Alpine Rock
Level 3 : Guided Climbing
Experience the best of Alpine rock climbing, from brilliant granite ridges and spires to classic multi-pitch rock routes high above the valleys. Based from Chamonix and the Aosta Valley, this course combines superb climbing, spectacular mountain scenery and a great adventure on classic Alpine rock.
The Alps are home to some of the finest rock climbing terrain in the world, yet many of these incredible routes remain in the shadow of the famous snowy 4000m peaks. Venture a little lower and a whole new world of alpine climbing opens up—sunny limestone walls, soaring granite spires, elegant ridges and classic multi-pitch routes in some of the most spectacular mountain settings imaginable.
As conditions on the higher peaks continue to evolve, alpine rock climbing offers an increasingly rewarding way to experience the very best of the Alps. With reliable rock, stunning locations and often less reliance on glacier conditions, these routes provide a perfect blend of technical climbing, adventure and classic alpine atmosphere.
From beautifully sculpted limestone faces in the Dolomites, to granite towers around Chamonix and the impressive rock walls of the Western Alps, our Alpine Rock courses are designed to help you develop your skills while climbing some of the most inspiring routes the mountains have to offer.
Whether you are looking to build confidence on longer multi-pitch climbs, refine your alpine movement skills or simply enjoy unforgettable days high in the mountains, alpine rock climbing offers a unique and rewarding way to explore the Alps.
Course Highlights
A fun multi-pitch alpine rock climbing week
Enjoy some of the best alpine rock routes and summits in the Alps
Expert guiding and instruction from experienced ISM Guides
Price includes breakfasts and evening meals, vehicle transport and accommodation (excludes mechanical uplift*)
Is The Course For Me?
This course is ideal for climbers who want to experience the unique atmosphere of high Alpine rock climbing spending days climbing classic multi-pitch routes, staying in mountain huts and enjoying some of the finest rock terrain the Alps have to offer.
To get the most from the week, you should have regular climbing experience, either indoors or outdoors, and be comfortable leading rock climbs. The focus is on developing your multi-pitch climbing skills, movement technique and confidence on longer alpine rock routes in a spectacular mountain environment.
Although this is a predominantly rock-focused week, some basic alpine skills may still be required. Approaches and descents can involve sections of old snow, mountain tracks or short glacier crossings, where you may need to use crampons and an ice axe. However, extensive alpine mountaineering experience is not required, and your ISM Guide will provide coaching and support throughout the week.
If you love climbing rock, enjoy being high in the mountains and want to combine technical climbing with the adventure and atmosphere of classic Alpine hut life, this course offers a fantastic introduction to the world of alpine rock.
Rock Climbing In The High Alps
With a solid foundation in rock climbing and the ability to comfortably follow routes around UK Hard Severe, you can access some of the finest alpine rock climbing in the Alps. From the granite spires and soaring ridges of the Mont Blanc Massif, to the spectacular rock faces and quieter valleys of the Aosta Valley, the region offers an incredible variety of classic multi-pitch alpine routes.
This week is all about experiencing the unique character of high Alpine rock climbing—combining technical climbing, stunning mountain scenery and the adventure of moving through a true alpine environment. Days are spent climbing classic routes above the valleys, often staying in high mountain huts and enjoying the atmosphere that makes alpine climbing so special.
We operate on a low 2:1 guiding ratio, allowing us to match the group’s experience, climbing ability and fitness while giving us the flexibility to choose routes that provide the right level of challenge and reward. Depending on conditions and the aspirations of the group, objectives may range from shorter technical climbs to longer, more committing multi-pitch alpine adventures.
Comfortable rock shoes suitable for long multi-pitch routes are essential, along with lightweight approach shoes and mountain boots for alpine approaches and descents. Although this is a rock-focused week, some routes may involve sections of snow, old glacier terrain or exposed mountain approaches, adding to the adventure and requiring a basic level of alpine awareness.
For UK-based climbers looking to refresh their personal rock climbing skills before joining us in the Alps, our UK Rock Climbing courses provide an excellent opportunity to build confidence, improve technique and prepare for the demands of alpine multi-pitch climbing.
Peaks and routes climbed this week
- Miroir d'Argentine (1900m) Vois I'Y/Directe (5a) An amzing climb up the famouns limestone slabs of over 12 pitches of imaculate climbing
- Wiwannihorn (3001m) Steinadler Route (4c) This fantastic face and ridge climb follows the south east ridge on the Wiwannihorn.
- Salbitschijen (2981m) South Ridge (5a). One of the best routes of its grade in the Alps: perfect granite, highly photogenic and having some unforgettable pitches.
- Gletschhorn (3305m) Sud grat (4a) A classic rock day out!
- Gross Bielenhorn (3206m) SE Grat (4c). An excellent and varied alpine rock route.
- Chly Bielenhorn (2820m) Schildkroten Grat (4a) This classic mountain rock route route gives a great long mountain day
- Dammastock (3630m) East Rib (4a). The east side of the highest peak in Central Switzerland offers impressive rock and ice climbing of a serious mountaineering nature. The best route takes the E Rib which leads to the N Summit.
- Graue Wand (3172m) classic South Face route (5c). Fantastic sustained climbing up a magnificent wall, which is one of the showpieces of Central Switzerland.
- Winterstock (3203m) Triple-summited peak close to the Albert Heim hut. Routes of all lengths and grades including the very challenging, 1100m-long South Ridge.
- Dri Hornli (3209) Traverse of the Dri Horli (4a) One of THE classic outings in the Swiss Valias at this grade, amazing views of the surrounding 4000m peaks and fantastic rock.
*Please note that this course normally runs without taking mechanical uplift and is priced accordingly. If uplift is taken (with agreement of course participants) it is charged as an extra.
Sample Programme
(In this example we stay in the Furka area, however it is equally feasible to transfer to the Salbit hut on the Tuesday and climb the South Ridge of Salbitschijen on the Wednesday or Thursday plus other routes in this area.)
Sunday evening
The course starts with a briefing at 6.45pm at the Hotel PlanB, Le Fayet Saint Gervais, Mont Blanc France. This is a chance for you to meet your team mates and Guide and go through the details of the course. There will also be time for you to sort out any equipment you need and for you to ask questions. Dinner will follow the briefing.
Monday
From Le Fayet Saint Gervais we drive around to Villar and then up to Solalex, where we park and then climb the Miroir d'Argentine (1900m) Vois I'Y/Directe (5a) An amazing climb up the famous limestone slabs of over 12 pitches of immaculate climbing.
Tuesday
We make the short hike into the Wiwwanni Hut and then climb the Wiwannihorn (3001m) Steinadler Route (4c) This fantastic face and ridge climb follows the south east ridge on the Wiwannihorn.
Wednesday
We then head out and drive to the beautiful Furka Pass which is a paradise of amazing alpine rock. We walk into the Sidelenhutte and climb the Gross Bielenhorn (3206m) SE Grat (4c). An excellent and varied alpine rock route.
Thursday
After a night at the Sidelenhute we climb the Gletschhorn (3305m) Sud grat (4a) which gives a fantastic classic alpine rock day out.
Friday
Climb the Gross Bielenhorn (3206m) SE Grat (4c). An excellent and varied alpine rock route. Walk back to the road and drive back to Leysin, with your final night back at the hotel.
Saturday
Breakfast at the Hotel PlanB is included before departure.
Course Dates & Booking
Vital Information
Please check the vital information below to help when booking a course
- Equipment
- Prices
- Getting to Le Fayet Saint Gervais, Mt Blanc
- Insurance Information
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