October 22-25 | CHAMONIX alpine autonomy camp
This is a 4-day alpine progression camp designed to help you move towards greater autonomy in climbing and mountaineering.
Whether you are coming from a previous Level 1 course or already have some experience in climbing and the mountains, this programme is designed for you — even if you have never led a rope team before.
We do expect participants to already feel comfortable moving on rock, both in climbing shoes and mountaineering boots, and to have some familiarity with mixed and glacial terrain, including the use of crampons and ice axes.
What to Expect
THE PLAN!
Ideally, you should be comfortable climbing as a second on French grade 5 rock routes
Physically, you should be able to link several full days in the mountains, including 6 to 8 hours of hiking and climbing per day at a steady pace, without pushing beyond your limits.
Because this is a progression-based course, we take the application process seriously to ensure everyone in the group has the necessary foundations and can progress safely together.
If you’re unsure whether your experience or fitness level is suitable, don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’d be happy to chat :)
this camp is about understanding the mountain environment, learning progression in alpinism, and gaining more confidence to move safely in glaciated terrain.
Day 1 — Arrival & Getting Set
Arrival at the chalet
settling in and getting comfortable before kicking off the weekend together.
Simond site introduction
We’ll take some time to discover the Simond gear (official partner), go through the equipment we’ll be using throughout the stay and get familiar with the climbing site and its surroundings.
Evening — apéro & dinner at the Chalet
We’ll finish the first day with a homemade dinner at the chalet, giving everyone a chance to settle in and get to know each other.
Day 2 - Climbing Day
Climbing session all morning ((:
After breakfast, we’ll head out for a morning climbing session, first moment out on the rock, learn, climb together and enjoy a proper mountain morning.
We’ll stop for a picnic on site, taking our time to enjoy lunch outside before continuing the session.
Back at the chalet in the evening for a small apéro and dinner together. A fun evening going through the days lessons and a fun little workshop.
Day 3 — Heading up
The morning will be dedicated to preparing our packs and checking all the equipment needed for the night at the refuge and the following day’s ascent. We’ll make sure everything is ready and keep the packs as light as possible.
Essentials not to forget: (gear provided by Simond, don’t worry)
We’ll leave early in the afternoon. We’ll head up ahead of time to set up for the night and secure our spots in the non-guarded refuge. A real Chamoniard moment as we will have the whole place to ourselves (hopefully).
Specialty dinner at the Refuge (yummmmmmmm)
Once settled in, we’ll cook and share a proper mountain fondue together.
A simple and cosy evening at the refuge, surrounded by the mountains, before an early start the next morning.
Day 4 — Last stretch
GETING TO THE TOP
An early start for the ascent. A full day in the high mountains, taking in the route, the views and the experience of climbing together.
After the ascent and descent, we’ll make our way back to the chalet in the afternoon.
One last moment together before wrapping up the stay.
Who is this for?
This camp is for:
Climbers and mountain lovers with previous rock and alpine experience
Participants coming from our Level 1 course, or with equivalent experience
Those looking to build technical skills and progress towards greater autonomy in the mountain
People comfortable with rock, crampons, ice axes and basic glacial or mixed terrain
Those able to handle 6–8 hours of mountain activity for several consecutive days
You should feel comfortable with long days in the mountains and have a reasonable fitness base.
You don’t need previous experience leading a rope team, but a solid technical foundation is required.
included and not included :)
included :
Certified mountain guide(s) throughout the camp
2 nights in local chalet
1 night in mountain refuge (half board, so dinners and breakfasts)
Bedrock coordination & support
Technical alpinism learning sessions
not included:personal fuelling/snacks and drinks
personal gear and equipment
any personal expenses in refuge
travel to chamonix before/after camp
personal insurance
to recap!
Dates: 22nd - 25th october
Level: Intermediate / Autonomy to Alpinism
Goal: Learn alpine progression + summit
Group Size: Small group experience
Location: Chamonix
Payment: 1599.99€, payment plans can be provided upon request.
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!
most lend by our official partner Simond
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!
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