This is a pretty high adrenaline day out, combining steep drops with a spectacular environment – highly recommended!
It’s an especially good option if the lifts are closed for any reason – high winds, for instance – and you are itching to get out and do something in the mountains.
Ski clothing is generally fine for a first day’s ice climbing and the rest of the gear can be hired easily under the advice of your guide.
You can learn to ice climb in Chamonix, on the Mer de Glace glacier, or on a frozen waterfall at Les Grands Montets (La Cremerie). More experienced climbers may prefer to go through the tunnel for a day at Cogne, the ice climbing capital of the area. This a beautiful Italian village which also has extensive cross-country skiing trails and, as always in Italy, some lovely restaurants.
For anyone, I would recommend Neil Hitchings as a guide for ice climbing. He is an enthusiastic and very safe teacher for a first day, and a highly experienced climber for those who want more challenge. See our Guides section for more details.
