Do you like hiking and would like to go a little higher, a little further, in the heart of glaciers and peaks?
We offer you a short stay, 2 days to discover the high mountains and to introduce you to the techniques of mountaineering. All in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, with a night in high mountain refuge, far from the valley.
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Groups of 2 to 4 people:
ON DEMAND FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP > CONTACT US!
Includes:
Does not include:
Personalised tour available
Contact us !GLACIER D'ARGENTIERE
Ascent to altitude and first steps on glaciers.
Go to the foot of the Grands Montets cable car. Check the equipment and presentation of the stay. We take the ski lifts to access the Grands Montets needle at 3295m. From here, you will discover the panorama of the Chamonix valley, the Mont Blanc massif and the summit itself. From the top of the Grands Montets we set foot on the glacier, first steps with crampons and discover the equipment. Picnic on the glacier. The route to the Argentière refuge gradually discovers the vastness of the Argentière glacial basin.
Overnight at the Argentière refuge (2771 m).
6h walk/ Altitude difference: -700m/ +250m
BLACK TOWER PASS
Glacial hike from the refuge.
Breakfast at the hut then early morning departure for the Col du Tour Noir (3595 m) by the Amethysts glacier. The climb is made first on the moraine which borders the refuge then takes after a glacier little crevassed, gently sloping. Here we are dominated by the large northern faces of the Alps, the Shorts, the Straight. Once at the pass, you will discover the vast glacial plateaux on the Swiss side. Picnic on the glacier.
We reach for the descent the big flat of the Argentière glacier that we follow to reach the intermediate station of the Grands Montets cable car.
7h walk/ altitude difference: -1600m/ +750m
Physical level:
The weekly practice of an endurance sport is a good thing. Walking with altitude difference or better, cross-country skiing or hiking, running, swimming. If this is not the case, resuming the sport 2 months before departure (brisk walking then jogging 3 times a week) is essential and will allow you to make the most of your stay.
Technical level:
Learn the basic techniques of mountaineering, in snow and ice and rock. The proposed outings are easy races.
Before all our discovery trips, such as glacial hikes, or mountaineering training trips, we must above all be a good hiker, including off-trail, and be broken to walk 6 to 8 hours a day. A sports background is recommendable and the taste of effort is essential to make the most of the days. It is necessary to present oneself rested and fit to any high mountain circuit.
Group of 4 people maximum
Overnight in a dormitory.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the accommodation.
For lunch, picnics and food races planned by your mountain guide and ordered at the refuge .
IGN Chamonix 3630OT Card
Meeting at 8:30 at the foot of the Grands Montets cable car.
Free parking nearby.
Night train direct Paris/St Gervais or TGV in the day. Correspondence for Chamonix; please see SNCF at www.voyages-sncf.com
In the afternoon in Argentière.
Chamonix Tourist Office: +33 4 50 53 00 24
If you are late, contact the agency: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Clothes
Breathable T-shirts
Fleece or softshell jacket
Goretex jacket
1 soft jacket or equivalent
1 simple and lightweight Gore-tex mountain overpantalon is recommended
1 pair of gaiters
1 pair of high mountain gloves + 1 pair of lightweight fleece or wool gloves.
Hat or cap + headband + cap
Hiking socks (double layer, curly...)
1 mountain trousers (sturdy and comfortable)
High mountain shoes, cramponable and warm
Miscellaneous equipment
Comfortable backpack from 30 to 40 liters
Light toilet kit
Glacier goggles (with side shells) IP 3 or 4
1 ski mask (in case of bad weather or strong wind)
Water bottle (capacity depending on your consumption). Beware of water pockets, water can freeze!
1 thermos, recommended (capacity according to your consumption)
1 multi-purpose knife (optional)
Small personal pharmacy (vitamin C, aspirin, dressings etc.) + high-index sunscreen
Frontal + batteries or battery and spare bulbs
A sack cloth (shelters provide blankets or duvets)
Valid ID card or passport
1 or 2 telescopic sticks
Technical equipment provided:
1 ice axe (adapted to its size)
1 pair of pre-set spikes + mandatory "antibott" system (to prevent snow from sticking)
1 shoulder harness
1 safety carabiner
1 lightweight mountaineering helmet
Rental of shoes and backpack possible, count +/- 15€ day depending on the models.
Prices given as a guide. To be booked and paid directly on site before departure. All details for the rental of equipment will be given to you after registration in your notice.