Best of Chamonix

Chamonix is Europe's outdoor capital and the ideal venue for an exhilarating adventure short break. Our BEST OF CHAMONIX weekend combines some easy but challenging and exposed alpine mountaineering and high altitude hiking all washed down with spectacular mountain scenery.

This course is perfect for a group of up to 3 climbers who would like to enjoy some one-off climbing in the mecca of alpine mountaineering. 

This course can be tailored for more difficult route on a 1:1 or 1:2 guide ratio, please enquire and we would be very happy to help!

Day Itinerary

  • Arrive in Chamonix. In the early evening, there will be a welcome meeting and briefing with your guide. Stay overnight in Chamonix.

    We will advise you the exact location closer to the course start date.

  • 2 full days climbing in the Mont Blanc massif with 1 night spent in one of the high mountain huts.

    The itinerary is flexible depending on weather and ground conditions and preferences/ambitions of the group.

    Typical itineraries include:

    From the top of the Aiguille du Midi (accessed from Chamonix by the cable car) descend the steep and exposed snow arête and out on the plateau of the glacier. Group is roped up and wearing crampons. Continue across the glacier among large crevasses and climb up to point Helbronner. Return using the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi. Usually takes about 4-5 hours.

    A snow and glacier climb with some rock at the end. Mostly low angled with some steeper sections. The ascent from the Aiguille du Midi or from the Refuge des Cosmiques takes about 3-4 hours. The descent takes 2 hours.

    Another interesting but easy climb to the summit of this granite spire, most on which is on rock. Towards the summit there is a narrow and exposed ridge. The descent is down the east ridge. The starting point is either the Aiguille du Midi or the Rifugio Torino.

    One of the most popular routes in the Mont Blanc Massif. A relatively easy but exposed climb on both rock and ice usually requiring crampons. The starting point is once again the Aiguille du Midi or Refuge des Cosmiques. The ascent takes 4-5 hours.

    Starting in Chamonix take the train to Montenvers. Descend using the fixed ladders on to 'la mer de glace' - the largest glacier in the Mont Blanc Massif. Cross the mer de glace and ascend using ladders on to the path (le Balcon) round to the Refuge du Coucercle. Duration about 5-6 hours.

    A 2-day outing of moderate alpine mountaineering. The traverse crosses 3 summits and the route is on both rock and ice, much of which is along an exposed but well-tracked path on the ridge of the arête. The start is from Les Contamines on the west side of Mont Blanc, from where it is an easy 5 hour climb to the Refuge des Conscrits. Day 2 starts with the traverse of the Tré la Tête glacier and the ascent to reach the Col des Dômes. Continue along the vertiginous edge to the Central Dôme (3633 m) and the Occidental Dôme, the highest point of the route. Descend back via the south-east side to Les Contamines. Total duration on day 2 is 10 hours.

    You will get back to the accommodation you have arranged for the last night.

  • Depart after breakfast.

All prices for 2020 are Early Bird prices. Book early to keep the low price for your trip!

The price includes all guide fees & expenses, 1 night half board accommodation in mountain hut
The price does not include 2 nights hotel or chalet accommodation,  meals in the valley, lunches, beverages, personal insurance, equipment hire, travel to and from the Alps, local transfers and uplift costs.

 

We proudly offer our returning customers a discount.

The promotion is valid for qualifying bookings made before the end of October 2024 (using the discount codes provided) at the checkout.

 

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

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Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
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  • There are 2 grades of boots for alpine trekking and mountaineering: B1 and B2

    • B1 boots are usually lightweight boots offering more flexibility when walking and are usually suitable only for trekking, easy glacier walking and Via Ferrata trips.

    • B2 boots are semi-rigid boots that are the best option for summer alpine mountaineering trips. There are leather and plastic/composite options. Leather boots tend to be more comfortable and breathable whereas plastic/composite boots are warmer and more waterproof.

    B2 boots are compatible with C1 and C2 crampons.

    Key features of a good alpine boot include Vibram soles, a reversed leather upper (which protect the best side of the leather from scuffing and abrasion and improves durability and water resistance) and ankle flex and a higher cut which give control, mobility and support.

    Boots can be hired in resort but to avoid discomfort we do strongly recommend that you have your own pair which needs to be well worn-in prior to your trip.

    Alpine huts supply hut slippers so that you don't need to take any other footwear apart from your boots. Boots are not allowed in the dining room or dormitories and must be left in the foyer.

  • Base Layer Top and Bottoms – a few base layer tops, usually long-sleeved is best, wool base layers form Ortovox are good as they offer good wicking properties and dry quickly. For your legs, a couple of pairs of long or ¾ length bottoms are best.

    Mid-layer fleece tops – a couple of fleece type jacket or tops that can be worn between your base layer and outer layers. The “Layering” approach offers the best heat retention and flexibility in warm and cold weather.

    Insulation Layer - a down or Primaloft jacket is a good item to have ready to wear in the event of cold weather, it can live in your rucksack as a spare layer and can come in very handy for sudden changes in the weather.

    Lightweight softshell type trousers - you want to wear a lightweight softshell or similar material on your legs, these types of trouser offer good protection from snow/ice as well as abrasion on rock and are comfortable to move in.

    Walking shorts or a pair of trousers with zip-off legs. Useful for walk-ins to huts on hot days.

    Gore-Tex Jacket - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable jackets. Best to have a lightweight jacket that can be worn in the event of wet or windy weather but is packable enough to fit in your rucksack. Your insulated ski jacket will be overkill and too hot and bulky.

    Gore-Tex Pants - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable trousers. Lightweight is important plus side zips for putting on over your boots and crampons. Used in cold, wet and windy weather.

    Sun hat and warm hat – bring a wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap plus a warm beanie style hat.

    Light, thin gloves – a thin pair of fleece or softshell gloves for warm weather are a must.

    Insulated gloves - You need to have a pair of waterproof warm gloves to wear on cold days.

    Gaiters – these are useful to wear to keep snow out of your boots.

    Socks - 3-4 pairs of medium weight socks usually mid-calf length is good.

  • It is possible to hire boots and the technical items needed for the Mont Blanc Climber week in Chamonix and guideline prices for 6 days hire are:

    Mountaineering boots €55
    Ice Axe €30
    Boot crampons €35
    Harness €15
    Helmet €15

    If you wish to hire any technical kit please contact us in advance with your requirements.

  • Rucksack - A simple and lightweight pack with a capacity of between 35-45 liters is recommended. You need to have one loop for carrying an ice axe on your rucksack.

    Lightweight sleeping bag liner – a silk or cotton sleeping bag liner is now compulsory in all mountain huts.

    Water bottle or Thermos – a water bottle or hydration system is needed.

    Head torch with spare batteries

    Penknife

    Personal first Aid Kit - Should contain:

    Plasters – of various sizes and possibly some adhesive wound dressings.

    Pain Killers – aspirin or Paracetamol/Nurofen

    Antiseptic cream or wipes

    Blister kit – compeed and elastic tape to hold it in place (essential)!

    (Note: Guides will have comprehensive first aid kits and are qualified in mountain first aid)

    Whistle

    Sun Glasses - minimum category 3.

    Ski Goggles – these can be very useful if you encounter strong winds and poor weather.

    Sunscreen and Lip Protection

    Ear Plugs - For noisy huts!!

    Camera

    Hold-all bag - for gear not required on trek. Will be left at first hotel and collected on return.

    Passport

    Money - You will need some cash for food and drinks. There are some ATMs and most hotels, shops and restaurants will accept credit cards, but most huts still accept cash only. You should allow about 30-40 Swiss Francs or 25-35 Euros per day for lunch and drinks (amount approximate and depends on consumption).

    Toiletries – Should contain:

    Toothbrush and paste - a mini one is ideal

    Soap

    Anti-bacterial hand cleaner

    Wet wipes – essential to try to maintain hygiene

    Tissues and toilet roll

    Small light quick dry towel e.g. a Lifeventure Soft fiber towel

    (Any other essentials you need but remember there are no shower facilities and generally no running water in the huts and you have to carry everything with you!)

    Alpine club card - If you're a member.

    Book, pack of cards and or Ipod/MP3 player – It’s nice to have something to read or listen to when you are in the huts or to challenge your fellow travelers to a game of card. These items are not essential but if you have space you might appreciate them.

  • These items are essential for all alpine mountaineering courses

    All items can be hired from Mountain Tracks or from sport shops in the Alps.

    • Climbing helmet
    • Ice Axe - General mountaineering / alpine pick 55-70cms long depending on your height.
    • Boot crampons - with anti-balling plates.
    • Climbing Harness – adjustable leg loops are useful for easy of putting on over your boots.
    • Adjustable trekking pole(s)

  • It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.

    For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.

    For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/
    If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.
     

  • You should arrange to arrive in Chamonix by late afternoon on the first day. 

    The most convenient airport is Geneva and from here the transfer time up to Chamonix by road is just 1 hr 15mins.  To travel between the airport and Chamonix we recommend you reserve a seat on one of the many commercial shuttle buses. Mountain Tracks can book this for you and the usual prices are from £40 per person one-way. Please supply your full flight details to us so we can make the reservation.

    Want to take the train to the resort?  No problem – it’s possible to get to Chamonix by train from the UK using the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris, then the TGV to Bellegarde and a regional train to Chamonix.  The journey can be done in 1 day. However, please note to arrive in Chamonix by 5pm you should be departing Paris between 9am and 10am, there is a small selection of options ranging from 5hr to 7hrs of travel. If you need to arrive late in the evening for any of our trips please discuss with us as soon as possible. 

    The London to Paris Eurostar timetable here 

  • Two nights will be spent in one of the many hotels or chalets in Chamonix or Argentiere. Our preferred chalet is Chalet Les Pelerins, a friendly, owner-operated chalet close to the centre of Chamonix. One night is spent in one of the many high mountain huts, of which the Refuge des Cosmiques is probably the best option as it is easily accessible from the Aiguille du Midi and can be used as a base for many of the routes highlighted above. In the huts evening meals are included and are generally nourishing and plentiful. Vegetarians can be catered for although there is usually only 1 menu option.
  • Chamonix has lots of catered chalets and hotels.

    Our preferred chalet is Chalet Les Pelerins. This is a comfortable privately run chalet in the Rue des Pelerins about 15 minutes walk from the centre of the town.

    Our preferred hotel is Hotel Les Lanchers in Chamonix Les Praz. 

  • The Alps generally have a very pleasant climate throughout the spring, summer and autumn with warm days and cool nights, with daytime temperatures in the valley around 25 - 30°C. At high altitude the temperature often goes down below -10 and can feel even colder with wind chill.

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