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  • Climbing in Chamonix


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  • Chamonix Climbing

    Climbing in the Mt Blanc massif and the Chamonix Valley means compact rock, high mountains, superb granite and miles of gneiss.

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

    Guide books are essential. The best ones are recommended at appropriate points in chamonix.net.  A     climbing instructor is a great way to learn or tackle challenging routes.

    The lifts open for the summer around June 15th but the Midi lift operates year round, except for scheduled maintenance usually in November.

    Want to be inspired.     Click here for a video of rockclimbing in the Chamonix valley.

    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 Crags in Chamonix

    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

  • Haute Savoie Crags

    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 in Chamonix

    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

  • Via Ferrata in and around Chamonix

    There are many areas for via ferrata in under an hour's drive.  Great for families and friends who want to join in an outdoor adventure, via ferrata is a step up from alpine hiking, but doesn't demand the technical skill of climbing.  Using a harness and 2 slings to attach yourself to a cable you can progress along a seemingly impossible rock face clipped to the mountain in total security. Although no real climbing ability is needed, via ferrata does demand a steady head for heights. It's a thrilling experience.

    Inexperienced climbers should take a     mountain guide or a via ferrata specialist.  More on Via Ferrata.

  • 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 Climbing

    If you aspire to climbing 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 (there are many), check the weather forecast carefully and hire a      mountain guide.



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    Climbing Books & Top os

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