In the Chamonix Valley there are Ice Falls to suit all levels from beginners through to experts. There are 20 or so referenced sites, the most popular being at Servoz, Les Houches, the entrance to the Mont Blanc tunnel, Le Chapeau, the Col des Montets, Châtelard and Argentière.
Up the mountain you can start ice climbing from November. The ice falls at lower altitude generally form in December with the best climbing to be had between December and February.
Find out the local conditions, which areas are busy and which are in the best shape by checking the Mountain Conditions.
Safety:
Even if you have done ice climbing before and don't want to hire a guide, make sure you know what the weather is doing. Take advice from the "Maison de la montagne" before you go as access can be dangerous.
Think about hiring a high mountain guide for an initiation or advanced course.
Key to Chamonix Ice Falls Map:
- 1) Servoz
- 2) Montvauthier
- 3) Bocher
- 4) Fin du Monde
- 5) Viaduc Sainte-Marie
- 6) Les Houches
- 7) Tunnel du Mont Blanc
- 8) La Para
- 9) Gorges de l'Arveyron
- 10) Le Chapeau
- 11) Montenvers-Pas de Chevre
- 12) Site Eric Mariaud
- 13) Aiguille du Midi-Vallée Blanche
- 14) Argentière-La Crémerie
- 15) Argentière-La Rive gauche du Glacier
- 16) Argentière-La Rive droite du Glacier
- 17) Le Tour
- 18) Col des Montets
- 19) Le Chatelard
- 20) Vallée de l'Eau Noire
- 21) Trient
