Chalet Annabelle, 576 Route du Pont, 74310 Les Houches, France, T +33 6 80 44 95 31
Mountaineering Course
and Mont Blanc summit attempt
Join us for a week of climbing Mont Blanc while learning the basics of mountaineering. This course will be lead by the Swedish IFMGA Mountain Guide Mattias Erlandson.
6 days of guiding
2:1 guide ratio
2195 EUR
July 7-14th 2019
Are you dreaming of climbing Western Europe's highest peak and want to get an introduction to mountaineering, then this is the week for you! Mattias Erlandson will be the leading guide and will be personalizing the week to your skills and wishes.
During the week, you will have Chalet Annnabelle as your base but you will also spend 3 nights in mountain huts during acclimatization climbs and during the Mont Blanc summit attempt. The week will start with introducing you to the basic mountaineering skills, such as ice axe and crampon techniques, glacier travel etc. During these first days, you will also acclimatize to the altitude to prepare yourselves to the Mont Blanc summit attempt towards the end of the week.
Plan for the week*
2019-07-07 (Sunday)
Arrival in Chamonix and Chalet Annabelle
Introduction to the week with briefing about the weather conditions and expectations for the week. We will also go through the equipment to ensure that all have what is needed.
2019-07-08 (Monday)
We will use the lifts to take us up to La Flegere to climb Aiguille d’Index or Traverese des Crouches, which is high alpine climbing. We will come back to Chalet Annabelle in the afternoon.
2019-07-09 (Tuesday)
We set off early to take the Aiguille du Midi lift and get an introduction to glacier travel while traversing Vallee Blanche to Italy. You will get an introduction to ax and crampon techniques as well as basic crevasse resque. Potentially, we will climb Aiguille de Toule or Aiguille de Marbrees before going to Rifugio Torino (3300m) where we will spend the night.
2019-07-10 (Wednesday)
We will leave Rifugio Torino in the very early morning and climb a summit in the area, such as Toure Ronde or Aiguille d’Entreves. In the afternoon, we take the lift down to Italy where we will be picked up and driven back to Chalet Annabelle where we will spend the night.
2019-07-11 (Thursday)
After a few days of acclimatization, we will start our climb of Mont Blanc and spend the night in a suitable mountain hut.
2019-07-12 (Friday)
This is the day where we will try to reach the summit of Mont Blanc. Again, we will set off very early in the morning to reach the summit and come back to Refuge Gouter in 10-12 hours.
2019-07-13 (Saturday)
To safely climb down from Refuge Gouter, we will start the descent early in the morning when the temperatures are low. We will be back at Chalet Annabelle around midday, which gives you time to relax at the chalet or to explore Chamonix before the 3-course celebratory dinner in the evening.
2019-07-14 (Sunday)
Departure from Chalet Annabelle
*Â This is a preliminary plan which might change due to weather conditions etc.
What is included?
The price for the week is 2195 EUR, which includes pretty much everything but flights to Geneva and lift passes.
Included
- 6 days of guiding
- 3 nights accomodation with breakfast and dinner in mountain huts
- 4 nights accommodation at Chalet Annabelle (twin rooms with private bathroom)
- While staying at Chalet Annabelle, amazing breakfasts every morning, 3-course dinners, afternoon snacks every day
- Packed lunches
- Airport transfers
- All transports
Not included
- Flights to Geneva
- Lift passes
What do I need to bring?
Apart from personal clothing (full list will be provided to you upon booking), you will need below alpine equipment. All of the equipment can be rented in Chamonix at a reasonable price.
- Alpine boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Helmet
- Climbing harness
Level of climbing?
This week is aimed towards you who has good physical abilities and has no problem walking 10-12 hours in a day. Due to the low client to guide ratio (2 clients to 1 guide), the levels can be adapted to your previous experience.
If you are unsure about your level, just contact us and we can help you find out if this week is for you!
About us
About Mattias Erlandson
Mattias went skiing in Sweden at an early age and eventually made the Alps his home some twenty years ago. The first years as a skibum in St Anton am Arlberg and Innsbruck. Since ten years a resident of Chamonix, France. Apart from being an IFMGA/UIAGM/IVBV mountain guide, Mattias is also a member of the Swedish Mountainguide Associations training team, training and examinating new mountain guides. The search for unique experiences, great food and inspiring cultures has taken him to many places around the world. First and foremost he loves to be outside, in the mountains, sharing his passion with clients.
About Chalet Annabelle
You will stay at Chalet Annabelle, which is run by the Swedish couple Lisa and Martin. They will cook and serve you amazing food which will give you plenty of energy for the days out. You will be staying in twin rooms which all have private bathrooms. There is an outdoor hot tub on the terrace which is a great place to relax after a day in the mountains.
We are proud to have an average rating of 5.0 on Tripadvisor. Check out what other guests have thought about their stay.
Do you want to book or do you have any questions? Send us a message!