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Ice Climbing Course Beginners

Discover, learn & improve.

Come and learn ice climbing with us in Maurienne!
You will find here some of the best beginner terrain. From the ice climbing school at the Barmettes icefall to the easy multi-pitches in Val Cenis or Bessans, there is everything. 
Not to be forgotten: a cold climate on the north facing side of the valley ensures predictable conditions and guaranteed ice all winter long.

Trip Essentials

When:
All winter
Where:
Haute-Maurienne, France
Level:
Beginner

Come as you are!

This is a beginner course, and you don't need any kind of climbing experience!

You will learn everything you need to know about the gear, safety, rope management, securing your partner and so on...

So the only thing you really need to bring with you is your motivation and your dreams to climb on these wonderful and ephemere icefalls.

Program

Day 1: 

First contact and gear check. You will get crampons, ice axes, harness and helmet from us.
We'll spend the day at the Barmettes in Bessans, a perfect beginner spot, close and offering many different top ropes.
On that day we'll focus on how to secure your partner, how to manage your own safety and the rope.
While climbing we'll pay a special attention to the use of crampons, a very important skill for the future!

Day 2:

Saint Landry icefall.
This is a spot that we'll reach after a nice 1h walk. Thanks to a lot of different easy routes, we'll be able to work more specificaly on technique. Climbing a frozen waterfall is far less brutal than it seems, and there is a lot to say about the placement of ice axes, and how you use your body to climb efficiently, with less effort and more fun.
On that second day, we'll cimb a multi pitch route, and you will learn about belays and the rational way to climb several pitches.

For the 3&4 days course option:

Depending on the conditions, we'll choose a slighly longer icefall, possibly in the Ribon valley or around Bessans. 

On the last day we'll step up our game!
Still focused on technique and safety, we'll climb a last icefall together, trying to find the perfect match regarding your level. Maybe the famous Rebruyant or the Chatel in Val-Cenis!

Budget

Included:
-an IFMGA Mountain Guide for the duration of the course (2 or 4 days).
-individual and collective gear (ice-axes, crampons, harness, helmet,ropes and safety gear).
-lodging half boared
-transportation in the valley.
-access to the private climbing spot of Les Barmettes.

Not included:
-your travel to the Maurienne.
-your personal insurances
-lunches
-climbing boots 

Price
430€
per person, 2 days course, 1 night
930€
per person, 4 days course, 3 nights

Dates 2023/24, practical details

Dates, 2 days:
9-10 december 2024
9-10 january 2025
15-16 february 2025
22-23 february 2025

Dates, 4 days:
9-12 december 2024
9-12 january 2025
23-25 february 2025

Transfer
You need help to get picked up (airport or train station)?
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us !

Climbing boots
Just ask us if you're wondering about your own gear or if you need to find a rental.

Booking & more info
Email us or give us a call (+33785622153)