Detailed program for the first 4000m mountaineering course.
The day before
Appointment at 6.30 pm at the guides' office where you will meet your guide.
Day 1
Albert 1er
Departure from le Tour (village near Chamonix) in the morning, ascent to Albert 1er refuge (2,702 m) with the ski-lifts (total duration 1h30). Lunch in the hut and introduction to crampon techniques in the afternoon. Overnight stay at Albert 1er refuge.
Day 2
First summit
Climb to the top of the Tête Blanche (3421m) or Aiguille du Tour (3542m). Snow hike on a glacier to put into practice what you learned the day before. You will discover a beautiful panorama on the slopes of Trient and Saleinaz, opposite the Aiguille du Tour. Return to Saint Gervais.
Day 3
Vittorio Emmanuele
In the late morning we drive to Italy to the village of Pont, where we have lunch at "Bergerie de Pont" in Valsavarenche (1,960m), climb to the mountain hut Vittorio Emmanuele (2732m), overnight in the mountain hut (2h30 hiking).
Day 4
Gran Paradiso (4061m)
Ascent to the summit of Gran Paradiso (4061m), we hike in the snow on a glacier to the rocky summit, meal in the hut and descent into the valley. Walk between 7 and 9 hours.
You can register from October 9th either directly online below, or by returning the completed 2024 registration form by e-mail, dated and signed.
For further information, please contact us by e-mail or telephone on +33 (0)4 50 47 76 55 (Saint-Gervais) or +33 (0)4 50 47 10 08 (Les Contamines). We’ll be happy to guide you in the realization of your project.
All the practical details for the first 4000m mountaineering course
Group sessions: Every Monday from mid-June to mid-September depending on the conditions.
Private sessions: Every day from mid-June to mid-September depending on the conditions.
Price of the group session:
€1040/ person (guaranteed departure from 3 subscriptions)
Price of the private option:
1 participant: €2460
2 participants: €1440 per person
3 participants: €1100 per person
4 participants: €910 per person
5 participants: €1235 per person
6 participants: €1100 per person
The price includes
The price does not include
This climb requires good physical preparation; it is intended for sporty people. You will have to walk for up to 10 hours per day, so you should prepare by practicing "cardio" during workouts. Endurance sports such as cycling, running or long walks are an ideal preparation.
Also remember that you will be hiking for 2 days with an 8-kilo backpack, which significantly increases the effort required, so if you do go out, exercise with that extra weight.
You will evolve on an unmarked mountain route, you must be aware of the dangers associated with this activity (glacier crevasses, serac falls, rock falls, avalanches, very low temperatures).
We are at your disposal to answer your questions.
Max. 4 people per guide.
Guaranteed departure in group sessions from 3 subscriptions.
You will be supervised by a mountain guide or a mountain guide in training.
To be covered by an insurance «assistance-repatriation» is mandatory to participate in our stays. If you do not have «assistance-repatriation» insurance, we can offer you one at the price of €20 (€5/day). We also offer optional «cancellation» insurance at the price of €48 (€12/day). This insurance does not take into account the sporting character of our stays. More information in the cancellation and assistance repatriation insurance booklets.
Appointment at 6.30 pm at the Saint-Gervais guides' office (in the tourist office of the village) where you will meet your guide. If you cannot be present, the briefing can be done by phone. More details about how to travel by public transportation can be found on our "contact" page.
Technical equipment
You can rent the technical equipment at:
For Saint Gervais: Blanc Sports or Sports Unlimited
For les Contamines : Intersport
Clothing
Essential equipment
Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like advice on your physical preparation, the choice of your equipment or the organization of your stay.
