About Mountaineering in Chamonix
Chamonix is quite simply the mecca of alpine climbing. Whether you are a rock climber, ice climber, ski tourer, or just enjoy being in the mountains, Chamonix is the place to be. The glaciers and icy slopes of the Mont Blanc Massif offer a massive number of climbing routes for alpinists, while the world famous Chamonix granite is extremely popular with rock climbers.
Share this page
Not only does the Mont Blanc Massif offer outstanding mountaineering, but the area is well prepared for climbers. The network of lifts and trains give rapid access to the high mountains, where a plethora of refuges offer fully catered accommodation. Many Mountain Guides operate in the area and are available to look after you if you need them. The valley also has an abundance of excellent gear shops, hotels, restaurants and bars enabling you not only to climb your dreams and relax afterwards.
This article is courtesy of Stuart Macdonald, a fully qualified IFMGA Mountain Guide based in Chamonix Mont Blanc.
Accommodation for Mountaineers in Chamonix
Staying in Mountain Huts
The Mont Blanc Massif has an extensive system of huts high in the mountains. These vary from tiny bivouac huts in remote corners of the Massif to large, fully catered refuges in the popular climbing and walking areas.
more »
Climbing Mont Blanc
Guide to climbing Mont Blanc, Chamonix
The Mont Blanc, literally translated as the White Mountain, is the highest mountain in the Alps and true to it's name stays white all year round thanks to it's altitude of 4,810m and it's network of glaciers.
more »
Haute Route - Chamonix to Zermatt
The walking route between Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland
The Haute Route, (also known as The High Route or Mountaineers' Route) is the route undertaken on foot or by ski touring between Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland.
more »
History of Mountaineering in Chamonix
Whymper, Paccard & Balmat - the history behind the names
The earliest recorded forays into the mountains above Chamonix were by Crystal hunters. For most other people there was really no point – few people had any leisure time ! But the Victorian Age was an age of invention and exploration. People wanted those remote places explored and mapped, and the mountains were no exception.
more »
Mountaineering Routes in Chamonix
Popular routes in the Mont Blanc Massif
Anyone undertaking mountaineering (in any form) does so at their own risk. The decision to climb a mountaineering route is yours and yours alone.
more »
Starting Off in Mountaineering
Equipment, Procedures and Sourcing Information
There are numerous companies and Chamonix guides operating in the Chamonix Valley who offer courses for beginners. IFMGA guides are the only people legally able to operate in the Mont Blanc Massif, and are all of a very high standard.
more »
