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Technical 'Ice & Classics' 2024
Week of Chamonix classic routes in the Mont Blanc massif
On the Dent du Geant with Mont Blanxc behind
Course overview
For those who enjoy mountaineering climbing classic routes, this course allows you to push your skills (grade III ice or UK Severe or US Grade 5.9) to attempt some of the major mixed and ice mountaineering routes around Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Massif.

This course ascends famous routes around the AD+/ D grade. Examples include the Dent du Geant, Midi-Plan traverse, Chere Couloir, Gervasutti Couloir (Tour Ronde), or the South Ridge of Aiguille du Moine.

This is the twin course of the Summer Alpine North Faces, which is run along the same lines as this course, but the North Faces course is geared more to those prefering snow or ice routes, and is run in June each year. It's not to say that you can't climb summer ice on this course, but the focus is more on mixed routes.
By using the many cable cars in Chamonix you will have access to these fantastic routes and minimise your length of time spent travelling or walking into the routes. If you have climbed in Chamonix before, there are over 4000 routes so you are guaranteed not to repeat anything.
This course can be used as progression from the Chamonix Alpine Rockcourse, as it is focused ice & mixed rather than just rock, and is less demanding of stamina than the Monte Rosa 4000m Peaks.
Whatever your previous ice or rock experience, the aim of this course is also to teach you more skills and style points useful in your own climbing, developing your mixed climbing, grades and techniques on different routes.
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.


Summit of Aiguille du Moine


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 A day to refresh your climbing skills. Popular routes include the Chapelle de la Gliere with its knife edge traverse, Couloir de Chevalier on Petitie Verte or the L'Index. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Tue Exposed altitude climbing in the higher Aiguilles du Chamonix, on routes such as the NNE Arete of the Aiguille de l'M, Petite Charmoz or the Arete des Papillons. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Wed A long day route on an exposed ice / snow ridge with broken rocky sections such as Traverse of Aiguille D'Entreves (AD+) or the Midi Plan Traverse. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Thu A technical day route, e.g. ice on Chere Couloir or a shorter route followed by a night in a mountain hut, e.g. Pyramid du Tacul. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in mountain hut or Chamonix.
Fri An early start for a major route at altitude such as Contamine Mazeud on Mont Blanc du Tacul or the Dent du Geant (if you stayed in a hut last night). Guiding ratio 1:2 (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 occasionaly 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 £1499
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) IFMGA Mountain Guide for five days, 2) Chamonix course hosts for logistics & briefings, 3) Twin / double room self-catered accommodation in Chamonix (inc. linen, bedding & towels) for the whole week, so you don't move out when in huts, 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) Evening technical instruction on nights in Chamonix.
Exclusions: 1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Equipment hire, 3) Personal laundry, telephone calls, lunches, evening meals in valley, & any purchases in mountain huts / hotels / restaurants, 4) Cable cars and uplift for you and your guide (cable cars for guide included in Chamonix), 5) Transport / tunnel ticket outside the Chamonix valley, 6) Any night(s) half board in mountain hut (inc. costs for guides), 7) Sunday pre-dinner drinks & Friday celebratory meal & drinks, 8) Activities insurance, & excess baggage charges.
Notes: This course assumes 1:2 guiding throughout. Note that is there is just one person on a course, less 1:1 guiding days can be offered, however accommodation will be provided for the whole week, and guiding options and locations will be discussed with you within the budget paid.
Course upgrade options
Many clients on this trip consider upgrading with one or more of the following course additions...
 
Private
room
Big 5 Alpine
extensions
Technical
kit rental
Acclimatise
weekend
  Upgrade to single from
£300-£500 in addition to
standard course price,
depending on week.
Extend by 2 days after
to ascend one of the
Big 5 Alpine peaks as
an extra summit.
Rent all technical kit
for a week. Full Alpine
Bundle costs you just
£100 for the week.
Saturday night spent in
Chamonix, with choice
of self-guided or guided
on Sunday. From £70.
  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.
Two climbers traversing the Arete du Rochefort
Current course availability

Course Dates
Tech Ice and Classics
  • [ 2 ] 7 - 13 Jul 2024
  • [ 2 ] 14 - 20 Jul 2024
  • [ 2 ] 21 - 27 Jul 2024
  • [ 2 ] 28 Jul - 3 Aug 2024
  • [ 2 ] 4 - 10 Aug 2024
  • [ 2 ] 11 - 17 Aug 2024
  • [ 2 ] 18 - 24 Aug 2024
  • [ 2 ] 25 - 31 Aug 2024
  • [ 2 ] 1 - 7 Sep 2024
  • [ 2 ] 8 - 14 Sep 2024
NOTE: This trip has scheduled
dates, but if there are two who
are booking together, it can be
operated on any date you wish
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Price: £1499 Book online

Alternative courses
Mont Blanc Summit
Summer Alpine North Faces
Autonomy & Techniques
Chamonix Alpine Rock

Client feedback


It was a fun week with Frank guiding us and we were pushed each day

Mark J , Tech Ice & Classics


This is the third time I've done this trip with your team, and I know that I am still only stratching the surface of all of the classic routes there to climb

Dave McC , Tech Ice & Classics

The Guides knew exactly what routes were in condition, and we were pushed to our limits. A great week or fantastic climbing on famous routes I had dreamed about for years

Chuck N , Tech Ice & Classics
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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
Pro top tips - geeks corner!
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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