Climbing in the French Alps above Chamonix is an unforgettable experince. Whether you’re an experienced alpinist looking to push your technical skills or someone who has recently gotten into climbing and mountaineering, our guided climbing trips in Chamonix and the surrounding French Alps are designed to match your goals and abilities. From classic ridge traverses and mixed alpine routes to soaring granite spires and steep ice faces, Chamonix offers some of the most diverse and inspiring terrain on earth. Our highly trained IFMGA-certified Chamonix mountain guides provide expert instruction, personalized coaching, and a strong focus on safety, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the adventure. Known as the birthplace of modern alpinism, Chamonix is a legendary hub that has drawn climbers from all over the world for more than a century. With iconic objectives like Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi, and the Grandes Jorasses, every guided climb in Chamonix connects you to the rich history and vibrant spirit of the French Alps.
A guided climbing adventure in Chamonix is more than just reaching a summit — it’s a complete, life-changing experience in one of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes on the planet. The extensive network of cable cars and high alpine huts gives climbers unmatched access to massive, varied terrain, allowing for ambitious link-ups and multi-day missions across glaciers and ridgelines. The rock quality in Chamonix is world-class, from golden granite faces to sharp limestone ridges, providing unforgettable challenges for climbers of all levels. After your day in the mountains, unwind in the lively town of Chamonix, sharing stories and soaking in the unique alpine atmosphere. Join us for a guided climbing trip in Chamonix and the French Alps, and discover why this iconic region remains the ultimate destination for climbers seeking adventure, history, and the pure joy of alpine climbing.
- Dates: Custom, call or email for availability
- Duration: Custom: July 2-11 2025 and July 25-30th 2025 still available
- Level: Beginner to expert
- Client Ratio: 3:1
- Difficulty: Everything from simple glacier walks to Grade V alpine routes
- Cost:
- 1:1 $850 per person per day
- 2:1 $575 per person per day
- 3:1 $400 per person per day
- Included: Lift and tram tickets, group climbing equipment, and guide services.
- Not Included: Ground transportation airfare, transportation within France, hotel accommodations, Overnight hut meal and accommodation fees, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, meals while on the mountain, and all personal items
The climbs listed below are just a small sampling of the many incredible objectives we offer in the French Alps. Whether you’re looking for day trips from Chamonix or multi-day adventures based out of alpine huts, get in touch with us and we’ll help craft the perfect itinerary for your goals and experience.
Easy Climbs
- Mont Blanc du Tacul, NW Face
- Aiguilles Crochues Traverse
- Petite Aiguille Verte
- Aiguille d’Entrèves Traverse
- Aiguilles Marbrées Traverse
- Aiguille du Tour, normal route
- Arête des Cosmiques
- Aiguille du Tour, Arête de la Table
- Pointe Lachenal Traverse
- Tour Ronde, Southeast Ridge/East Face
- Aiguille de l’Index, Southeast Ridge
- Mic et Maousse (Le Brévent)
- La Somone (Le Brévent)
- Hotel Califronia (Le Brévent)
- Clocher de Planpraz Traverse
Moderate climbs
- Lower Buttress of Aig. de la Gliere, Mani Puliti & Nez Rouge
- Aiguille de l’Index, Brunat-Perroux
- Frison-Roche (Le Brévent)
- Aiguille L’M Northwest Ridge
- Dômes de Miage Traverse
- Dent du Géant & Arête de Rochefort
- Pyramide du Tacul, East Arête
- Chapelle de la Gliere, SSE Arête
- Papillons Arête to the 3009m Gendarme of the Peigne
- Tour Ronde, SE Arête
- Mont Blanc, Les Trois Monts
- Mont Blanc, Goûter Route
- Aiguille du Genepi, South Ridge
Difficult Climbs
- Aiguille du Midi, South Face
- Aiguille du Genepi, Mort de Rire
- Tour Ronde, Bernezant Spur
- Aiguille de Blatiere – Red Pillar Nabot-Leon to Osez Josehine
- North Face Triangle of Mont Blanc du Tacul – Chere Couloir
- Traversée Midi-Plan (A traverse and return from the Aiguille du Midi to Aiguille de Plan)
- Aiguille du Peigne to the summit via the Papillons Arete or Les Lepidoptêres
- Aiguille de Bionnassay Traverse
- Aiguille du Chardonnet, Forbes Arête
- Pointes Lachenal, Contamine Route
Very Difficult Climbs
- Mont Maudit, Kuffner Arête
- Aiguille du Moine, South Ridge Integrale
- Aiquille Noire de Peuterey
- Le Grepon, Mer de Glace Face
- Mont Blanc du Tacul, Gervasutti Pillar
- Aiguille du Midi, Frendo Spur
- Mont Blanc du Tacul Arête du Diable Traverse
- Traversée Rochefort to Grandes Jorasses
- Aiguille de la Republique Voie Normal
- Grand Charmoz, Cordier Pillar
- Aiguille du Plan, Ryan Arete
MULTI-DAY ALPINE CLIMBING EQUIPMENT LIST
Our recommended clothing system has four layers.
- Base layer: manages moisture and wicks perspiration away from your skin. (synthetic or merino wool)
- Softshell: should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well.
- Hard shell: windproof, waterproof and breathable. (e.g. Gore-Tex, or similar)
- Insulating layer: should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard)
These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.
Climbing Gear
- Adjustable Trekking Poles
- Alpine Climbing boots Full shank crampon compatible leather, synthetic, or hybrid boot depending on climb and season.Single-weight synthetic/leather mountaineering boots are adequate for mid and late-summer climbs on Mount Baker and in the North Cascades when conditions are expected to be dry.
- Rock shoes
- Alpine climbing harness Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing and can be put on with ski boots
- Ice Axe – Lightweight (50–70 cm)
- Crampons with anti-ball plate Must be fit to boots prior to trip,
- Climbing helmet Adjustable, should fit with hat on
- Belay Device
- 4 locking carabiners – 2 Large, pear-shaped carabiner is best, screw gate type recommended and 2 smaller locking screwgate
- 4 regular carabiners (e.g. small wire gate are recommended)
- 1 double length sling
- 1 single length sling
- 1 Cordelette 6 mil 18-20’(6-7 meters)
- 1 12” Prussik or Hollow Block*
Upper Body
-
- Lightweight base layer T-shirt or long sleeve polypropylene shirt
- 2 synthetic sports bras*(WOMEN)
- 1 long sleeve Sun Hoodie Lightweight, light colored for sunny days
- Soft Shell
- 1 Down/synthetic jacket with hood
- 1 Hard shell jacket with hood Waterproof and breathable. roomy enough to fit over multiple layers.
- 1 pair liner gloves Thin wool or polypropylene
- Shell gloves or mitts
- Warm hat Wool or synthetic
- Balaclava or Buff
- Shade hat or baseball cap
Lower Body
- 2-3 heavy wool/synthetic socks Check boot fit with liner and wool socks on
- 1-2 pair lightweight long underwear Polypropylene or Capilene
- 2 pairs of underwear boxers/briefs
- Soft shell pants
- Shell pants Waterproof/breathable with full side zips
Backpack
- Backpack 30-40 liters capacity able to carry snowboard/skis
Miscellaneous Equipment
- Sunglasses 100% UV protection with side shields or wrap around.
- Personal first aid repair kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, spare parts for bindings and batteries etc.
- Lip balm At least SPF 20
- Sunscreen At least SPF 40
- Headlamp lightweight LED
- 2 1 Liter water bottles-one should be a thermos
- Toiletry kit with Toilet Paper
- Ear plugs
- Nylon stuff sacks For Lunch and pack organization
- Bandana
- Hand wipes
- 1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional)
- Favorite snack foods (no more than 2 pounds-lunch and snacks will be provided)
Hut Kit
- Casual clothing (cotton is fine) ie sweats, yoga wear, & swimwear for sauna.
- Slippers-ightweight booties or slippers, comfortable top and bottom-cotton optional.
- for the lodge and trip to the sauna
- Prescriptions, medications
- Reading glasses
WHO WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?
We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with the AMGA in the rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $20-30 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?
No, for these trips we strongly suggest to buy your equipment due to obscenely large rental costs for trip of this length.
HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
Day trips will keep your pack between 10-15 pounds max.
WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?
For Scheduled Domestic Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due 60 days from trip departure. Payable by check, Credit Card with service charge or Venmo.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
90 to 31 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost
30 days or less – 100% of trip cost
WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress, we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.