Mountaineering in the Alps
Mountaineering courses from initiation to expert

Discover our introductory mountaineering courses:

Our beginner mountaineering courses :

Confirmed Alpinism and Alpinism training course with Esprit Montagne :

• the 4 day Mont Rose traverse which is known as the Spaghetti Tour with the superb Italian refuges of Mont Rose.
• the 6 day Mont Blanc ascent with Grand Paradis and Mont Rose beforehand for optimum altitude acclimatisation and great value.

Mountain Climbing in Chamonix:

What is Mountaineering?

Mountaineering is a sporting practice that was born in the Alps, it consists of climbing the Alps Mountains using a progression technique. Mountaineers have been practicing this sporting activity since the conquest of Mont Blanc in 1786 by Jacques Balmat, the first Alpine Ascent was carried out on June 26, 1946 at Mont Aiguille on the Order of the King of France Charles VIII.

Mountaineering, a sport activity in the mountains

The Techniques of Progressions and the Equipment of Mountaineering never stop evolving since to discover the mountains and the freedom to climb in the mountains in the Alps or in any other mountainous regions of the world.

Esprit Montagne is a Mountain Sports Travel Agency that works with a team of local Mountain Guides with from France, Switzerland and Italy!

Let yourself be guided by an experienced team, who will take you to the mountains with strong values so that everyone in the mountains can live and work in good conditions!

Esprit Montagne builds mountaineering courses and climbs in Switzerland, Italy and France

Esprit Montagne's team of guides works in the heart of the Alps with a small team of experienced and passionate mountaineering and tourism professionals, who will take you off the beaten track to enjoy the Great Spaces of the Alpine Arc, like in the Swiss Valais and its 4000m!

Esprit Montagne's programs enable you to discover some of the Alps' must-see peaks and massifs, but we especially like to explore the wilderness areas that are less frequented.

We give priority to beautiful summits and refuges to get away from crowded and overcrowded routes when you trust us for a mountaineering course in the Vanoise or the Ruitor, for example!

High mountain guides

High Mountain Guides are professionals with extensive mountaineering experience and a high level of technical expertise. Entry to the training program is very difficult, with candidates having to pass a probationary exam, where they have to achieve high-level performance in both ski ascent and descent, in varied terrain, and then continue their selection in rock and ice climbing. Once these mountaineers have passed the tests, the Guide Examiners check their list of climbs (around 60 from difficult to very difficult) and their knowledge during a long interview.

Then the training begins, a year of training that lasts for many months, followed by the Diplôme d'Aspirant Guide and the opportunity to work for 5 years, carrying out numerous mountain tours with clients.

Then new training courses to pass the Mountain Guide Examination with a new list of Courses.

With the Mountain Guide diploma in hand, your Guide continues to retrain every six years to learn new rescue techniques and mountain safety theory.

The personal investment and risk involved in this profession is quite exceptional, and he'll put all his knowledge and strength into taking you to the mountains and helping you discover this environment, while keeping a safety margin so that you can return to the valley with beautiful memories and shared moments. He's the one who gives you the signal to return, by explaining the risks that the mountain now places in your path.

A guide is not an all-risk insurance policy, but rather an opportunity to learn about the mountains, and to increase safety thanks to their experience, technical and physical skills...

The International Union of Mountain Guides (UIAGM) sets an international standard.

Mountain refuges

In the mountains, there's a place for sharing and sheltering that everyone appreciates. Some are comfortable, others very basic, but the warmth is always tenfold, as is the food that refuge keepers prepare, which is better than in the valley!

It's a place to meet and share, where mountain enthusiasts discuss conditions, the best itinerary and the next day's weather, to choose an itinerary suited to mountain conditions and the level of the group!

A restful place where you can enjoy the weather, the mountains and your friends, a true haven of peace for mountain lovers!

Mountaineering equipment:

Mountaineering equipment is constantly improving, the Conquerors of Freedom (or of the useless) always have an enormous imagination, the equipment is always lighter and stronger, demanding standards check the Solidity of Ropes, Ice axes, Crampons, Carabiners and Helmets. These are PPE (personal protective equipment). Alpinists regularly check their equipment and the rules for safe climbing. Equipment has evolved enormously with ice climbing, which is the laboratory of mountain difficulty.

Your guides will help you adjust your equipment, and you'll find all the information you need for each mountaineering race or course!

Mountaineering weather:

Before setting off on a mountaineering trip, mountaineers study the weather on the Météo France website or on other weather sites. In the mountains, analysis has to be detailed, and you can't just look on your smartphone at Google's first weather application, which gives information for a point at sea level, even though you're setting off at an altitude of 4,000 metres.

For weather forecasts and snow conditions, we look at forecasts from national centers or make a local forecast with trusted forecasters for France or any country in the world. For trips abroad, there's always a small part of the price that goes towards weather routing for the technical parts of the trip. It's the best guarantee of a great trip! It's better to reach the summit of Gran Paradiso than to turn back at Mont Blanc!

The high mountain environment:

The high mountains are a fascinating world of beauty, and the distance we travel is measured in meters of altitude. Tomorrow we're off to climb a 4000-meter peak, and here we are, travelers setting off with a bit of equipment and food for a sporting trip just as adventurers would set off for the other side of the world! The beauty of the high mountains is worthy of its dangers, and to discover this environment we start with experienced people who want to share a little adventure with you!

At altitude, the sun is stronger, the atmosphere is thinner and therefore less able to filter out ultraviolet rays, and atmospheric pressure is lower, making physical exertion more difficult. Temperatures are lower or even extreme, and the weather changes even more rapidly than elsewhere. If you want to enjoy yourself, it's best to keep a good safety margin to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Your Mountain Guide is used to reading the sky and weather reports, as well as the glaciers and high mountain walls, to avoid rockfalls, crevasses and many other risks...

The risks of mountaineering:

The danger that our societies are trying to eradicate is always present in the mountains, and mountaineers prefer to talk about Risk Management, because it's always there, on varying scales. We can't imagine that luck will be enough to get you into the mountains - many people do, and fortunately so - but it's better to avoid accumulating mistakes to avoid accidents! The justice of the mountains is hard to understand when young people die in the mountains. There's not necessarily any logic to it, and it's sometimes hard to accept!

Leave early enough to get back before snow bridges collapse or rock falls increase, don't take a break under a couloir where there are rock or serac falls, avalanches can take people away more easily in winter but also sometimes in summer... The main risks can be avoided with good practice, but some are always present. Guides and Accompagnateurs call them objective hazards, those we can't really predict!

Staying at home because the weather forecast is bad, or changing your itinerary when in doubt - these are things that require experience and humility!

Nature is always the strongest, and a good mountaineer adapts to the mountain, which knows only physics and the law of gravity!

The pleasure of climbing:

Why do mountaineers climb mountains? There are many reasons, from staying in shape and having a good time with friends, to taking on the challenge of Nature or their buddies. Some like to take on North faces for the challenge, others prefer to take photos, films or videos in the mountains! One thing's for sure, though, and that's that every mountaineer can invent his or her own way of enjoying the mountains. If you read mountain guides and books, you'll see that there's something for everyone!

The Alps:

Europe's highest mountain range, it is geographically central in the middle of Europe, forming a 1,200-kilometer mountain barrier between the Mediterranean and the Danube, with 82 peaks over 4,000 meters high. The highest peak lies between France and Italy, at Mont Blanc, 4810 metres above sea level. Eight countries share the Alps, and the Alpine Crossing takes you through Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy and two principalities, Monaco and Liechtenstein.

Many valleys and mountains, many cultures and countries, but only one passion: mountain life!

You can discover the Alps on foot, trekking between villages or climbing a mythical South Face. It's up to you to find your own challenge between the Mont Blanc, Ecrins or Queyras ranges...

Triggering a mountain rescue :

How do you locate yourself in the Grands Espaces, where the snow is white and the rocks numerous, and you don't meet many people? It's the hardest thing to do in the mountains: always know where you are so you can choose the right path or route when mountaineering. When there's a problem, it's best to have a radio or a device with a satellite link to save time! Your Guides will show you how to trigger a rescue and the many questions that arise to facilitate the arrival of help, as well as all the situations that mean a mountain rescue helicopter can intervene quickly or not...

Mountaineers:

Are people who love to discover the beauty of nature and enjoy the freedom to carve out their own path or route in the High Mountains!

Mountains of the world where mountaineering is practiced :

Himalayas and Himalayanism:

The world's highest mountain range, with 14 peaks over 8,000 metres, deserves to give its name to a sporting activity that's a cut above mountaineering.

Mountaineers the world over dream of one day climbing one of the Himalayan mountains, discovering the highest mountains in the world and undertaking a small or large expedition to Nepal or other Himalayan countries! Between Everest and the 6,000 and 7,000 metre peaks that are sometimes still untouched, there's enough to make generations of mountaineers dream!

The Andes and Andism:

In South America, the second highest mountain range in the world has been the stuff of dreams for many a traveller and mountaineer, from the high altitude plateaus of the South Lipez to the Bolivian Volcano and the 6962-metre summit of Aconcagua. Generations of mountaineers have criss-crossed these very special mountains, with the many Ice Flutes and Penitents that mark Andism!

The Alps and mountaineering

The Alps have been the cradle of mountaineering since the arrival of English adventurers, who would take weeks to reach Chamonix or Zermatt to climb the peaks with axes and carve steps in the snow and ice!

Many things have evolved, but at the top of the mountains, it's still the same perfume of freedom that the “Conquerors of the Useless” come to seek, a journey to altitude!

What is a mountaineer?

A mountaineer is a free man who wishes to travel in the mountains, giving priority to the beauty of the line. The mountain is his playground, and to reach the highest point of a mountain, he will choose a route or line that must be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, paying attention to all the dangers that the mountain can put in his path!
A mountaineer is a man who likes to share good times in the mountains, but also likes difficulty. He doesn't hesitate to take risks, but seeks to reduce them according to his desires and plans.
The mountaineer is a mountain artist, using a wide range of specific equipment depending on the discipline at hand, changing gear as quickly as the weather changes. In winter, he may have skis on steep slopes or ice axes in an icefall, then in summer he may be climbing barehanded!

Why the word mountaineering?

The word Alpinism comes from the Alps, the first place where men took to climbing mountains. As their playground expanded, new terms were used, such as Himalayisme for the Himalayas or Andisme for the Andes!

What is the ultimate goal of mountaineering?

The mountaineer's ultimate goal is to surpass himself by climbing in the mountains, to push back his limits, to climb for pleasure or for glory, depending on the climber!
Lionel Terray wrote Conquérant de l'Inutile (Conquerors of the Useless) in 1961, and it's fair to say that the main aim of mountaineering is to give man the pleasure of roaming the mountains and discovering the wonders of nature.
Man has created virtual realities: money, borders and nationalities that separate him from animals.
The mountaineer is a man who, for a time, confronts nature out of time, using his senses like an animal to make progress. But many things can come back quickly, and the ethics of mountaineering will be very different depending on the climber!

What's the difference between climbing and mountaineering?

Climbing takes place exclusively on rock, whereas mountaineering involves all kinds of adventure terrain: snow, ice and rock. The mountaineer's playground is more varied, more random and more hazardous.

How do you learn and train for mountaineering?

Mountaineering is learned by going into the mountains with caution, learning to read the mountain and its dangers as the weather changes.
It's an art that requires technique, strength, good physical and mental condition, but above all experience and a great deal of wisdom to keep a margin of safety when returning to the mountains.
The biggest walls, such as the Grandes Jorasses or Ama Dablam, can only be reached after years of training, and only by mountaineers of the highest calibre.
Mountaineering is learnt with mountain guides, who will teach you the techniques of progression, mapping, weather analysis, snow conditions and other parameters.

How do I get started in mountaineering?

Mountaineering is a demanding discipline that combines adventure, sport and exploration. To get started, begin by acquiring a good level of physical fitness through activities such as hiking, climbing or trail running. Sign up for training courses offered by guides or mountaineering clubs to learn the basics: progression techniques, use of equipment (crampons, ice axes, ropes) and mountain safety. The Pyramide Vincent introductory course, for example, is the perfect way to discover this world.

Invest in quality equipment adapted to alpine conditions. Start with accessible summits that are well suited to beginners, such as Mont Blanc du Tacul, Pointe de la Grande Glière and Grand Paradis. Always set off accompanied, ideally with experienced partners or a guide.

Stay alert to weather conditions and learn about risks (avalanches, falls). Humility and preparation are essential if you are to progress safely and enjoy your passion to the full.

Where to train for mountaineering?

For mountaineering training, it's essential to diversify terrain and activities to develop the necessary skills. Mountain ranges such as the Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central offer numerous opportunities. The Écrins, Mont-Blanc and Vanoise are ideal for beginners, thanks to their adapted and supervised itineraries.

Start by hiking in the high mountains to work on your endurance and your adaptation to altitude. Cliff-climbing sites are available all over France to develop strength and progression techniques. Climbing gyms are also useful for year-round training.

In winter, practice ice climbing in places like Cogne (Italy) or Oisans, and train in ski touring to master snow and avalanche search. Finally, join clubs such as the CAF or courses run by mountain guides to make sure you progress safely.

Where can I learn mountaineering?

There are several options for training in mountaineering, depending on your level and objectives. Specialized clubs, such as the Club Alpin Français (CAF), offer training courses accessible to everyone, from beginners to advanced mountaineers. These courses include progression techniques, mountain safety and risk management.

Mountain schools, such as the École Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme (ENSA) in Chamonix, offer intensive, professionally supervised courses. Mountain guides, affiliated with local offices such as those in Chamonix or Oisans, also offer customized training courses to discover or deepen the discipline.

Finally, some adventure agencies and associations organize specific courses, such as ice climbing or ski mountaineering. These structures guarantee safe supervision and progressive learning adapted to real-life conditions.

What is the right age to start mountaineering?

The age at which you can start mountaineering depends mainly on your physical and mental maturity. In general, you can start exploring the mountains as a child, at around 8-10 years of age, with adapted activities such as high-mountain hiking or cliff climbing. These experiences help develop endurance, agility and familiarity with the mountain environment.

For classic mountaineering, which involves the use of crampons, ice axes and ropes, a minimum age of 12-14 is often recommended. At this age, young people generally have the strength and concentration needed to learn progression techniques and follow safety instructions.

It's essential to start gradually, under the supervision of professionals or experienced guides, and to adapt routes to age and experience level. Patience and guidance are key to cultivating a lasting passion for mountaineering.

Which summit to start with?

To begin mountaineering, it's important to choose a summit that is accessible, technically undemanding and suitable for novices. Here are a few examples:

1. Dôme des Écrins (4,015 m) - Located in the French Alps, it offers an introduction to the world of high mountaineering with a relatively simple glacier route.
2. La Pointe de la Grande Glière (3,391 m) - In the Vanoise, this summit is perfect for practicing glacier walking and roped progression.
3. Mont Blanc du Tacul (4,248 m) - An excellent stage before Mont Blanc, with a short but instructive glacier route.
4. Le Bishorn (4,153 m) - In Switzerland, ideal for acclimatizing to altitude, with a gentle ascent and spectacular views.
5. Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2,884 m) - In the Pyrenees, combines walking and easy climbing.

Always get trained beforehand, set off with a guide or experienced companions, and check weather conditions before ascending.

Where can I learn winter mountaineering?

Winter mountaineering is a demanding discipline that combines snow, ice and mixed climbing techniques. Here are a few ideal places to learn:

France :

1. Massif du Mont-Blanc: Chamonix is a reference for beginners, with courses on the Mer de Glace and the Aiguilles Rouges.
2. Les Écrins (Oisans): The Glacier Blanc and its surroundings offer safe terrain for practicing the basics, such as using crampons and ice axes.
3. La Vanoise: Summits like Grande Casse offer the chance to discover winter mountaineering in a more accessible setting.

Switzerland:

1. Arolla (Valais): Renowned for its introductory courses on snow and ice.
2. Les Diablerets: Perfect for training on less technical glaciers.

Italy:

1. Cogne (Val d'Aoste): Renowned for its ice cascades accessible to beginners.
2. Breithorn (Mont Rose massif):

Joining a course with a guide or an alpine club is essential to progress safely and efficiently.