Whether it is mountain ice or frozen waterfalls, ice climbing is superb and always an ultra rewarding outdoor experience. The ‘thunk’ of your axes bedding into the ice, and the beauty of the mountains in winter is hard to beat. This bitesize ice climbing courses is action packed, ice climbing everyday and returning to our warm hotel base in the evening.
Get ready for 3 full days of ice climbing frozen waterfalls around the Cogne area in the Italian Alps. World famous for stellar ice climbing, the Cogne valley is a superb place to learn how to ice climb. This combination provides you with some of the best ice climbing in the world and we can guarantee sore forearms by the end of the course!
The course has been designed to allow those who don't have any experience in climbing or mountaineering to experience their first taste of ice climbing. By the end of the trip you'll become familiar with the equipment, have learnt ice climbing techniques and most importantly had a great adventure in the mountains.
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
No experience is required but it helps if you have a basic understanding of what's required. We also advise you come with a good level of fitness as you'll be on your feet most of the day.
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
Duration
5 Days
Start Location
Chamonix, France
Date(s)
January - February
Guide Ratio
3:1
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!
Price
€1227
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 'about us' page.
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 much 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.
Rent for €45
Crampons
12 point steel mountaineering crampons
Rent for €30
Harness
Standard climbing harness
Rent for €35
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Rent for €25
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
Soft shell jacket
Light technical jacket ideally with hood
Soft shell trousers
Stretchy, durable mountaineering trousers
Hardshell hooded jacket
GORE-TEX® or similar
Hardshell trousers
GORE-TEX® or similar
Sun hat
Ideally with a neck cover
Warm hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking
Mountaineering Gloves
Thick and built for the cold
Sun cream
Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen
Sun block
For your nose and lips
Category 4 sunglasses
Must have high level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection.
Goggles
Just in case you hit bad weather
First aid kit
Blister kit, paracetamol, etc
Small backpack
For hikes and summit attempt, 30L
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
Great trip, great guide and great customer service... we didn’t have to worry about a thing, Olly answered all our questions and was always available on the other end of the phone. Ski guide was brilliant and happy to accommodate each day to what we needed.
Sam
Gran Paradiso Ski Tour
“The summit was like a dream. It was so overwhelming I began to cry with joy for making it to this magical world at the top of Europe.”
Princess Beatrice
Summited Mont Blanc
"I’d recommend Adventure Base 100%. I want to be an Adventure Base guide!"
Sir Richard Branson
Summited Mont Blanc
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?
2 nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner in Italy
2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Chamonix
Handpicked Adventure Base guides
Guiding fees
All group equipment required for ice climbing
Return transport to/from Italy from Chamonix
What's not Included?
Travel to / from Chamonix
Evening meals in Chamonix
This trip is running on the following dates
January 2021
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February 2021
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What to expect from your accommodation
When not skiing the mountain we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen these mountain lodge with their 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 ice climbing trip. With stunning views of the mountains, it's well placed and just a few minutes walk from Chamonix centre. Rooms are on a twin share basis with en suite bathrooms. There is a bar and restaurant for the evenings, with some lovely outdoor space to relax in after the climb. You will spend your first and last night of the trip here.
Duration
2
Internet
Wifi included
Beds
2 Single Beds
Food
Half Board
Italy
The hotel and its location are in perfect harmony with the quaint rustic village of Valnontey (1665m) with its beautiful mountain scenery and wildlife. This charming hotel has been developed from a cluster of authentic old mountain buildings, in keeping with the local tradition of stone and wood, typical style of the Aosta Valley. The hotels unique situation is a superb base to access the ice climbing route of the area.
Duration
2
Internet
Wifi included
Beds
Single Bed Rooms
Food
Half Board
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
We meet in the evening to go through the plan for the next 3 days. Once you have arrived in Chamonix we will have a guide briefing and run through the equipment check and field any questions you may have.
Day 2:
First day on the ice
We depart Chamonix early in the morning and drive to an ice climbing crag over the border in Italy. There are many world class climbing areas in and around Cogne and we will base ourselves there for the duration of this bitesize course. Day 1 will be an introduction to all the equipment and basic techniques followed by enjoying your very first ice climb. Overnight in a cosy hotel with evening meal included.
Day 3:
Round two
After a hearty breakfast we set off for a full day of ice climbing testing our newly learned skills. Overnight in hotel with evening meal included.
Day 4:
Put those skills to the test
Today is our final day and we will select the best fitting climbs for the group. It’s all about enjoying the day and putting the skills to the test.
Day 5:
Departure
Time to pack up and head home.
Meet your guides for this adventure
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".
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.
Roger
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.
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 ;)"
READY TO TAKE ON THIS EPIC CHALLENGE?
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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Bitesize
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