Alpine Ice - Chamonix/Cogne

Duration 7 Days » Grade All levels

On the crux 3rd pitch of Antares, Valsavarench, Alpine Ice - Chamonix/Cogne course Photo: © Climbers.net

This course takes in two of the most famous ice-climbing venues in the Alps. With easy access and a mix of icefalls of varying degrees of difficulty, Chamonix is a great place to start the week. On Tuesday, we make the short journey through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. Here we are based in Valnontey, Val de Cogne on the Val d'Aosta side of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Cogne is rightly regarded as one of the premier ice climbing venues in the world, with a huge variety of over two hundred waterfalls, many of which are situated in a quiet valley just a short walk from the road. They freeze in the winter months to form perfect icefalls, from short pitches particularly suitable for novices to more challenging, longer routes. Cogne has everything and if conditions are lean, we also know of a few good 'sport mixed' routes, which can be climbed with ice axes, even if the ice is thin!

We also run ice climbing courses (Dec/Jan) in La Grave... [read more]

Experience Required

This course is guided at 1:2 ratio. Everyone from beginners to experienced climbers can enjoy icefall climbing. Climbers are paired according to their abilities and ambitions. You do not need to have previous ice climbing experience, you just need to be able to abseil (which can be learnt in the UK on one of our Rock Introduction Weekends.

Preparation

To climb icefalls and enjoy the experience, you need good basic level of fitness and to be reasonably determined. Indoor climbing will help to tone muscles and improve your grip strength, as well as training your balance and overall agility.

Equipment

Top of the range crampons (Charlet Moser M10) and technical ice tools (Charlet Moser Quarks), harness and helmet are included in the price of the Alpine Ice course. We will send you a detailed equipment list once you have booked.

Course Directors - Jim Blyth and Paul Farmer

The Alpine Ice courses are directed by Jim Blyth and Paul Farmer, both of whom live in the Alps and have many years' experience of climbing ice in these areas... [read more]

Accommodation, Travel, Inclusions and Exclusions

Chamonix/Cogne participants would find it easiest to fly to Geneva and transfer to Chamonix by a shared taxi service, booked through Jagged Globe. Comprehensive travel details are provided in the course Joining Instructions, which you receive once you have booked... [read more]