FAST
TRACK
TO THE ICE

Cogne Ice Climbing Weekend

Ice climber with ice tools on top rope at Lillaz
A group of ice climbers on top rope as part of ice climbing course
Climber with ice tools on lead at Lillaz

This course provides an introduction to the exciting art of ice climbing on a 2-day weekend course.

You can arrive Friday night into Chamonix, then travel through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Cogne, Italy to climb Saturday and Sunday on some outstanding introductory-level ice climbing areas! You have the flexibility to adapt the programme to cater to your preferences so first timers can approach the weekend as a learning experience, or if you are already an ice climber, your guide can lead you up some of the classics or help you progress to leading.

Cogne in Aosta, Italy enjoys the luxury of easily accessible venues with an array of absolutely classic routes at an appropriate grade.

Following the initial period of skill development, you will get to ascend a classic multi pitch route as a finale to your weekend.

Enjoy the vibrant evening life in Chamonix on Friday night, climb for 2 days in Cogne then catch a flight home Sunday night after your second big day out climbing.

We operate on a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio so you have the full attention of your guide so you can make the most of your weekend which is preferable to the large group approach as you get so much more achieved in your action packed weekend.

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  • Weekend course
  • Hotel based ice climbing
  • Learn from and be guided by the professionals

Climbing Ability

Climbing Ability

Any

Elevation

Elevation

1,534m/5,033ft

Duration

Duration

2 days

Location

Location

Italy

CICW CURRICULUM
DAY 0

Arrive into Chamonix. Hotel night

DAY 1

Your guide will meet you at 8:00am at the hotel for a briefing and to discuss the activities for the course. After organising your equipment hire and climbing gear, we drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy and spend the day climbing in the Cogne Valley. There are several great routes here from easy to hard so it is a perfect place to try out new techniques, and get to know how well the ice tools work. Cogne hotel night
DAY 2
We spend the day climbing in the Cogne Valley before returning to Chamonix for a de-brief with your guide and departing for home in the evening
NOTE

The programme may be subject to change if conditions are more suitable in another region or factors such as weather to lift service precludes access into this region. If this option was to incur additional costs your guide will discuss the options with you prior to any commitment being made

Cogne Map

Departures and Pricing

Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Start/End Pricing Book
3 Jan - 5 Jan 2025 €1,890 EUR $ Book Now
3 Jan - 5 Jan 2025 €1,050 EUR $ Book Now
10 Jan - 12 Jan 2025 €1,890 EUR $ Book Now
10 Jan - 12 Jan 2025 €1,050 EUR $ Book Now
17 Jan - 19 Jan 2025 €1,890 EUR $ Book Now
17 Jan - 19 Jan 2025 €1,050 EUR $ Book Now
24 Jan - 26 Jan 2025 €1,890 EUR $ Book Now
24 Jan - 26 Jan 2025 €1,050 EUR $ Book Now
31 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 €1,890 EUR $ Book Now
31 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 €1,050 EUR $ Book Now

Looking for a longer trip? Book the Chamonix Cogne Ice Climbing Week

PREPARE

Fitness

To make the most of your climbing experience we encourage you to work on your fitness prior to the trip. For general mountain fitness you will find that training on hills with a 10kg + pack on is the best preparation for the mountains, with the aim of building your endurance. Ice climbing does require an amount of upper body fitness so time at the rock gym will help get you honed for the ice. Your guide will be attuned to your fitness levels and will select appropriate routes for your ability. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for your trip.

Technical Experience

This 2-day course is perfect for introductory-level ice climbing, and it will be helpful for your skills progression to have done some rock climbing prior, but you do not need to have ice climbed before. If you are already an ice climber, your guide can lead you up some of the classics or help you progress to leading.

Altitude Experience

No altitude experience required.

Ice climber leading a pitch in Cogne
Why Adventure Consultants?

We offer focused guide attention to ensure consistency across the program. Whilst other operators combine you with large groups on training days we know your safety will be better protected and the learning progressions will be enhanced with the attentive care of your guide and smaller guide to climber ratios.

Adventure Consultants guides are BMG/NZMGA and / or IFMGA-UIAGM qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest industry standards. Being a technically proficient climber alone is not enough to work with us; our standards demand that trip leaders are great guides as well. You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.

Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely.

Adventure Consultants only employs IFMGA qualified guides for European ascents and courses and this is the only certification that is recognised in the French Alps. In order to gain these qualifications guides must undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training and much more. The qualification takes many years to attain and ensures you are getting a world class professional service.

Guide and client shaking hands at top of pitch in Lillaz Cogne region
Inclusions

The price of your trip includes the following:

  • Qualified mountain guide
  • Group technical equipment
  • Hotel accommodation on a B&B basis in Chamonix and on a half board basis in Cogne
  • Local ground transport as per the scheduled itinerary
  • Breakfasts during the course
  • Evening meals during hotel nights in Cogne.
Flip SL

Perfect venue for a short but intensely rewarding ice-climbing weekend!

GALLERY
Flip 2 SL

Your guide will introduce you to routes that will be suitable for your experience.

P1100754 Guy Cotter

Comfortable lodgings with great food and a short walk to the ice crags, what is there not to like!

Our Guides
Jon Bracey
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European Chief Guide
Sandy Allan
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IFMGA Mountain Guide
Suze Kelly
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AC Director/Europe Specialist
ice climber in cave in Lillaz Cogne about to climb

"The guide was fantastic. Very informative, not only about ice climbing but about the general area as well. Noting it is the end of the season he was very professional in the choices of routes we climbed. He found the right balance of setting goals for me to achieve without pushing too hard."

Aaron Coutts, New Zealand
Hiking to the ice

"I can’t recommend the company more highly, for your professionalism, organisation, level of communication before, during and after the expedition, level of experience of the guides, safety record, systems."

Mareike Miller, Australia
steep ice in Gogne

"Following a very good experience, AC will be my first stop and recommendation to others in future."

Luke Densem, New Zealand
The size of the frozen waterfalls brought into perspective by a tiny climber mid way up the climb

Want to stay longer? Up-skill and Up-climb on the Chamonix-Cogne Ice Climbing Week which delivers a high octane experience to get your ice climbing skills to go through the roof!

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