August 21-23  | CHAMONIX

bedrock mountaineering camp

JOIN


intro to alpinism and you first 4000m!
21-23 August
Cervinia - Breithorn - Monte Rosa Massif

a first step into the world of alpinism

this camp is for anyone who’s looked up at the glaciers and wondered : where do you actually begin??

over three days in the monte rosa massif, we’ll cover the basics - ropes, crampons, glacier travel; and mountain movement - with the aim of summiting your first 4000m peak, the Breithorn!

no previous alpinism experience needed. just a solid fitness base and a genuine interest in learning :) 

What to Expect

THE PLAN!


You’ll learn the basics of:

  • Glacier travel

  • Rope systems and movement on a rope

  • Crampon and ice axe techniques

  • Introductory ice school

  • Mountain decision-making and terrain awareness

  • Refuge life and alpine culture

  • Moving efficiently in high mountain terrain

this camp is about understanding the mountain environment, learning the foundations of alpinism, and gaining the confidence to move safely in glaciated terrain.

Day 1 — Chamonix → Cervinia → Petit Cervin → Refuge

We leave Chamonix (early start! be sure to be in town the day before) and head toward Italy, driving to Cervinia before taking lifts up to the Petit Cervin (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) for a first immersion into the world alpinism.

The goal of the day is to gradually step into the alpine environment, spend time at altitude, and begin getting familiar with glaciated terrain and mountaineering equipment.

From there, we make our way to the Guide d’Ayas Refuge, surrounded by the Monte Rosa massif.

Once settled, we’ll go through equipment, weather, and the plan for the days ahead before a good dinner and sleep at the refuge! take earplugs :)

Night 1 in refuge

Day 2 - Learning the Basics

A full learning day around the refuge.

This day is dedicated to building confidence and understanding the foundations of alpinism in a safe environment.

Together with the guides, we’ll cover:

  • Rope handling and movement

  • Walking roped on glacier terrain

  • Crampon technique

  • Ice axe basics

  • Intro to crevasse rescue systems

  • Ice school (école de glace)

  • Basic alpine safety and mountain awareness

This is day is basically to help you gain autonomy in the mountains :)

Night 2 in refuge

Day 3 — Your First 4000m (maybe, maybe not?) : Breithorn (4,164m)

An early start before sunrise, heading toward the Breithorn.

this might be a first experience of moving on glacier at dawn, alpine starts, high-altitude progression, and standing on a 4000m summit!

the ascent is buit on what we’ve covered over the previous days. After the summit, we descend and return to chamonix for a good dinner :)

Who is this for?

This camp is for:

  • Beginners curious about mountaineering

  • Trail runners, hikers, skiers or mountain lovers wanting to step into alpinism

  • Those wanting to learn properly, safely, and in a supportive environment

You do not need previous mountaineering experience.

You should feel comfortable with long days in the mountains and have a reasonable fitness base.

included and not included :)

‍ ‍ included :

  • Certified mountain guide(s) throughout the camp

  • 2 nights in mountain refuge (half board, so dinners and breakfasts)

  • Group transfer from Chamonix to cervinia and back (or possibility to meet there!)

  • Bedrock coordination & support

  • Technical alpinism learning sessions

    not included:

  • personal fuelling/snacks and drinks

  • lift tickets for first and last day!

  • lunch on the first day (bring your own packed lunch)

  • personal gear and equipment

  • any personal expenses in refuge (other then dinners and breakfasts, and packed lunch x 2)

  • travel to chamonix before/after camp

  • personal insurance


    to recap!
    Dates: 21 – 23th August
    Level: Beginner / Intro to Alpinism
    Goal: Learn alpine climbing basics + summit your first 4000m peak
    Group Size: Small group experience
    Location: Cervinia & Monte Rosa Massif

    EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • mountaineering equipment:
    helmet (climbing helmet) - harness - ice axe - mountaineering boots - mountaineering crampons - and bring extra slings, ice screw, carabiners (2), lanyard if you have!

    and to bring too:

    • Tall/hiking socks

    • Technical base layer

    • Light fleece

    • Down jacket

    • Gore-Tex jacket

    • Mountain trousers

    • Gore-Tex trousers (if you have them)

    • Gloves (not too thick, not too thin)

    • Backpack

    • Headlamp

    • Water bottle

    • Sunscreen

    • Sunglasses

    • Sleeping bag liner (for the refuge)

    See you soon! 🏔️⛏️

Book Your Stay

sign up

foundation for mountain culture

Get in Touch

If you're interested in working with us or joining us on an event, complete the form with a lil message

We'll review your message and get back to you asap