JUNE  2-6  | CHAMONIX

alpine climbing Retreat: chamonix

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sign ups open soon!

You wake up early in Chamonix, the peaks already glowing pink. strong Coffee, quiet nerves, harness on. The approach winds through wildflowers and warm granite before the rope comes out and everything slows down.

By the time you reach the hut, boots off in the sun, Melted snow for tea. Maps on the table. Laughter from another rope team.

early morning, you move over blue glacier light and along the ridge. The summit isn’t loud -it’s quiet, grounding.

You come back tired, sun-warmed, a little changed.

What to Expect

level required?

A gentle, progressive introduction to alpinism.
Five days to build strong foundations, understand mountain terrain, and form a real group dynamic - leading up to a first true high-mountain experience, between glacier travel, a night in a refuge, and a summit attempt.

*accomodation - chalet vyñales

Nestled in a lush alpine haven with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Chalet Viñales offers a rare blend of family legacy and contemporary sophistication.

Originally built by the owner’s grandparents in the 1960s after several unforgettable years in Cuba, this former family home has been meticulously restored to welcome discerning guests. Today, Chalet Viñales is a refined retreat where vintage elegance meets modern comfort, surrounded by nature’s quiet grandeur..

❋ catering by OMA

most of our are meals prepared by our local partners OMA, with simple, nourishing food adapted to mountain days.
Shared meals as an essential part of the experience — fueling the body and strengthening the group

❋ step-by-step introduction to Alpinism

A gradual learning process designed to build confidence and understanding over the week.
Rope work, crampon techniques, glacier travel, and decision-making — guided by experienced mountain professionals, at a steady and supportive pace.

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❋ night in a high mountain refuge

An overnight stay in a high-altitude refuge, marking a key transition from learning to experience.
A chance to live the rhythm of the mountains, share time with guides, and prepare for a first summit day.

This retreat is suited for beginner to intermediate alpinists.
the objective on the last day It often considered a first “high mountain” experience — an ideal introduction to glacier mountaineering.

No prior technical climbing is required, but participants should already be comfortable with long days in the mountains and have good basic fitness.

Physical Demands

4–6 hour ascent from the refuge (depending on conditions)
Around 1000m+ of elevation gain over two days (approach + summit day)
Moving at altitude (3500m+)
Early alpine start (around 3–5am)

What will you learn?

Walking in crampons
Moving roped on a glacier
Using an ice axe for balance
Basic awareness of self-arrest techniques
Understanding rope team movement and glacier safety

Day One

Arrive & Meet

Arrival & Check-In
from 10:00 am
Welcome at the chalet, room allocation, and time to settle in.
Equipment distribution or personal gear check.

Light Lunch
Simple lunch by Pinpin.

Intro to Alpinism — Gaillands
1:00 pm
Meet the guide and begin with the fundamentals:
mountain safety rules, rope basics, and introductory alpine climbing techniques on rock.

Evening at the Chalet
Relaxed dinner prepared by OMA.

Day Two

first steps on ice

Early Breakfast
Breakfast by Pinpin.

Crampons & Ice Axe Basics
Practical introduction to moving on snow: footwork, balance, and ice-axe use.

Roped Travel
Learning the fundamentals of moving together safely on alpine terrain.

Mountain Picnic
Picnic lunch by Pinpin.

On-Glacier Experience
Afternoon practice on the Mer de Glace or during a Skyway traverse.

Evening at the Chalet
Dinner by OMA and time to rest.

Day Three and Four

day Three

breakfast at the Chalet
Breakfast by Pinpin. Optional morning yoga.

Departure to the Mountains
12:00 pm
Start of the approach walk towards Refuge Albert 1er.

Time at the Refuge
Late afternoon
Discussion with the guide and introduction to essential knots: clove hitch, figure-eight, and fisherman’s knot.

Dinner & Night in the Refuge
Evening
Dinner and overnight stay at Refuge Albert 1er.

day four

Day Four

first summit day

Summit Attempt
Early morning
(Aiguille du Tour or another suitable peak, depending on conditions).

Return to the Refuge
Lunch at the refuge.

Back to the Valley
Return to the chalet. Free time and optional spa.

Evening in Town
Apéro in Chamonix followed by dinner.

Day Five

Farewell Brunch
Brunch by OMA and group debrief.

back home

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