to discontinue your participation if your technical skill and/or physical condition do not meet the required standards. Under no circumstances will this discontinuation entitle you to a refund or compensation.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
  • map

    Ascent to the refuge and warm-up

    • Activity Rock climbing
    • Positive elevation gain 750 m
    • Maximum altitude 2811 m
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner included

    You'll meet your guide and the rest of the group early in the morning in Chamonix at our partner shop. After checking your individual equipment, you'll head towards Champex to take the Breya chairlift. From here, you'll begin the approach hike to the Cabane d'Orny (2811m) , where you'll spend the next five days. Once settled in, your guide will introduce you to rock climbing above the refuge, providing an introduction to rope and belaying techniques that will be useful in the coming days.

    Night at the Orny Cabin.

    Day 1

Note

This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it and in the interest of safety.

Accommodation

- Days 1 to 4
  • - Days 1 to 4
- Days 1 to 4
Nights at the refuge are spent in dormitories ; blankets are provided, but remember to bring a sleeping bag liner. Toiletries will be minimal. Slippers are available, so there's no need to bring shoes for the refuge.

Access

Departure
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Day 5 - 09h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toChamonix-Mont-Blanc

🚂 SNCF train station of Saint Gervais les Bains le Fayet then TER tourist train Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix.

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available
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Price details

The price includes

  1. The technical organization of the stay
  2. Supervision by a high mountain guide
  3. Dormitory accommodation in a mountain refuge
  4. Full board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5
  5. The ski lifts necessary for the normal running of the program
  6. The collective equipment necessary for safety

The price does not include

  1. Individual technical equipment
  2. Drinks in the mountain huts, including water (expect to pay €7-10 per bottle)
  3. Individual race supplies
  4. Travel within the valley
  5. Rental of boots, harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe if necessary

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,5/5
(14 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
A

Alban

july 2025
Translated from French
Fantastic stay, introductory mountaineering course with a great, friendly and professional guide. We learned so much and he was very attentive to our needs.
Published on 23/07/2025
B

Buttin

june 2025
Translated from French
A superb experience, magnificent scenery, a fantastic group, a program tailored to the group's level—in short, a truly unforgettable trip! Our guide (Claude) was top-notch; he was brilliant and taught us so much! You really push yourself during this trip, so it's essential to be in excellent physical condition before signing up! Furthermore, it might be a good idea to take some climbing lessons or do a few sessions on your own at a climbing gym, as some routes can be a bit too technical for beginners.
  • Buttin
  • Buttin
  • Buttin
  • Buttin
  • Buttin
Published on 11/07/2025
P

Paul

june 2025
Translated from French
A warm welcome and a fantastic stay overall, with magnificent weather and great mountaineering experiences. The refuge was very good, and the wardens provided us with hearty evening meals, while the packed lunches were lighter but still quite good. However, a minor issue arose with the partner, Concept Pro Shop, when it came time to pay at the end of the week. When renting a harness, ice axe, crampons, and mountaineering boots, I was paying €20 more than another participant who rented the exact same equipment plus a helmet. They mentioned discounted rates, which is great, but in that case, I asked them to tell me to rent the helmet if it was cheaper, which they didn't do. According to them, it's Montagne Expeditions' responsibility to inform us of this. In the end, I was refunded the cost of renting the harness, but the manager was unhappy.
Published on 23/06/2025

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,5/5
(14 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
A

Alban

july 2025
Translated from French
Fantastic stay, introductory mountaineering course with a great, friendly and professional guide. We learned so much and he was very attentive to our needs.
Published on 23/07/2025
B

Buttin

june 2025
Translated from French
A superb experience, magnificent scenery, a fantastic group, a program tailored to the group's level—in short, a truly unforgettable trip! Our guide (Claude) was top-notch; he was brilliant and taught us so much! You really push yourself during this trip, so it's essential to be in excellent physical condition before signing up! Furthermore, it might be a good idea to take some climbing lessons or do a few sessions on your own at a climbing gym, as some routes can be a bit too technical for beginners.
  • Buttin
  • Buttin
  • Buttin
  • Buttin
  • Buttin
Published on 11/07/2025
P

Paul

june 2025
Translated from French
A warm welcome and a fantastic stay overall, with magnificent weather and great mountaineering experiences. The refuge was very good, and the wardens provided us with hearty evening meals, while the packed lunches were lighter but still quite good. However, a minor issue arose with the partner, Concept Pro Shop, when it came time to pay at the end of the week. When renting a harness, ice axe, crampons, and mountaineering boots, I was paying €20 more than another participant who rented the exact same equipment plus a helmet. They mentioned discounted rates, which is great, but in that case, I asked them to tell me to rent the helmet if it was cheaper, which they didn't do. According to them, it's Montagne Expeditions' responsibility to inform us of this. In the end, I was refunded the cost of renting the harness, but the manager was unhappy.
Published on 23/06/2025
A

Adrian

june 2025
Translated from French
A fantastic trip, well-organized by a calm and caring mountain guide. However, I think it's preferable to take a few climbing lessons before doing the course. It's doable without them, but they can certainly enhance the overall experience.
  • Adrian
  • Adrian
  • Adrian
  • Adrian
  • Adrian
Published on 22/06/2025
S

Sylvie

august 2024
Translated from French
A fantastic 5-day introductory mountaineering course including glacier hikes, climbing, and crevasse descents. We learned techniques, knots, and equipment. The guide was highly competent and a great teacher. The mountain hut was comfortable, although there were no showers. The food was plentiful and excellent.
  • Sylvie
  • Sylvie
  • Sylvie
  • Sylvie
Published on 25/08/2024
M

MAXENCE

august 2024
Published on 18/08/2024
E

Edouard

july 2024
Translated from French
A very enjoyable and educational trip with a great group and guide. Looking forward to my next expedition.
  • Edouard
  • Edouard
  • Edouard
  • Edouard
  • Edouard
Published on 07/07/2024
C

Corinne

june 2024
Translated from French
A fantastic introductory stay, a friendly mountain refuge, and a wonderful guide.
Published on 29/06/2024
J

Joffrey

august 2023
Translated from French

Fantastic stay! I highly recommend it!

Published on 20/08/2023
S

Salim

july 2023
Translated from French

A good first experience; we covered quite a lot of ground, but I would have liked the explanations to be more in-depth, as they were given a bit too quickly. We had to ask for things to be explained again...

We had no lessons on how to tackle very steep ice walls, even though it's essential, while we climbed crevasses, which is clearly much less essential.

The minimum requirement for a course of this type would have been to learn how to move on 40° slopes with and without crampons and to learn how to use the ice axe in this context.

Likewise, we weren't taught at all how to fall and catch ourselves properly, nor what to do if someone falls.

Published on 15/08/2023
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Hello Salim,

Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback following your stay in the Alps.

We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced during your trip.

We have taken note of your various comments and have passed them on to our local partner.

We will be more vigilant in choosing the guide to lead this trip.

See you soon for a new sporting adventure!

The Decathlon Travel team
The Alexandre team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Alexandre team

4.5/5 (614 reviews) • 115 stays
Située à Chamonix, la capitale mondiale de l'alpinisme, notre équipe vous emmène sur les plus belles montagnes du Monde. Nos guides partagent tous la même philosophie de la montagne, basée sur la transmission de leur passion, sur la sécurité de leur encadrement et leur professionnalisme.

Que ce soit sur les sentiers des Alpes ou sur les plus hauts sommets de la planète, le rôle de l'équipe de notre partenaire Alpinisme est de rester en permanence à votre écoute pour partager une expérience inoubliable en toute sécurité.

Nous voulons également que ce moment vécu ensemble soit un partage de toutes les richesses de l'altitude. Richesses sportives au rythme de l'action, richesses esthétiques des paysages et des lumières, richesses humaines par le partage d'une véritable "Culture Montagne".
Discover their team and their trips
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