Courses
Chamonix: Winter Alpine Skills
Our popular Alpine Skills course set in October and November, 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.
-
Duration
4 Nights
-
Start Location
Chamonix, France
-
Date(s)
October - November
-
Price
From €1050.00
Adventure Snapshot
VIEW GALLERY
-
-
+ 12
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.
Not sure whether you're ready to tackle the Alpine Skills Intro Trip? No problem, take our Alpine Skills 'Readiness' test.
Alpine Skills 'Readiness' test
Learn more. Download our guide here.
DOWNLOAD PDFEnter your details to download the Chamonix: Winter Alpine Skills brochure
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 to tackle the Alpine Skills Intro Trip? No problem, take our Alpine Skills 'Readiness' test here -
Winter Skills 'Readiness' test
-
Duration
4 Nights
-
Start Location
Chamonix, France
-
Date(s)
October - November
-
Guide Ratio
1:3
-
Ability
Level BLevel 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!
-
Price
From €1050.00
Adventure Overview
See real footage of previous expeditions
Chamonix Winter Alpine Skills
01:55A little taster of a snowy winter adventure.
Wild & Remote
00:22You're on your own in the mountains. Learn how to operate in this environment.
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 will be provided from Adventure Base such as crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness and trekking poles. We use the latest kit from Black Diamond meaning you'll be using quality equipment. 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.
Included
Ice Axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering.
Included
Crampons
12 point steel mountaineering crampons
Included
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
Included
Harness
Standard climbing harness.
Included
Trekking poles
Foldable or telescopic poles are best
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
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?
- 3 days of learning alpine skills
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Chamonix
- 2 nights in a winter room at a mountain hut
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
- IFMGA Adventure Base guide
- Kit rental (Ice Axe, Helmet, Harness, Crampons and Poles)
- All road transport within the itinerary
What's not Included?
- Airport Transfers (approx. €45)
- Lift tickets (if required)
- Personal insurance
- Personal snacks and drinks
This Trip is running on the following dates
october 2024
1 Datenovember 2024
3 Datesoctober 2025
2 Datesnovember 2025
2 Datesoctober 2026
2 DatesJoin the waiting list
Adventure: Chamonix: Winter Alpine Skills
OUR CHAMONIX ACCOMMODATION
When not in the mountains we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen a hotel in Chamonix 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!
VIEW GALLERY
Chamonix
The hotel in Chamonix is an excellent base for our Winter Skills 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.
-
Duration
2 Nights
-
Internet
Wifi included
-
Beds
Twin / triple rooms
-
Food
Half Board
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.
-
Duration
2 Nights
-
Internet
Not included
-
Beds
Dormitory beds
-
Food
Full 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
Arrive in Chamonix. You will meet with your guide for a briefing in the evening to go through the plan for the coming days as well as the current weather and mountain conditions. Here you will have a chance to go through your kit under the experienced eye of your guide and can ask any questions that you may have. Then you will get to know the guide and other members of the group over a delicious 3 course evening meal in your hotel. Usually 18:30pm briefing followed by dinner at 19:00 (time will be confirmed). *If you need to pick up rental boots please pick them up before the briefing - as tomorrow is an early start! 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 mountain 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 mountain 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 Day
Departure Day. After one last hearty breakfast we sadly bid farewell. Check-out is at 10am.
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
Meet your guides for this adventure
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
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.
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.
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
More your 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
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
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?
Skills & Climb: Ben Nevis
Tackle Britain's highest peak in the snowy winter months away from the summer crowds. Spend 2 epic days on the west coast of Scotland as you take on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis in winter conditions, with crampons on your feet and an ice axe in your hand. The perfect introduction for hikers with a good level of fitness who are looking to dive into mountaineering.
-
January - March
-
Level A
-
€700.00
North Wales: Mountaineering Intro
Our two-day Mountaineering Introduction Course is a fun and friendly course to kickstart your mountaineering journey. This course is key to learning the skills you need to scramble in the mountains using a rope on grade 2 and 3 scrambles. The course will be delivered by a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) who will guide you through all the skills you need to scramble on steep terrain.
-
April - May
-
Level A
-
€590.00
Off-Piste Skiing Intro – Chamonix
This introduction trip is all about skiing lift accessed off-piste terrain to build up skills and knowledge on how to ski mixed snow safely and confidently. Skiing off-piste is an essential skill to have in order to undertake a backcountry ski touring adventure.
-
March
-
Level A
-
€1150.00
Prep Peak: Toubkal Summer
Enjoy a Moroccan cultural rollercoaster ride in the warmer summer months, from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the wild and quiet Atlas Mountains in just 5 days. Climbing Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4167m, is challenging but suitable for newcomers to trekking mountains. The combination of mountain and culture on this trip is what makes it extra special. This trip runs during the 'summer season'.
-
May - October
-
Level B
-
€590.00
Prep Peak: Toubkal Winter
Enjoy a Moroccan cultural rollercoaster ride in the colder winter months, from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the wild and quiet Atlas Mountains in just 5 days. Climbing Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4167m, in winter conditions is challenging and provides a great introduction to using crampons in a snowy environment. All in all a great 'prep-trip' for the Alps.
-
November - April
-
Level B
-
€590.00
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.
-
April - May
-
Level B
-
€790.00
Intro Hut Ski Tour – Chamonix
Introducing keen and competent off-piste skiers to the world of hut ski touring. This is great preparation for our hut to hut ski touring trips and an important confidence builder. You will learn the essential skills required for ski touring over multiple days and experience staying in a mountain hut.
-
February - March
-
Level C
-
€1250.00
Climb the Triple Crown
Climb the famous Triple Crown of the Alps. Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and Eiger. A lifetime mountaineering achievement, all possible within 10 days with the right fitness and preparation.
-
July - August
-
Level D
-
€12500.00
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.
-
March
-
Level D
-
€1950.00
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.
-
Spring & Autumn
-
Level D
-
€4940.00
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?
-
July - August
-
Level E
-
€4450.00
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.
Deposit/Book Now