Summer Alpine Skills | Adventure Base
Bespoke Trips

shuttle-e1619694687541 Introductions

Chamonix Alpine Skills

Want to get mountain ready? Ever fancied tackling some of the most iconic mountains out there like the Matterhorn, Eiger or Monte Rosa? If so then this is the course for you. Think rope work, belaying, crampons, glaciers and crevasse rescue. A great place to improve on your mountaineering skills.

    Adventure Snapshot

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    Duration

    4 Nights

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    Start Location

    Chamonix, France

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    Date(s)

    June - September

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    Price

    From €1350.00

Book Now from €1350.00

LEARN MOUNTAINEERING TECHNIQUES IN CHAMONIX

Based in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, this 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?

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Footprints

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

WHO IS THIS FOR?

You will need to come with a good 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 to learn, but some previous hillwalking and general outdoors experience is always useful.

Determination is needed to keep you going throughout the course. While this adventure is open to new mountaineers, please note that doesn’t mean it’s physically easy. The better shape you are in the better experience you will have.
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)

    June - September

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    Guide Ratio

    1:2

  • Ability

    Level A

    Level 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

    From €1350.00

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LIVE THE ADVENTURE

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Chamonix Summer Alpine Skills

01:55

A little taster of the Chamonix Alpine Skills course. *Footage is from our Autumn skills course but they share many similarities.

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The Cosmiques Arete

04:51

As part of the trip we sometimes tackle this gem of a climb. Here Olly and Charlie have a bit fun while doing it.

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Adventure Base: Through our clients eyes.

00:53

We 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.

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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 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 mountaineering skills
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 2 nights accommodation with half board in Chamonix
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 2 nights in a mountain hut with half board
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. Handpicked Adventure Base guide
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. All transport within the itinerary
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. All group equipment

What's not Included?

  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Airport Transfers (approx. €45)
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Personal equipment
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Personal travel insurance
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Uplifts (approx. €120 total depending on itinerary)
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Personal snacks, lunch and drinks

This Trip is running on the following dates

june 2023
1 Date
Depart

Thu 08 Jun, 2023

Return

Sun 11 Jun, 2023

Availability

6 spots available

july 2023
1 Date
Depart

Thu 13 Jul, 2023

Return

Sun 16 Jul, 2023

Availability

4 spots available

september 2023
1 Date
Depart

Wed 06 Sep, 2023

Return

Sun 10 Sep, 2023

Availability

6 spots available

october 2023
2 Dates
Depart

Wed 04 Oct, 2023

Return

Sun 08 Oct, 2023

Availability

6 spots available

Depart

Wed 18 Oct, 2023

Return

Sun 22 Oct, 2023

Availability

6 spots available

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 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 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

    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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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

    2 nights

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    Internet

    Not included

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    Beds

    Dormitory

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    Food

    Half Board

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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 anytime but preferably by the afternoon so that you can arrange kit and equipment you might need to rent or buy. Get to know the guides and other members of the group over a delicious 3 course evening meal at our lodge. Overnight in the lodge.

  • Day 2:
    Introduction to climbing and abseiling techniques

    Rock climbing and abseiling techniques in Chamonix valley. Learn basic rope skills and techniques as well a a general introduction to moving across rocks and uneven terrain. Overnight in the lodge.

  • Day 3:
    Introduction to glacier skills

    Today we head into the high mountain environment. Traverse the glacial Vallee blanche from the Aiguille 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.

  • Day 4:
    Putting it all to the test

    Climb a nearby peak such as the Tour Ronde or traverse the Aiguilles Marbrées 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 lunch and beer in town. Overnight in the lodge

  • Day 5
    Depart

    Departure after breakfast.

Mountains
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Frequently asked questions about this adventure

MB: 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.

Read less

MB: Is there WiFi in the mountain huts?

No. All mountain huts are fairly basic and do not provide WiFi. Some huts will have phone signal but we Read more

No. All mountain huts are fairly basic and do not provide WiFi. Some huts will have phone signal but we cannot guarantee this will work at all times.

Read less

Meet your guides for this adventure

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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.

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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.

FAUST
spain

Faust

IFMGA Guide

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.

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spain

Fede

IFMGA Guide

"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 ;)"

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spain

Jon

IFMGA Guide

"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".

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spain

Fabio

IFMGA Guide

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 Branson 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!"

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Lars

IFMGA Guide

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.

Are you ready?

Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Chamonix Alpine Skills trip is rated Level A, for beginners and newcomers 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
  • Usually less then a week in distance
  • No technical skills required
  • Basic level of fitness
Think you've got this?

This trip is at this level

Level B

For those with some prior experience

  • 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
  • Moderate fitness
  • Some basic skills

Level C

For accomplished adventurers

  • You have a fair amount of experience climbing, hiking or skiing more technical terrain.
  • You’re comfortable on sustained adventures and you call yourself a ‘hardened’ adventurer.
  • You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it there' attitude.
  • Fit & Strong

Level D

For the pros

  • Ready to test those learnt skills on the next challenge
  • Comfortable in most types of environments
  • Very fit
  • Some level of technical skills

Level E

For the experts

  • You’ve been on more adventures than you've had hot dinners and you've built up a crafty skill set to tackle most challenges out there.
  • Good technical skills and knowledge
  • Good experience
  • Very fit

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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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