Climbing in Chamonix, France from chamonix dot net

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Chamonix Climbing
Climbing on the Mt Blanc massif and the Chamonix Valley means hot rock, high mountains, superb granite and miles of limestone cliffs.

Crags are usually equipped. Mountain routes may be partially equipped with, at least, abseil points in place.

Guide books are essential. The best ones are recommended at appropriate points in chamonix.net.

The lifts open for the summer around June 15th but the Midi lift operates year round, except for scheduled maintenance usually in November. It can get hot. Guide books describe the orientation of the crag so plan the climb when it is in the shade. Don't forget to take water.

Weather not looking so good or just looking to get a bit of practice in? Head to one of the Chamonix Valley indoor climbing walls.
Valley CragsHaute Savoie CragsBoulderingVia FerrataHeader 5
Sports climbing on the valley crags is the best way to get started. These can be snow-free from March although May is more realistic.

Have a look at our valley crags page for details of where they are or just buy the topos (guide books). More Info

Just out of the Chamonix valley there are miles of cliffs and slabs, mostly limestone. Our Haute Savoie cragging page tells you where they are and which guide books you need.

Many of the crags are just an hour by car, including some great Swiss crags. More Info

Bouldering is always a popular activity, either in its ownright or as training. The boulders at the Col des Montets are in the valley guide book.

Don't forget to check out the less well known boulders at Medonnet and at Les Houches Coupeau. More Info

"Iron roads"

Developed by the Italian Army during WW1 to access "inaccessible" peaks; it is now a new activity in its own right and a great way for families to join in outdoor adventures.

Though no real climbing ability is needed, a via ferrata does demand a steady head for heights. The exposure is sensational.

The essential helmet, harness and 2 slings to clip to the cable will be supplied by your guide.

Col des Aravis - La Clusaz - the Borderan via ferrata

On the Borderan cliffs above La Clusaz are two via ferrata.

These are equipped with cables, metal ladders and suspended walkways for breathtaking thrills.
Inexperienced climbers should take a guide.
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Guide Books
There is one guide book for chamonix valley climbing. "Crag climbs in the Chamonix valley" by Francois Burnier and Dominique Potard. This book covers all the Chamonix valley crags and is translated into English. Sports shops in Chamonix stock this book.
High Mountain Climb
If you aspire to rock routes in the high mountains, additional skills are required. Route finding is often complex, glacier travel is usually involved, rock fall is an ever-present danger and it takes longer to get to safety if, for example, the weather changes.

On the other hand the satisfaction is immense. So take it step by step, read the guide books, of which there are many, check the weather forecast carefully and hire a mountain guide .

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Chamonix Climbing

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