Winter Alpine Skills | Adventure Base
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Chamonix: Winter Alpine Skills

Our popular Alpine Skills course set in November and December, which are wilder, colder, often snowy and far quieter than the busy summer months in the Alps. The focus is on learning essential mountain skills such as crevasse rescue, ice climbing, roping up on glaciers all in a high mountain environment.

    Adventure Snapshot

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    Duration

    4 Nights

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    Start Location

    Chamonix, France

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    Date(s)

    April - November

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    Price

    From €1050.00

Book Now from €1050.00

GO OFF THE BEATEN TRACK ON A WILDERNESS ADVENTURE

Early Winter in the Alps is a beautiful time of year and far quieter than the busy summer months. The focus of this trip is on learning essential mountain skills such as crevasse rescue, ice climbing, roping up on glaciers, and climbing confidently on different terrain. You will stay in the self-catering winter rooms in a small cosy mountain hut above the Chamonix valley. Along with the guide you will be cooking your own food on gas stoves, fending for yourselves as the huts are unstaffed during the this period.

By the end of the trip you will feel more confident in the high mountains as well as gaining self-sufficient skills and experience. The aim of this trip is to make you feel ready to tackle your next mountain adventure and experience the mountains in slightly harsher conditions. As it is the beginning of Winter, expect the unexpected.

Footprints

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

WHO IS THIS FOR?

You will need to come with a high level of fitness and be accustomed to being on your feet with a heavy backpack (5-10kg) for 5-8 hours per day. We recommend some basic mountain experience before signing up to this trip although you do not need to be well versed in specific techniques - that's what you're here to learn! However, a little mileage in the legs goes a long way in making this trip more manageable.

Plenty of determination is needed to keep you going throughout the trip. While this adventure is open to fairly inexperienced 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.

    Adventure Overview

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    Duration

    4 Nights

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    Start Location

    Chamonix, France

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    Date(s)

    April - November

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    Guide Ratio

    1:3

  • Ability

    Level B

    Level B

    You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing. You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more 'aggressive' environments. Let's dial it up!

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    Price

    From €1050.00

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Group 58
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Great news! Your place on this adventure is carbon offset along with our footprint in creating it. To learn more about what we're doing head to our 'Better Business' page.

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See real footage of previous expeditions

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Chamonix Winter Alpine Skills

01:55

A little taster of a snowy winter adventure.

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Wild & Remote

00:22

You're on your own in the mountains. Learn how to operate in this environment.

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Meet The Team

01:48

Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.

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 Winter Alpine Skills kit list please click here.

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FINER DETAILS

YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE

On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing and dinner 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?

  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 3 days of learning alpine skills
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 2 nights hotel accommodation in Chamonix half board
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 2 nights in a mountain hut full board
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. IFMGA Adventure Base guide
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. All transport within the itinerary
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. All group equipment and food supplies in the hut

What's not Included?

  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Airport Transfers (approx. €45)
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Additional nights in Chamonix if required
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Personal equipment
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Personal insurance
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Lift tickets if required
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Personal snacks and drinks

This Trip is running on the following dates

april 2024
1 Date
Depart

Wed 24 Apr, 2024

Return

Sun 28 Apr, 2024

Availability

1 spot available

may 2024
1 Date
Depart

Wed 01 May, 2024

Return

Sun 05 May, 2024

Availability

2 spots available

october 2024
2 Dates
Depart

Sun 06 Oct, 2024

Return

Thu 10 Oct, 2024

Availability

3 spots available

Depart

Sun 20 Oct, 2024

Return

Thu 24 Oct, 2024

Availability

3 spots available

november 2024
2 Dates
Depart

Sun 03 Nov, 2024

Return

Thu 07 Nov, 2024

Availability

3 spots available

Depart

Sun 17 Nov, 2024

Return

Thu 21 Nov, 2024

Availability

3 spots available

april 2025
1 Date
Depart

Wed 23 Apr, 2025

Return

Sun 27 Apr, 2025

Availability

3 spots available

may 2025
1 Date
Depart

Wed 07 May, 2025

Return

Sun 11 May, 2025

Availability

3 spots available

october 2025
2 Dates
Depart

Wed 08 Oct, 2025

Return

Sun 12 Oct, 2025

Availability

3 spots available

Depart

Wed 22 Oct, 2025

Return

Sun 26 Oct, 2025

Availability

3 spots available

november 2025
2 Dates
Depart

Wed 05 Nov, 2025

Return

Sun 09 Nov, 2025

Availability

3 spots available

Depart

Wed 19 Nov, 2025

Return

Sun 23 Nov, 2025

Availability

3 spots available

OUR CHAMONIX ACCOMMODATION

When not in the mountains 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 for your first and last night of the trip. But don't let that nice linen and warm showers win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic, yet charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!

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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, triple or quad share basis with en suite bathrooms. Breakfast and dinner is included in your stay on the first and last night and is always plentiful. There is also a bar for the evenings, with some lovely outdoor space to relax in after the climb. Incase you don't get up to the mountain hut due to conditions you'd spend 2 extra nights here with breakfast included.

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    Duration

    2 Nights

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    Internet

    Wifi included

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    Beds

    Twin / triple rooms

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    Food

    Half Board

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Alpine Hut

We'll spend 2 nights staying up in the high Alpine environment conditions dependent. We choose the quieter huts for this time of year where we will cook our own food over gas cookers and be completely self-sufficient. It all adds to a real wild adventure. The sleeping arrangement is in dormitories with blankets provided. Full board is provided in the hut.

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    Duration

    2 Nights

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    Internet

    Not included

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    Beds

    Dormitory beds

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    Food

    Full Board

Mountains

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.

  • Day 1:
    Arrival Day

    Arrive in Chamonix. Get to know the guides and other members of the group over a delicious 3 course evening meal. Overnight in the hotel.

  • Day 2:
    Approach the mountain hut, first day of skills

    As all the cable cars are closed during this period, we will hike up on foot to access the high mountains (3hrs) and we will carry our overnight gear and food with gas cookers (the huts aren’t staffed at this time of year). It will feel more like an expedition, and it will be quiet in the mountains making it more of an ‘out there’ experience. In the afternoon we will cover some basic skills before it's time to cook dinner, enjoy the magnificent sunset and settle in for the night. Overnight in the hut.

  • Day 3:
    Skills progression on the glacier

    Today we take a full day of learning and progressing essential alpine skills. We'll cover things like crevasse rescue, ice climbing and general rope techniques to stay safe in wild high mountain terrain. By the end of the day you will have a better understanding of how to be more self-sufficient in the mountains. Overnight in the hut.

  • Day 4:
    Climb a nearby peak

    Our final day is aimed at putting the skills learned together and climb a nearby peak (somewhere around the 3500m altitude mark). During the climb the guide may hand over some of the control to the group at certain times to allow for group members to lead and learn what that is like. The aim is to summit the peak, and then head back to the hut, eat a nice lunch before descending to the valley and back to the hotel for a welcome hot shower and dinner. Overnight in the hotel.

  • Day 5:
    Departure

    Departure after breakfast.

Mountains
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Meet your guides for this adventure

Tom-Grant-Profile-
uk

Tom

IFMGA Guide

Tom was born in the US then moved to the UK aged 11 before quickly pursuing his passions in the mountains and reaching the top level he is at today. Tom has made the French Alpine town of Chamonix his home since 2009 and is vastly experienced in all mountain disciplines having completed some incredible first ski descents and countless mountaineering and rock climbing routes.

PABLO-2
spain

Pablo

IFMGA Guide

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.

MIHA-2
slovenia

Miha

IFMGA Guide

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.

Roger-Lopez
spain

Roger

IFMGA Guide

Roger has spent over 15 years guiding around the world. He is a Guide instructor at the Spanish School of Guides and is fascinated by discovering mountains with clients. Roger has a big passion about showing people his beloved mountains and sharing climbs and descents with skis.

Are you ready?

Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Chamonix: Winter Alpine Skills trip is rated Level B, for those with some prior experience We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.

Level A

For beginners and newcomers

  • You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
  • Little / no prior experience
  • Shorter time duration
  • No technical skills required but keen to learn
  • Basic level of fitness

Level B

For those with some prior experience

  • You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing, and are keen to build on that
  • You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more challenging environments
  • Some basic skills
  • Moderate fitness
Think you've got this?

This trip is at this level

Level C

For accomplished adventurers

  • You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
  • You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
  • You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
  • Strong level of fitness

Level D

For the pros

  • You're ready to test your skills on the next challenge
  • You're comfortable in most types of alpine environments
  • Some level of technical skills
  • Strong level of fitness

Level E

For the experts

  • You’ve been on multiple adventures and have built up a solid skillset to tackle most challenges out there
  • Good technical skills and knowledge
  • Experienced in alpine/mountains environments
  • Very high level of fitness

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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.

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