Courses
Chamonix: Ice Climbing intro
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.
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Duration
5 Days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
January - February
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Price
From €1250.00
Adventure Snapshot
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+ 13
ICE CLIMB IN THE MONT BLANC RANGE
Get ready for 3 full days of ice climbing frozen waterfalls around the Mont Blanc area in the French Alps. World famous for stellar ice climbing, the Mont Blanc area 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.Â
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Duration
5 Days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
January - February
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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
From €1250.00
Adventure Overview
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
Intro To Ice Climbing
00:20If you're interested in trying Ice Climbing then join us on a long weekend in the Alpes. Snow, ice and french cheese.... what's not to like!
Ice Climbing
04:21We have a rule that every month we get out of the office, away from the noise and in to the great outdoors. This month Olly decided ice climbing was the activity of choice so we called upon Pablo one of our mountain guides to show us what it's all about. Many of you will know Pablo from your trips with us but for those that don't, make sure you watch all the way to the very end where he'll introduce you to his good friends...
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.
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing 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, helmet and harness. You are able to add these to your cart at checkout. Ice axes for the course are provided by the guide. (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 Ice Climbing kit list please click here.
Rent locally
Crampons
12 point steel mountaineering crampons
Rent locally
Harness
Standard climbing harness
Rent locally
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Rent locally
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
Down Jacket
Lightweight and thin down jacket.
Hardshell Jacket
GORE-TEX® or Similar
Softshell Jacket
Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
Thermal Tops
Keep them light and thin.
Hardshell Trousers
GORE-TEX® or similar
Softshell Trousers
Stretch, durable mountaineering trousers.
Thermal Bottoms
Keep them light and thin.
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.
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking. Â Look for a pair with good grip.
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
"I always wanted to try my hand at ice climbing having seen some epic pictures. Although I had no experience Adventure Base guided me through the whole process and by the end I felt like a pro... sort of. Great trip and great company!"
"Couldn't have asked for much more for a short getaway. Who knew I'd be an ice climbing addict!"
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?
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast included
- Handpicked Adventure Base guides
- All guiding fees
- All group equipment required for ice climbing
- Local transport where necessary
What's not Included?
- Travel to / from Chamonix
- Evening meals in Chamonix
This Trip is running on the following dates
february 2024
1 DateWhat 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!
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+ 1
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.
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Duration
4
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Twin rooms
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Food
Breakfast
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARYÂ
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 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.
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Day 2:
First day on the ice
We depart Chamonix early in the morning and drive to a local climbing crag to learn the basics of ice climbing. There are many world class climbing areas in and around Chamonix and we will base ourselves across this area for the duration of this course. Day 1 will be an introduction to all the equipment and basic techniques followed by enjoying your very first ice climb.
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Day 3:
Round two
After a hearty breakfast we set off for a full day of ice climbing testing our newly learned skills. Expect to learn progression techniques and get to grips with how the climbing flows.
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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 newly learned skills to the test.
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Day 5:
Departure
Time to pack up and head home.
Meet your guides for this adventure
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".
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.
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.
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!"
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.
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.
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 ;)"
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Chamonix: Ice Climbing intro 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
- Shorter time duration
- No technical skills required but keen to learn
- 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, 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
More your 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
More your level?
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
More your level?
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
More your level?
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January - March
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Level A
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€995.00
Skills & Climb: Ben Nevis
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January - March
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Level A
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€585.00
North Wales: Mountaineering Intro
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Spring and Autumn
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Level A
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€590.00
Prep Peak: Toubkal
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All Year
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Level B
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€450.00
North Wales: Alpine Prep
Do you dream of climbing in the Alps or the bigger mountains? Are you looking to develop all the skills you need to climb routes like the Matterhorn or the Eiger or do you just want to try out climbing in the mountains and see if you like it or not? Our Alpine Preparation course is ideal for anybody looking to learn the skills you need to climb in the mountains, and will help you develop your Alpine skills for your next big trip.
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Spring and Autumn
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Level B
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€790.00
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.
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November - December
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Level B
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€995.00
Mags: Haute Route Trek Guided 11 Days
The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world famous alpine mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
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July - September
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Level C
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€3250.00
Italy, Gran Paradiso Splitboard Tour
Splitboard Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest peak entirely in Italy, and tick off your first 4000m backcountry splitboard descent. That's right, there's a whole lot of downhill for all that uphill effort!
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March - April
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Level C
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€1850.00
Haute Route Ski X The Altitude Centre
The Haute Route ski tour has deservedly earned its reputation for being one of the world's great ski adventures. We've teamed up with the guys at The Altitude Centre to help you prepare for an epic 6 day journey crossing spectacular glaciated terrain from Chamonix to Zermatt.
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March - April
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Level C
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€2250.00
Swiss, Bernese Oberland Ski Tour
The Bernese Oberland ski tour is a stunning link up of high altitude mountain huts and peaks in the wild Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The ski terrain in this region is suited for those with previous ski touring experience, who are looking to progress to the next level and discover some high altitude peaks and glaciers. You can expect long ski tour days, comfortable huts and big ski descents.
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March - April
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Level D
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€1850.00
Island Peak
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Spring & Autumn
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Level D
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€4250.00
Mera Peak
Mera Peak at 6476m is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. At this altitude the oxygen content of air is less than half of what it is at sea level. It is located in the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal, a little east of the main Khumbu valley on a much quieter trail. Book this trip and receive a free sleeping bag and duffle bag for your adventure.
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Spring & Autumn
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Level D
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€
Eiger
The Eiger is one of the most sought after summits in the Alps and a formidable challenge for any keen mountaineer. Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, this is a major Alpine classic steeped in historic tales of heroic climbing. On this trip we climb via the Mittellegi ridge. Got what it takes?
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June - September
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Level E
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€4299.00
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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