Mountaineering course towards autonomy in the Mont Blanc massif
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationChamonix-Mont-Blanc / Mont Blanc Massif - France
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions28.38 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
This course has been developed by analyzing, over the years, the specific areas where beginner mountaineers struggle. This advanced mountaineering course will allow you to deepen your training and achieve a sufficient level of independence by practicing on the most beautiful peaks of the Mont Blanc massif! A guide will accompany you throughout the week to help you become more self-reliant and discover the magnificent scenery of the massif. A more pedagogical approach to mountaineering will be offered through training days on routes ranging from F to PD+. You will review techniques for progression on glacial and rocky terrain, rope techniques, belaying , rappelling, placing ice screws and nuts, setting up anchors, and any other techniques you wish to improve to progress towards safe and independent climbing.
The highlights
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Access to autonomy in high mountain terrain
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Teaching by a high mountain guide in a spirit of transmission
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Put yourself in the lead climbing position as soon as possible, under the guide's supervision.
Photos
maxime - verified review - june 2024
maxime - verified review - june 2024
maxime - verified review - june 2024
maxime - verified review - june 2024
maxime - verified review - june 2024
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
Management
French
English
Our trip is led by a high mountain guide who will provide you with the technical information necessary for the smooth running of the stay.
Program
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Ascent to the refuge and warm-up
- Activity Mountaineering
- Accommodation Refuge
- 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 a check of your individual equipment, you'll head towards Champex to catch the Breya chairlift. From there, you'll begin the approach hike to the Cabane d'Orny, where you'll spend the next five days. Once settled in, you'll head towards the cliffs just above the refuge for some climbing; the routes are equipped. Your guide will then review all the techniques for roping up, belaying, placing nuts, and rappelling.
Day 1 -
The White Head
- Activity Mountaineering
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After an early start, you'll head towards Tête Blanche to climb the NE and NW ridges. The aim is to familiarize yourself with glacial and mixed climbing techniques . You'll learn how to set up belays using ice screws.
Day 2 -
The Orny Needle
- Activity Mountaineering
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this third day, you head towards the Aiguille d'Orny. An opportunity to progress independently in placing nuts and cams, pitch by pitch.Day 3 -
La Javelle - Aiguilles Dorées
- Activity Mountaineering
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After three days of training, it's high time to head out for a major solo climb, La Javelle in the Aiguilles Dorées. All the techniques learned in the previous days will be put into practice: short rope progression, belaying, downclimbing, rappelling... A complete climb to move towards independence!Day 4 -
The Aiguille de la Cabane
- Activity Mountaineering
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The course is drawing to a close; in the morning you will depart for the Aiguille de la Cabane where you will undertake a multi-pitch climbing ascent. You will begin the descent after lunch and will be back in Chamonix by late afternoon.
Day 5
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather, or the physical condition or technical level of the participants require it.
Accommodation
Nights are spent in dormitories ; blankets are provided , but you should bring a sleeping bag liner . Toiletries will be minimal. Slippers are available, so there's no need to bring shoes for the refuge.
Access
Go to the starting point
🚂 SNCF train station of Saint Gervais les Bains le Fayet then TER tourist train Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix.
🚗 By road, A40 "Autoroute Blanche" to Chamonix.
Price details
The price includes
- The technical organization of the internship and the reception of interns
- Supervision by a high mountain guide
- The provision of shared technical equipment
- Half-board accommodation in guesthouses and mountain refuges
- Picnics
The price does not include
- The ski lifts
- Individual technical equipment
- Drinks and all personal expenses.
- Travel within the valley will be provided by participants' personal vehicles.
- Race provisions
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Group equipment (ropes, carabiners) is provided.
- Slippers are available at the refuge.
Equipment to bring
- A backpack with a capacity of 45 to 55 liters with a waist belt and comfortable shoulder straps will be suitable.
- High-altitude mountaineering boots with rigid soles
- Climbing shoes
- An ice axe, crampons, a harness, a helmet
- A water bottle of at least 1 litre.
- 1 "sleeving bag" type sheet
- Survival blanket
- 1 headlamp with batteries and spare bulb
- Pocket knife
- A pair of gaiters
- A small toiletry bag (bare minimum)
- A sunscreen cream (for face and lips)
- A rain cover for the bag (not mandatory)
If you practice climbing, feel free to bring your technical equipment: descender, quickdraws, etc...
Clothing to bring
- Cap
- Hat (or cap) for sun protection and/or scarf
- Glacier glasses + ski goggles (useful in case of bad weather)
- 1 pair of warm gloves or mittens
- 1 pair of fleece or wool gloves
- 1 pair of gloves
- 2 or 3 breathable, long-sleeved technical base layers
- Breathable technical base layer (carline, lightweight fleece...)
- Thick fleece jacket
- Down jacket or vest (not mandatory but appreciated in very cold weather)
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
- 1 pair of comfortable mountain pants
- 1 pair of breathable technical tights
- 2 pairs of socks, one thin pair and one thicker pair
This list is general and covers all the weather conditions you might encounter in the high mountains. Keep in mind that temperatures drop considerably with altitude. Always pack warm clothing, even when temperatures are high in the valley.
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