Intro to mountaineering in the Chamonix Valley

We meet at 9am at the Gaillands climbing site, an iconic spot just a stone's throw from the centre of Chamonix. The ideal setting for a gentle introduction to vertical climbing, while reviewing the basics essential for progressing in alpine terrain.

On the programme: climbing and descending techniques, learning to abseil in mountaineering boots, support management and safety. We also look at belaying the first and second rope, a key element in mountain climbing.

The afternoon is given over to rope handling and an introduction to artificial climbing, with the use of rope clamps and friends on rock to practise climbing in adventure terrain.

In the evening, settle into your accommodation and discover the unique atmosphere of Chamonix, the world capital of mountaineering.

We start the day with a trip on the cogwheel train to Montenvers, the starting point for our introduction to glaciers. Once there, we'll descend to the Mer de Glace to explore glacier climbing techniques.

Through a series of practical exercises, we'll learn about cramponing, walking on steep slopes, precise movements for moving on frozen ground and the basics of glacier safety. This will also be an opportunity to put into practice the roping techniques we learned the day before.

This day is essential for gaining autonomy and confidence on ice, and preparing for the high-altitude routes of the following days.

We take the Brévent cable car to Planpraz, the starting point for our ascent to a varied training area combining rock and snow.

We do a snow school on the first slopes: braking techniques in the event of a fall, ice axe handling and progression on a steep slope. In the afternoon, it's time for roped progression on mixed terrain with protection points and easy rocky passages.

Throughout the day, we'll be facing an exceptional panorama of the Chamonix valley and the Mont-Blanc massif. A complete, technical day, perfect for consolidating skills and preparing for the final ascent.

We leave for Le Tour, where we take the Charamillon cable car to the start of our ascent. Today's objective is to reach the Mountain hut Albert 1er, via a gentle ascent over the Bec du Picheu.

Along the way, we cross névés, scree and panoramic paths, with an ever-expanding view of the Tour glacier and the high peaks of the massif. The Mountain hut, perched opposite the giants, offers a breathtaking view of the Aiguille du Tour, the Chardonnet and the Petite Fourche.

We'll spend an evening in the Mountain hut preparing for the next day's race, in a friendly, alpine atmosphere that's perfect for resting and concentrating.

Very early wake-up call. We leave the Mountain hut by headlamp for our first glacier climb of the day. Depending on the conditions and the level of the group, the ascent could be to Tête Blanche (3,710 m), Petite Fourche or another summit in the area.

Guided by our guide, we put into practice all the skills we've learnt: roped climbing, effort management, choosing the right route on the glacier, setting pins, safety on the slopes, etc.

At the summit, the panorama is spectacular, with views of the Aiguilles Rouges, the Mont-Blanc massif and the Swiss mountains. After a well-earned break, we begin the long descent to the valley, via the Tour glacier and then the moraines to the Charamillon cable car.

The trip ends in the afternoon.

Times and altitude differences are given for information only. The programme may be adjusted according to the weather, mountain conditions and the level of the group.