Ice climbing initiation in Cognes
This full day excursion is open to people of all levels – no need to have previous experience! All you really need is motivation and a love for the outdoors!
Practical information
Itineraries vary depending on the weather conditions, below you can see some example of programmes:
Name: Patrie de Droite Ice Fall (Val de Cogne)
Grade: IV to V>
Height: 220 metres
- You will meet Sébastien at 7.15am in Chamonix, where he will check all the equipment
- You will then make your way to Valnontey, which sits above the village of Cogne and at the foot of Gran Paradiso
- After the journey of 1 hour and 20 minutes you will arrive at the bottom of the beautiful ice fall that has 5 lengths, 10 metres at 90°
Name: Lillaz Gully
Grade: IV and M4+ (Val de Cogne has a mixed climbing grade)
Height: 220 metres
This is a superb and varied itinerary with a magical atmosphere and stunning panoramas of the Mont Blanc
- You will make your way to Rive Droite de Valeille - it will take an hour and 15 minutes to reach the foot of this ice fall
Name: Tuborg Ice Fall
Grade: 5> (Vale de Cogne)
Height: 220 metres
This itinerary takes you to Rive Gauche de Valeille
- It will take you 40 minutes to arrive at this spectacular ice fall with 5 lengths
- You will start with a 50 metre wall at 85°
Name: Il Candelabro de Coyote Ice Fall
Grade: 4+ to 5> (Val de Cogne)
Height: 180 metres
This itinerary takes you to Rive Gauche de Valeille
- It will take you 40 minutes to arrive at this spectacular ice fall
- You can try two amazing routes of 10 metres at 90° - you'll really work your arm muscles!
Name: Repentance Super Ice Fall
Grade: VI>
Height: 220 metres
- This magnificent ice fall has a difficult length of 30 metres at 90°
- Progress your ice climbing skills from IV+ to V
- Climb using dry-tooling techniques in the easy areas (M3 to M4)
- Abseil in safe conditions
- Learn how to install ice screws
- Learn how to use abalakov thread
Ice climbing uses a grading system originally founded in Canada and still used in Europe. This system reflects the difficulty of a route, giving you an idea of any dangers present such as rockfall and serac.
The activities proposed by Sébastien range between WI2 and WI4:
WI2: low-angled (60 degree consistent ice), with good technique can be easily climbed with one ice axe. Grades beyond this generally require the use of two ice tools.
WI4: near-vertical steps of up to 10 metres, generally sustained climbing requiring placing protection screws from strenuous stances
Please note you'll have to pay a supplement of €80 directly to the guide for transportation from Chamonix to Cogne.
- An expert guide
- Harness
- Avalanche transceiver
- 2 ice axes
- Helmet
- Safety gear
- Meals for you and your guide
- Transportation to and from Chamonix/Cogne
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Practical information
Come and explore the hidden wonders of Cogne with this personalised ice climbing excursion!
This activity is open to people of all levels – no need to have previous experience! All you really need is motivation and a love for the outdoors!
Beginners will learn the necessary basic techniques whereas experienced ice climbers can focus on improving and perfecting their skills. Cogne is one of the best ice climbing locations, it contains many varied terrains which help climbers develop and progress quickly.
Although this activity may seem daunting, it really isn’t. It’s all a question of listening to the advice and guidance of an expert and who better to take you out than Sébastien Laurent! He has over 16 years of experience of taking people out to explore the hidden marvels of Chamonix and Cogne.
Sébastien will make sure the route and equipment are adapted for your skill level and ice climbing goals.
Groups are limited to 4 people maximum, enabling Sébastien to provide you with tailor-made advice and guidance.
Everyone needs to try ice climbing at least once in their life – now’s your chance!