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Winter

Chamonix Ice Climbing

This is a pretty high adrenaline day out, combining steep drops with a spectacular environment – highly recommended!

It’s an especially good option if the lifts are closed for any reason – high winds, for instance – and you are itching to get out and do something in the mountains.
Ski clothing is generally fine for a first day’s ice climbing and the rest of the gear can be hired easily under the advice of your guide.

Chamonix ice climbing - Neil leads up the frozen waterfall
Neil leads up the frozen waterfall

You can learn to ice climb in Chamonix, on the Mer de Glace glacier, or on a frozen waterfall at Les Grands Montets (La Cremerie). More experienced climbers may prefer to go through the tunnel for a day at Cogne, the ice climbing capital of the area. This a beautiful Italian village which also has extensive cross-country skiing trails and, as always in Italy, some lovely restaurants.

For anyone, I would recommend Neil Hitchings as a guide for ice climbing. He is an enthusiastic and very safe teacher for a first day, and a highly experienced climber for those who want more challenge. See our Guides section for more details.