The sport

Ice climbing consists of climbing frozen waterfalls or steep glacial cliffs.
Many of the techniques are similar to those used in rock climbing but no experience of rock climbing is needed before trying ice climbing - beginners can have fun right from the start.

Supervised by a mountain guide, the climber uses ice axes and crampons to scale frozen waterfalls. Belays and running belays are set up using ice-screws screwed directly into the ice.

Equipment and safety

To enjoy your ice-climbing adventure in complete safety, you will need:

• Warm clothing:
  Two or more layers of thermal clothing and a breathable waterproof jacket and trousers (mountaineering or good-quality ski clothing), 2 or 3 pairs of gloves, a hat or headband, gaiters and sunglasses.
• Special ice climbing gear:
  Helmet, rigid boots that will accept crampons, ice axes, crampons, harness, ropes, etc. This gear can be supplied by your guide.
• Expert advice is essential: climbing is a dangerous sport and even the approach route to the foot of an icefall may be dangerous. Qualified mountain guides provide courses for beginners and for experienced climbers who would like to improve their technique.

Even if you are an experienced ice climber, do not forget to assess the weather and the snow and ice conditions before setting off.

Some ice-climbing areas in Savoie Mont Blanc 

Chamonix and the Chamonix Valley
The Chamonix Valley boasts numerous 35 to 140-m icefalls of all levels of difficulty. There are around 20 different climbing areas, the most popular of which are at Servoz, Les Houches, the entrance to the Mont-Blanc Tunnel, Le Chapeau, the Col des Montets, Le Châtelard and Argentière.
At altitude conditions can be good as early as November, whereas the lower icefalls tend to form in December, with the best conditions being found between December and February.
[+ more info]

Arêches Beaufort
As well as having several ice climbing areas, the resort boasts two other major attractions for ice climbers:
- An easily accessible 20-metre icefall with routes that are ideal for beginners and for children as young as 12;
- One of the resort's mountain guides, Stéphane Husson, was runner up in the World Ice-Climbing Championships... a great inspiration for all.
[+ more info]

The Grand Massif
The Grand Massif area contains about 80 natural icefalls, most notably in the Cirque du Fer à Cheval and the Vallon de Sales.
[+ more info] in French only

Massif des Aravis
From easy stream climbs to steep icefalls, discover the whole range of ice climbing techniques from walking in crampons to front pointing.
The Combes des Aravis contain many excellent gully climbs.
[+ more info]

Courchevel
Ice climbers can choose between a natural icefall in the forest at Courchevel 1650 and an artificial ice-climbing wall at Courchevel 1850.
[+ more info] in French only

Champagny-en-Vanoise
A 22-m high ice-climbing wall at Champagny-le-Haut provides several different routes. The wall's features include slabs, vertical walls, overhanging walls and roofs, making it ideal for both beginners and competitions.

[+ more info]

Other ice-climbing areas: Vallée de la Dranse, Combloux, Megève, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. 

Stream climbing

The Haute-Maurienne Vanoise Valley is renowned for its ice climbs, particularly those at Bessans, Val Cenis and Bonneval-sur-Arc. It is also the birthplace of "stream climbing" which was invented at Val Cenis.

Stream climbing involves ascending frozen rivers and streams. With supervision from a mountain guide, it is the ideal way to learn how to use crampons and how to move safely over icy ground.

Upadated in November 2008