Take your climbing skills to the next level in this bootcamp at the climbing mecca of Chamonix. Wake up to a view of Mont Blanc Massif before taking a mountain lift to access spectacular climbing routes with the alps as your backdrop. You’ll be in good hands as an expert instructor guides you through the climbs Mont Blanc Massif has to offer. By the end of this bootcamp, you’ll be well-equipped with the fundamentals of becoming an independent sports climber.
Why climb in Chamonix?
In summer, Chamonix transforms from a ski haven to a world-famous climbing destination. This town has a rich history of alpinism and a spectacular natural setting. From easy rock routes to challenging alpine ascents, Chamonix is a diverse climbing playground for different levels of expertise. The Chamonix valley boasts compact rock, high mountains, top-class granite, and miles of gneiss.
This alpine town is steeped in mountaineering history, with many iconic ascents and pioneering climbs taking place here. Climbing in Chamonix allows you to follow in the footsteps of legendary climbers, experiencing the same breathtaking landscapes and challenges that they did.
In this bootcamp, you will be climbing in Mont Blanc Massif, which is named after Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc. Fun fact, the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1761 marked the beginning of modern mountaineering!
Other than climbing, Chamonix also boasts a vibrant array of outdoor activities like gorgeous trekking trails and mountain biking paths. If you’re worried the town would be lull after sunset, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in town for you to choose from.
What will the trip look like?
Day 1 – Welcome to Chamonix
After arriving at Geneva airport, a transfer will send you to the accommodations located in the heart of Chamonix. Spend the day exploring the gorgeous town of Chamonix! Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car, which holds the world record for the highest ascent, for amazing views
Day 2 to 5 – Let’s Climb!
Start off your morning with a breakfast buffet before heading out to the climbing area via the mountain lift. After the morning climb session with the instructor, you’ll eat your packed lunch outdoors. Continue to spend your afternoon climbing under the guidance of your instructor before heading back for dinner. Feel free to spend the rest of the night mingling in the resort, or even head to town for a night out.
In total, you will have 10 climbing sessions with an experienced instructor over the span of 5 days. The instructor will be ensuring you grow as a climber while being safe and having fun. For starters, everyone will go through the fundamentals of putting on a harness, tying knots, and belaying.
You will have the opportunity to lead climb and climb as a second on routes catered to your skill level. Each day will be different as you’ll visit different climbing areas of the Chamonix Valley
Generally, the climbing sessions will focus on a few areas of development:
- Climbing techniques: Foot placement, movement, route-reading, pacing
- Safety techniques: Preparing to climb, partner checks, attaching /clipping a quickdraw, coiling a rope, belaying a leader, and communication skills
- Theory knowledge: Codes of conduct, equipment types
Gorgeous landscape of Chamonix
Day 6 – Farewell
Spend your final morning relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere of Chamonix. If you’d like, your mountain lift is still valid in the morning so you can sneak in a quick climb before checking out at 2pm. There will be a transfer to Geneva airport, where you can fly home, or to your next destination!
This adventure is inclusive of:
| 5-night hostel-style accommodation in the heart of Chamonix |
| Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet |
| Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass |
| Professional climbing instructor |
| Equipment (climbing shoes, harness, and helmet) |
| Return transfer between Geneva airport and accommodation in Chamonix |
Not included:
| Flights between Singapore and Geneva |
| Travel insurance |
| Personal expenses |
Is outdoor climbing harder than indoor climbing?
In Singapore, we know most climbers are used to indoor gyms. While outdoor climbing is not necessarily harder than indoor climbing, we would say it takes time to get used to for someone that usually climbs indoors. In the outdoors, there are no obvious holds like a gym so you’ll need to spend time finding your route. And that’s part of the fun of outdoor climbing!
Having instructor guidance and continuous sessions will help you improve your outdoor climbing skills tremendously. So no fret, keep an open mind and have fun!
What is the purpose of having an instructor?
You can definitely climb without a local instructor, but we believe having instructor guidance adds lots of value to your trip and growth as a climber!
A professional instructor has the necessary experience and understanding of the local terrain, routes, and weather conditions. Their in-depth knowledge can significantly enhance your climbing experience and ensure your safety throughout the adventure.
Having someone experienced guiding you will also help you learn the ropes much more efficiently than going solo – the instructor will be able to identify and correct mistakes, as well as share their own tips and tricks.
Do I need SNCS Certification?
The purpose of SNCS certification is to ensure climbers are educated on the safety practices required. While some gyms in Singapore do require you to have SNCS certification, that is not the case in the Chamonix climbing area. That being said, we do encourage you to take the Level 1 & 2 courses to familiarize yourself before venturing to the outdoors!
Sotravel 
Leave a comment