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Alpine Skills
Fancy dipping your toe in to the wonderful world of Alpinism? If so then this is the course for you. Think rope work, belaying, crampons, glaciers and crevasse rescue. A great place to start for any budding mountaineer.
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Duration
5 Days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
June - September
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Price
€1200
Adventure Snapshot
VIEW GALLERY
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LEARN MOUNTAINEERING TECHNIQUES IN CHAMONIX
Based in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, our 3 day course will cover alpine rock climbs and scrambles while learning appropriate rope work and belaying skills. You will also spend time in the high glaciated mountains of the Mont Blanc massif, taking in quality peaks while we learn appropriate crampon, rope and crevasse rescue techniques.
By the end of the trip you will feel confident in the high mountains and ready to tackle your next mountain adventure. Mont Blanc perhaps?
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
You will need to come with a good basic level of fitness as you will be on your feet for most of the day. No mountaineering experience is required as that's what you're here for.
Determination is needed to keep you going throughout the weekend. While this adventure is open to new mountaineers, please note that doesn’t mean it’s physically easy.
Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Drop us a note and we'll be happy to talk it through with you.
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Duration
5 Days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
June - September
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Guide Ratio
3:1
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Ability
Level ALevel A
You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on!
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Price
€1200
Adventure Overview
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
The Cosmiques Arete
04:51As part of the trip we often tackle this gem of a climb. Here Olly and Charlie have a bit fun while doing it.
The Mont Blanc Climb
07:54A little insight in to the Mont Blanc climb.
Adventure Base: Through our clients eyes.
00:53We asked our clients to let us know how their trips went. They decided to show us instead. Below is footage captured by our clients on some of our favourite adventures. Thanks guys.
Kit & equipment required for this adventure
Certain items can be rented from Adventure Base such as crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness (You are able to add these to your cart at checkout). We use the latest kit from Black Diamond meaning you'll be using quality equipment and our rental options are cheaper than if you were to rent it from a local shop when you get here. Win! (Note: Your kit might vary sightly from the images below)
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary. For the full downloadable Alpine Skills kit list please click here.
Rent for €35
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Sun block
For your nose and lips
Sunglasses
At least cat 4 and ideally with limited gaps at the sides
Goggles
Just in case you hit bad weather
Down Jacket
Lightweight and thin down jacket.
Hardshell Jacket
GORE-TEX® or Similar
Softshell Jacket
Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.
Thermal Tops
Keep them light and thin.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
Hardshell Trousers
GORE-TEX® or similar
Softshell Trousers
Stretch, durable mountaineering trousers.
Thermal Bottoms
Keep them light and thin.
Sleeping bag silk liner
You don’t need a sleeping bag itself, as blankets are provided in the huts
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Rent for €45
Crampons
12 point steel mountaineering crampons
Mountaineering Gloves
Thick and built for the cold
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking
Hiking shoes / Trail Shoes
Good grip and ankle support is recommended
Head torch
Don't forget to pack spare batteries. They're essential
Sun Hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun.
Warm Hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet.
"Adventure Base. The name says it all. It is the perfect base for setting in motion, adventures in the mountains, and beyond, that you dream about! I was impressed by the quality of service and professionalism, and how the Adventure Base team makes sure you get the most out of the entire experience.
"There are so many companies who offer the world and when you check them out they don't deliver. Adventure Base deliver what they say and more. The best recommendations will always come through others who have used the same company and I'm so glad I took their advice.
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre-trip excitement with your group.
What's Included?
- 3 days of learning alpine skills
- 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in Chamonix
- 1 night in a mountain hut with breakfast and dinner
- Handpicked Adventure Base guides
- Guiding fees
- All group equipment
- All transport within the itinerary
What's not Included?
- Travel to / from Chamonix
- Evening meals in Chamonix
This trip is running on the following dates
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OUR CHAMONIX ACCOMMODATION
When not climbing the mountain we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen this mountain lodge with it's super comfortable rooms and warm atmosphere. The perfect spot to rest up in-between your stays in the mountain huts. But don't let that nice linen and chocolate on the bed win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic, but charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!
VIEW GALLERY
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Chamonix
The lodge is an excellent base for our Mont Blanc trip. With stunning views of the mountain, it's well placed and just a few minutes walk from Chamonix centre. Rooms are on a twin share basis with en suite bathrooms. Breakfast is included in your stay and is always plentiful. There is also a bar and restaurant for the evenings, with some lovely outdoor space to relax in after the climb.
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Duration
3 Nights
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Single & Double
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Food
Breakfast Included
Mountain Huts
When heading up the mountain you will be staying in accommodation which boasts views that can't be beaten (Itinerary dependent). They're not going to win any five stars awards for service but will keep you warm, dry and fed. Just don't forget to pack your ear plugs... trust us!
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Duration
1 night
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Dorms
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Food
Breakfast and Dinner
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgeable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required.
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Day 1:
Arrival Day
We meet in the evening to go through the weather/conditions and plan for the next 3 days.
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Day 2:
Introduction to climbing and abseiling techniques
Multipitch rock climbing and abseiling techniques in Chamonix valley. Night in Chamonix.
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Day 3:
Introduction to glacier skills
Traverse the glacial Vallee blanche from the Aig du Midi to Pt Helbronner. A day looking at glacier travel skills and crevasse rescue. Overnight in the Torino hut with stunning sunset views over Mont Blanc.
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Day 4:
Putting it all to the test
Climb the Tour Ronde, traverse the Aiguilles d’Entreves or a similar mountaineering route, putting all the skills into practise. Return to Chamonix in the afternoon and finish the course with a well deserved beer in town. Overnight in the hotel.
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Day 5:
Departure
Time to pack up and head home with some skills in the bag!
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
What Insurance Do I Need?
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments Read more
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but also environments that carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. Click here to understand which one is for you.
Meet your guides for this adventure
Miha
Lead IFMGA
Miha is an IFMGA guide from Slovenia based between the beautiful Julian Alps and Chamonix. He has been climbing for over 20 years all over the world, including expeditions to Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan, USA, Mexico and Peru. He summited an 8000er on his first expedition to the Himalaya, did a first ascent on the previously unclimbed Lasher peak in the Himalaya and climbed El Capitan and many routes over the Alps.
Pablo
Lead IFMGA
Pablo is originally from a small mountain village in Spain and came to Chamonix with only one dream to become a mountain guide. Based in Chamonix since 2013, Pablo made the Alps his playground as a guide and as an alpinist and has climbed many of the classic alpine routes. He combines mountain guiding with helicopter rescue work in Spain during the off seasons.
Faust
Lead IFMGA
Born in the Aran Valley, from parents who were ski teachers and mountain guides, the motivation inherited by nature has led him to practice all facets of mountain sports such as climbing, skiing and mountaineering. He has spent his alpine career as part of the FEDME team (Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports) and his passion and profession have led him to travel to other continents to carry out his activity.
Fede
Lead IFMGA
"My favorite mountain is the Midi d’Ossau, in the Pyrenees. It is a volcanic and unique mountain, that a stands out from the other peaks around. It is a huge fortress with many different features that provides incredible rock climbing routes, and the most important thing is that is 20 minutes from my house ;)"
Jon
Lead IFMGA
"If asked about my favourite mountain or mountain range, it wouldn't be easy to answer since perfect places to climb, ski or explore can be found all over the world. But, if I had to choose one, I think I'd say the Pyrenees, not very high, but wild and still quite unknown: the mountains where I learnt when I was a child and where I can still live great adventures far from the crowd".
Roger
Lead IFMGA
"I love what I do and love to transmit my passion while guiding. After touring the world following the call of the mountains and human cultures and fulfilling my dreams, I have put together all the knowledge gained and a strong background as a mountain guide to become one of the most versatile, dedicated and professional guides back home, in the Pyrenees."
Fabio
Lead IFMGA
Fabio has guided with us for close to ten years now and has summited Mont Blanc more times than we can remember. He's even helped Sir Richard Brans get to the top of Western Europe. When asked what his favourite mountain was his response was 'It's the mountain not known to many, in a remote country that provides opportunity for adventure. That said, I do love Cordillera Blanca (Peru) to guide in, Montserrat (Barcelona) because it's where it all started for me and Main De Fatima (Mali) because it's special to me!"
Lars
Lead IFMGA
Lars is a IFMGA Guide originally from Belgium, with over 20 years of experience climbing and splitboarding in the Mont Blanc massif, the Alps and the greater ranges of the world. Having lived in Chamonix for over a decade he has enjoyed the unique and unlimited climbing possibilities in and around the valley. Lars is also one of the most recognised and experienced splitboard guides leading expeditions to Kamchatka, Greenland, Iceland and more.
READY TO LEARN SOME SKILLS?
We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
Start your adventure