Cham-Cogne Ice Pics 5Days•All Levels•2:1 Chamonix-Cogne Ice Special   Ice Program DATES + PRICES AVAILABILITY SUITABILITY ICE FALL FAQs . All Levels La Grave Ice Weeks £675 Private Guiding - from £270         . Advanced Couloir Climbing £1495   . Specials Chamonix-Cogne £1500 Lofoten Islands £2800 Canada Special £2800 Private Guiding - from £270

A great week of dedicated icefall climbing, based in Chamonix and Cogne - two of the best known ice climbing venues in the Alps.  The week is suitable for climbers of all levels of experience and ability, as both Chamonix and Cogne offer ice climbs at every grade - suitable for beginners and experts alike.

We offer this itinerary as a private guiding special - with dates by arrangement throughout January and February. The price quoted includes all guiding fees and expenses up to a maximum of 2 climbers per guide.

Your own personal travel and accommodation costs must be met seperately. Starting and finishing in Chamonix, we divide each week between the two venues - making best use of current weather and ice climbing conditions. (see: chamonix cogne ice climbing photos, more ice photos)

Sample Itinerary  Subject to weather and conditions, we follow the general format below:

Day 0 Sun

PM meet in Chamonix - discuss plans, kit check and sort equipment.

Days 1-5 Mon-Fri

Classic icefall climbs in the Chamonix and Cogne valleys, with ascents and skills training tailored to your requirements.  How many nights we spend in Chamonix and how many in Cogne are determined by local climbing conditions and what you would most like to do. Typical coaching areas include: Skills Training : Skills Training pics     Lead Coaching pics movie1 movie2 icefalls advice article           Possible Climbs : Chamonix - Cogne Pics                         Foundation skills:- Front pointing Axe Technique Winter Belaying Intermediate skills:- see photos Ice screws and protection Stance organisation Abolakov anchors Descending safely Advanced skills:- Lead coaching - see photos Maximising protection Leashless climbing etc

Food and Accommodation  A wide selection of hotels are available in the Chamonix valley, (including the friendly Hotel Les Lanchers** in Chamonix Les Praz) - just let us know your preferences and we can suggest somewhere suitable - whilst in Cogne we usually stay at the climber friendly Hotel La Barme** situated in the heart of the valley (for nights spent away from the Chamonix valley, clients are responsible for covering the guides food and accommodation costs).

Travel  Full travel details are provided with your joining instructions. Chamonix is easily reached by flights to Geneva and an airport transfer, both of which are bookable online.

Fitness  As with most mountain activities, ice climbing can sometimes be hard work (see fitness level 2)- so we advise you to prepare well in advance with regular climbing related training down the wall or gym as well as cardiovascular exercise to handle route approaches (often just 10-30 min walk ins, but sometimes in fresh snow). On advanced weeks, you need to be fitter (fitness level 3) and prepared for some longer 1-2 hr approaches if we visit more remote ice venues around the region.

Experience  For intro level weeks, you need no previous ice experience but should have climbed on rock previously ie be able to tie on and belay safely. At intermediate level you need some previous snow or ice experience (in Scotland or the Alps) to get the most out of the week and at advanced level you should have previously climbed Scottish grade IV before starting the week. (see: ice climbing course suitability)

Equipment  All communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us.  You are expected to provide personal clothing and climbing equipment for the trip (local hire is available).