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Chamonix Via Ferrata 2024
Experience the best Via Ferrata in the Chamonix Mont Blanc region
FREE via ferrata safety equipment
All bookings on this trip are loaned the following; safety harness, helmet, and via ferrata lanyard...
Course overview

A via ferrata is Italian for an iron road (known as klettersteig in German), and it is a mountain route equipped with fixed cable, ladders, bridges, staples and rope pig tails for safety. The first via ferratas were built in the Dolomite mountain region of Italy during the First World War, to aid the movement of mountain infantry.
Once equipped and instructed in the use of the via ferrata safety lanyard clips, you can progress along some easy via ferrata, even with no previous experience. Don't worry as the guide is there to look after you. They can add a safety rope if you are nervous at first.

Routes in France are graded for difficulty using a six level system.F - Facile: Easy, suitable for initiation. PD - Peu Difficile: Slightly difficult, suitable for beginners. AD - Assez Difficile: Moderately difficult, suitable for accompanied beginners. D - Difficile: Difficult, for those accustomed to the sport. TD - Tres Difficile: Very difficult and physically demanding. ED - Extrem Difficile: Extremely difficult and very physically demanding.

The course is aimed at beginners on via ferrata, and is carefully designed to develop your skills during the week. You are led throughout by qualified leaders and guides, so are in the best of hands at all times. Note this is not always the case in with some operators in the Dolomites, where unqualified leaders are sadly not uncommon!
For this course you need no previous experience, just a basic level of hill fitness, and a willingness to learn and have a great laugh. These courses are great fun, and the mountain scenery is always stunning.
Dates: these are listed in the column on the right, and they show the live availability from our secure online booking system. When you book online, you receive immediate confirmation, your Alpine Information Booklet, course specific kit list and invoice.


Brief Course Itinerary
Sun Travel to Chamonix to arrive for the 17:00 check-in followed by and course safety and itinerary briefings. There is time for kit checks or rental of equipment. Briefings are over by 19:00 and the Chamonix hosts accompany the group to pre-dinner drinks to answer any queries. Night in Chamonix.
Mon Echelles de l'Aiguillette d'Argentiere, Chamonix (F). This is a great introduction, with a trek opposite the Mont Blanc massif, that ascends the Cheserys cliffs by a series of ladders, steps and chains. Option of descending by cable car from La Flegere or on foot. Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Tue Via Corda de Le Bois, Chamonix (AD). This roped way is a great introduction to via ferrata and moving on steeper ground. A mix of scrambling and easy climbing. Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Wed Via Ferrata de Curalla, Passy (AD+). This classic via ferrata has it all; wood and cable bridges, staple ladders and airy traverses. Brilliant views to Mont Blanc. Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Thu

Option 1: Yves Pollet Villard, La Clusaz (D+). This day route has an amazing and airy footbridge. Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix.

Option 2: Balcon de la Mer de Glace (D). Cross the glacier to reach the series of ladders and chains. Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in mountain hut.

Fri Option 1 (cont'd): Tour Jalouvre, Grand Bornand (D+). Another great day route with lots of vertigo. Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix. Option 2 (cont'd): Continue from Couvercle to the Leschaux hut then walk back down the glacier with crampons. Ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Sat Breakfast then the accommodation check out is by 10:00. Most arrange their airport transfers to leave around this time, to catch a flight from Geneva about midday. Depart for home.
ITINERARY NOTES: Where possible we follow itineraries. Mountain adventures are weather and conditions dependant, so occasionally we are forced to alter the plans. If this is the case, suitable alternatives are offered. Please use this outline itinerary as a guide to the types of route / activity that you will attempt.

Course Prices
Standard course
5 days guiding, 7 days holiday in total £999
Live availability
Click on the planner logo to the right to
see the real time live course availability
Latest Availability
Secure online booking system
Standard Course Inclusions: 1) Five days guiding in Chamonix region, 2) Chamonix course hosts for logistics & briefings, 3) Self-catered accommodation in Chamonix (inc. beddings & towels), 4) Pre course information booklet, 5) Equipment discount voucher for UK shops, 6) Free 36 page technical Course Instruction Booklet, 7) Road transport in Chamonix valley, 8) Optional evening technical instruction on nights in Chamonix.
Exclusions: 1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Equipment hire that is not already included, 3) Personal laundry, telephone calls, lunches, evening meals in valley, & any purchases in mountain huts / hotels / restaurants, 4) Cable cars and uplift (c. £10), 5) Costs of any optional nights in mountain huts on half board basis for you and your guide (c. £30), 6) Sunday pre-dinner drinks & Friday celebratory meal & drinks, 7) Activities insurance, & excess baggage charges.
Notes: Group sizes minimum 2 to maximum 6 clients, with 1 leader. The loan of all technical safety equipment for each client is included* in the course price as required: harness, helmet, and the via ferrata lanyard to each participant (and crampons for the high mountain option). If you prefer to bring your own, you are welcome. The guide supplys extra krabs, ropes, belay devices etc as required.
Course upgrade options
Many clients on this trip consider upgrading with one or more of the following course additions...
 
Private
room
Big 3 Alpine
extensions
Packed
lunches
Acclimatise
weekend
  Upgrade to single from
£300-£500 in addition to
standard course price,
depending on week.
Mont Blanc two day;
1:1 £1199, 1:2 £599pp
(booking together). Eiger
or Matterhorn 1:1 £1399.
We can supply a good
packed lunch for each
day of guiding, for 5
days for £60pp.
Saturday night spent in
Chamonix, with choice
of self-guided or guided
on Sunday. From £50.
  Click for details Click for details Click for details Click for details
 
Standard course accommodation - normally clients are based in self-catered flats (details), so take a look, and decide if it's for you. For more luxury, contact us for quotes in higher standard apartments, or hotels of any standard required. If you have / source your own course accommodation, or we cannot provide an upgrade, the standard course price has a £100pp reduction applied on your invoice.
Crossing a high bridge on a Haute Savoie via ferrata Enjoying the exposure on a via ferrata Moving up metal rungs on a via ferrata Using the via ferrata safety lanyards
Current course availability

Course Dates
Chamonix Via Ferrata
  • No Dates Available
NOTE: This trip has scheduled
dates, but if there are four who
are booking together, it can be
operated on any date you wish
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Price: £999 Book online

Alternative courses
Bochette Way Via Ferrata
Alpine Intro Course
Tour du Mont Blanc trek

Winter Mount Toubkal

Client feedback


Really well structured course, so that our confidence was built up over the week. We had such a good time, with friendly instructors and other course members

Hannah & Stu , Intro Via Ferrata

Testimonials
Press & media
Films & videos
Photo gallery
Via Ferrata de Curalla, Passy
Location data for this trip
The trips are based in the Chamonix valley in the French Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc. It is easily accessed via a 90 minute transfer from Geneva airport.
Time Difference
GMT +1hr
Local Currency
€ Euros
Travel from UK
1hr flight
Trip photo gallery
Via ferrata in the Chamonix region
Crossing a cable bridge on a via ferrata
Suggested reading and kit
View full course equipment list, with examples of kit, click here
Why choose our trips?
See our Alpine blog, by clicking on the Word-press logo to the right.
Icicle Blog
Itinerary flexibility to allow you to take full advantage of the weather windows on any day, to maximise your summit chances.
Our prices are fixed in £ Sterling, to protect you from euro fluctuations, so you can budget accurately.
There is a choice of routes to opt for, depending on the weather, conditions, and your experience.
Any further questions?
A key part of choosing a company is being able to come and talk about your plans with an experienced course advisor face to face. In an increasingly virtual world, we know our clients value speaking to real people, getting open and honest advice. The vast majority of our clients are British, and our office and outdoor store is based in Windermere in the English Lake District.



Get in contact to arrange a meeting, and come in for a coffee to discuss your course in person with a trip advisor. Many people opt for this service, and it is an integral part of what we offer, as we are keen to ensure that you are prepared as possible, and that you select a course that is suitable for you. It makes it easier and more enjoyable for you and us, if you are on the right trip.


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