A climber scales an imposing ice formation, surrounded by glistening light blue ice walls. Dressed in a pink jacket and equipped with a safety helmet, he uses an ice axe to steady himself.
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Mountaineers climb an imposing ice wall, equipped with ropes and ice axes. Their clothing is adapted to the cold conditions, with one climber in red making a daring ascent and the other in black.
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A climber in full effort climbs an ice wall, surrounded by sparkling bluish ice formations. He is wearing a protective helmet and a purple jacket, preparing to use his equipment with
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A climber climbing a wall of ice, wearing a bright green coat and white helmet, uses an ice axe to advance. The relief is made up of blue and white ice formations that meet at the bottom of the wall.
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A snow-covered mountain village, with wooden and stone chalets with snow-covered roofs. In the centre, a small church with a pointed bell tower stands among the buildings. At the back
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A snow-covered village surrounded by majestic mountains. Colourful, traditional buildings are scattered across the valley, with snow-covered roofs. Wide expanses of immaculate snow stretch across the valley.
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A mountaineer climbs an imposing icefall, equipped with ice axes and crampons. He is wearing a dark grey jacket and an orange cap, while his harness is attached to a safety rope. At
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A cosy, welcoming bedroom with a double bed dressed in cosy duvets and cushions with animal motifs. Wooden furniture, including a bedside table and desk, match the floor.
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A climber scales an imposing ice formation, surrounded by glistening light blue ice walls. Dressed in a pink jacket and equipped with a safety helmet, he uses an ice axe to steady himself.
Mountaineers climb an imposing ice wall, equipped with ropes and ice axes. Their clothing is adapted to the cold conditions, with one climber in red making a daring ascent and the other in black.
A climber in full effort climbs an ice wall, surrounded by sparkling bluish ice formations. He is wearing a protective helmet and a purple jacket, preparing to use his equipment with
A climber climbing a wall of ice, wearing a bright green coat and white helmet, uses an ice axe to advance. The relief is made up of blue and white ice formations that meet at the bottom of the wall.
A snow-covered mountain village, with wooden and stone chalets with snow-covered roofs. In the centre, a small church with a pointed bell tower stands among the buildings. At the back
A snow-covered village surrounded by majestic mountains. Colourful, traditional buildings are scattered across the valley, with snow-covered roofs. Wide expanses of immaculate snow stretch across the valley.
A mountaineer climbs an imposing icefall, equipped with ice axes and crampons. He is wearing a dark grey jacket and an orange cap, while his harness is attached to a safety rope. At
A cosy, welcoming bedroom with a double bed dressed in cosy duvets and cushions with animal motifs. Wooden furniture, including a bedside table and desk, match the floor.

Iceclimbing

Introduction to ice climbing in Vanoise

December to January
4 days| 3 nights
Level 2
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Try your hand at ice climbing in Haute Maurienne, one of France's largest nature parks.
Learn all the basics of ice climbing with Clément, a local UIAGM mountain guide.
In the evening, we return to the hotel to relax in the warmth and comfort of a typical Savoyard atmosphere.
Connect with other mountain enthusiasts in a small group of up to 6 adventurers.

Itinerary

DAY 1 / 4
Climbing
4 to 5 hours
Night
hotel

We meet at 8.30am at the guide office in Termignon to get to know the group and the guide. There will also be a briefing and distribution of the equipment we'll need for the next 4 days.

Once we're kitted out, we're off to discover the Bessans icefall. Located just a few metres from our gîte, this first icefall is ideal for learning the basics of top-roping ice climbing and how to use the equipment. Under the supervision of our guide, we can climb our first routes in complete safety.

At the end of the day, we'll head back to our La Turra hotel for some well-deserved relaxation. The warm welcome and typical Savoyard atmosphere will be perfect for discussing the highlights of the day over a delicious local meal.

DAY 2 / 4
Climbing
6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Night
hotel

After a good night's sleep in the hotel, we'll start the day by preparing our equipment for the day before heading off to do some ice climbing in the direction of Bessans.

We'll spend the morning perfecting our ice-climbing techniques and getting to grips with the use of the equipment, which will help us gain in confidence and ease. Under the supervision of our guide, those who wish to do so can also familiarise themselves with the use of ice screws and progression techniques.

After a well-deserved lunch break to warm up and regain our strength, we'll return to the ice in the afternoon to put into practice what we've learnt in the morning. At the end of the day, we'll head back to our hotel for a moment of relaxation and conviviality, perfect for discussing everyone's progress.

DAY 3 / 4
Climbing
5 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Night
hotel

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we'll put on our snowshoes for our first approach walk to a wild waterfall nestling in a remote valley. There, we'll learn how to analyse the impact of the weather on icefalls: how to assess the conditions to know if they are safe and practicable before starting to climb.

In the evening, after a convivial meal, those who wish can enjoy a unique experience by climbing the Bessans waterfall, lit up for the occasion. We'll spend the night at the gîte.


DAY 4 / 4
Climbing
5 a.m. to 6 a.m.

On our last day of climbing, we'll set off in search of a new natural icefall, a real gem that we'll climb one last time before the end of our stay. It's the perfect opportunity to put into practice everything we've learnt on this adventure.

We'll finish the day by returning to the guides' hut in Termignon, where we'll round off the trip with a friendly drink, an opportunity to exchange impressions and share the highlights of our time together.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Clément - High Mountain Guide (UIAGM)

Clément

High Mountain Guide (UIAGM)

FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Clément, aka Clémentar from his nickname, is the high mountain guide who will accompany you during your stay. Born in Grenoble but living in Haute Maurienne for many years, he knows the mountains of his region like the back of his hand. What drives him? Passing on his passion for mountaineering and climbing by taking you on a discovery tour of the glaciers and summits.

Find out more about Clément

What's included in the price

Included

The guide's supervision: Throughout the week, you will be supervised by Clément, a UIAGM mountain guide.
Hotel accommodation: In the heart of the Vanoise Park, our hotel, a traditional chalet, is the ideal place to enjoy the mountains.
The technical and safety equipment needed for ice climbing: crampons, ice axes, harness, helmet, belay equipment, mountaineering safety equipment.
Catering: All your meals from day 1 evening to day 4 midday are included.

Not included

Mountaineering boots - available for hire
Transport to the meeting point
Everything that is not included in "what is included".

What level should you expect

Level 2
  • You want to learn ice climbing techniques
  • You are capable of making a physical effort for 5 to 6 hours a day.
  • You don't need to be an expert climber to take part. If you've never used an ice axe or have little experience, your guide will be there to introduce you and guide you along the way.

Getting there

Start: Val Cenis (08h)
End: Val Cenis (15h)

Transport

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To get to the meeting place in Valcenis by train, take the connections to Modane station

  • Departure station > Modane

Once you arrive at Modane station, there will be a connecting bus.

  • Modane > Valcenis (50min).

Plan your journey (carpooling, train, etc.) in the most economical and environmentally friendly way with Tictactrip

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No car?

You should know that we encourage carpooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure: an opportunity to get to know each other before you even start your expedition!


How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 474 97 09 38 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior to departures of less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have climbed before?

A little climbing or mountaineering experience is always preferable but not compulsory. All we ask is that you be in good physical condition. Do you enjoy hiking in the mountains? Can you run 10km in under an hour? Are you not afraid of heights? Then you're ready to take part in this expedition.

How big is my group?

We go in groups of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 participants accompanied by a mountain guide.

⛈ What happens if the metreo is wrong?

If the weather is bad but does not represent a danger to participants during the expedition, the activity will continue. If the weather becomes dangerous, the activity will be cancelled and replaced by an alternative offered by our professional guides.

What is included in the price of a DiscoveRent shipment?

At Wildhartt, we attach particular importance to price transparency for our shipments. Our approach is based on a clear breakdown of costs, aimed at providing a better understanding of the elements included in the total amount. Here's how we allocate the percentages:

  • 30% for our guides: We believe that our experienced guides play a crucial role in the success of each activity. That's why we make sure we allocate a significant proportion to pay for their expertise and supervision.
  • 35% for accommodation and food: We consider comfortable accommodation and quality food to be essential elements of an enriching experience.
  • 10% for equipment and transport: The safety and comfort of our participants is paramount. With this part of the total amount, we can guarantee that the equipment required is in excellent condition and adequate for each activity. Transport costs also come into play when they are essential during an expedition.
  • 25% for expedition participation and running costs: These costs cover the logistical, administrative and organisational aspects of the expedition, as well as the overall management of the experience, from start to finish.

Our aim is to provide you with a trustworthy, high-quality experience, while being transparent about how the final cost of your shipment is shared. If you have any further questions about our prices, please contact us here.


Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed on the dates of your choice. To make a privatisation request, go to the expedition of your choice and privatise it using the button under the "see departures" button.

Selected from 1 departures

From € 930 /pers.

Want to choose your own date with your own group?

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

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