Discover rock climbing in Chamonix

We will use variety of locations for the training and climbing. The itinerary will be adapted to the overall level of the group and weather / conditions.

You should arrive in Chamonix the day before the first full day of your course. The course starts with an evening meeting between the course participants and the guide at our office. Your guide will go through the plan for the week and answer any questions you have.

Today we start in one of the local single pitch crags. You will get to know the rock climbing equipment and learn how to use it. We will go through hazard evaluation and risk management of single pitch climbing. You will learn the basic moves on rock, practice ‘top rope’ safety skills and learn climbing communication calls. After the climbing practice, we will have an evening seminar in our offices where we will teach you the most important climbing knots.

The morning will be used to reinforce the skills you learned the day before. Repetition is the key to good practice. You will further your rock climbing skills and try to climb harder routes. In the afternoon, we will introduce abseil techniques; lead belaying and multi-pitch rope skills. Another evening seminar today, this time about ropes and fall dangers.

Today we will go to one of the local multi pitch areas to try out a real multi pitch route! The area will be chosen depending on your climbing level, but it will be a very easy climb which will allow you to practice your rope skills without worrying about falling.

These 2 days are dedicated to climbing! You will again and again use the skills you have learned the first 3 days – repetition is good way to get all the safety skills under your skin. We will explain how to read guidebooks and prepare your own climbing pack. Under the supervision of your guide, you will lead pitches and belay your partner. Finally, we will introduce you to self-rescue techniques – important skills to know when you unexpectedly need to get yourself out of the climb.