Greatest Alpine Rock Climbs

The Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc range offer endless world class climbing options on compact, superb quality granite and gneiss rock. This is our handpicked selection of the finest high Alpine rock routes in Chamonix.

Classic Chamonix climbing routes on the South face of Aiguille du Midi, Pointe Lachenal, Dent du Géant or Grand Capucin will take you to some of the most stunning places you are ever likely to see.

Beginner

Discover Climbing. You have no experience in the high mountains or rock climbing. You’re comfortable walking on exposed non- technical trails (not requiring the use of the hands, or “scrambling.”) You’re looking for new challenges in steeper terrain.

Perrons de Vallorcine, Traverse (2674m)

A beautiful ridge climb in wild setting of the Aiguilles Rouges. It is a great option for beginners or as a preparation route for more committed high alpine itineraies (AD, 4a)

Clocher-Clochetons traverse

This route is one of the 100 most beautiful routes in the Mont Blanc range. The rock is excellent, the climbing is steep and spectacular!

Intermediate

You have some prior experience climbing or mountaineering. You know basic techniques and basic maneuvers (belaying, rappelling, basic knots). You can follow French 5 (5.8) on rock and French AD in the high mountains.

Papillons Ridge, Aiguille du Peigne

This is one of the great granite classics in Chamonix. Interesting climbing, exposed in places offering easy access high alpine granite experience.

Frison Roche, Brevent

A true classic route on the face of the Brevent in the Aiguilles Rouges. 195m of varied climbing at up to 6a. Short approach, great views and fun climbing.

Parat Seigneur route - Aiguille de Praz-Torrent

Very interesting, moderate climbing - 350m of up to 6a grade - in a gorgeous and wild massif of Aiguilles Rouges. Great day out, excellent climbing, amazing views.

Advanced

You have solid experience in the mountains or rock climbing. You’ve already completed multiple ascents graded French AD or harder and long, multi-pitch rock climbs. You are self sufficient with the basic equipment and safety techniques of multi pitch rock climbing. You can lead climb up to French 5 on rock/ gym and alpine routes up to French PD. You can follow up to French 6a-6b on rock and alpine routes graded French D.

Rébuffat – Baquet route, Aiguille du Midi (3842 m)

Amazing granite route 200m, TD / 6a. One day climb with easy access from the Aiguille du Midi summit station.

Bonatti Tabou, Chandelle du Tacul (3581m)

One of the best granite routes in the Mont Blanc massif. It has all the ingredients of a great day out: glacier walk with views of the Cirque Maudit, fantastic climbing and summit on a granite tower (6a–6b, TD+, 250 M).

Contamine Route, Pointe Lachenal (3613m)

Superb and moderately difficult rock climb on Pointes Lachenal, a steep granite wall on the famous Vallee Blanche in Chamonix

Expert

You have accumulated a well rounded list of difficult multi-pitch rock climbs, and climb regularly at a good level. You can lead French 5+ and follow French 6b-6c. You have good rope work and safety skills (building belays, safely belaying lead climber, abseiling, etc.)

Voie des Suisses, Grand Capucin (3838m)

300+ m of superb crack climbing of up to 6b climbing difficulty and A1 (7B free climbing).