5 days - US$ 1850
Ice Climbing is an adventure's final frontier, one of those activities that many would love to do but very few get to experience the true thrills and beauty of it. Join us in Chamonix, the world's climbing capital, on this short yet intense experience that is guaranteed to get you inspired and leave you in awe of this region's awe-inspiring scenery.
This is a short but direct entry into the world of Mountaineering. By the end of the course you will have become familiar with the use of ice axes and campons. You will also learn the basics of glacier travel and mountain safety. Although aimed at passing on the essential knowledge for climbing big mountains, this course is set in the magnificent scenery of the Mont Blanc range, bordering France and Italy. The days will be demanding, but you return each evening to a warm and comfortable hotel.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - it's meant for beginners :)
- Visit the charming town of Chamonix nestled between the Alps under Mont Blanc
- Learn a the adrenaline soaked art of ice-climbing on the hands of the world's top experts
- Solve some interesting puzzles as you rock climb the spectacular cliffs nearby
- Learn to ice-climb with some of the world's top mountain guides
- Explore routes that only the best in the field know about
- Our journeys can be tailor-made to fit your exact needs and aspirations
- We don’t operate trips anywhere that we haven’t been to ourselves giving us first-hand knowledge of what it takes to create a truly unique and memorable experience
Day 1: Get Cozy and Ready for Adventure
The World's Climbing Capital Today the group arrives into Chamonix and takes time to settle in and rent any needed equipment for the climbing ahead. The picturesque town that sits below giant Mont Blanc is a charming town full of interesting shops and tantalizing restaurants. We settle into our comfortable and cozy Alps hotel at night and get an early night sleep in preparation of the adventures ahead.
Day 2 to 6: Going Vertical
We head into the valley for a crash course day on the ice, learning all the necessary skills and techniques we need, from some of the most talented and best climbing guides in the world today! After a full day of adventure we relax in the comfort and warmth of our hotel and visit the Chamonix town center for some gourmet dining. The next 2 days are spent putting our newly acquired skills to the test on some of the world's better ice climbing routes, all in the supervision of our expert guides. This experience has been designed for beginners. Before we head home we indulge in a half day rock climbing and solving interesting problems on Chamonix's beautiful cliffs.
- Consultation in every aspect of preparation
- All accommodation as mentioned
- All meals as mentioned
- All transfers during the trip
- Highly Experienced English speaking guides
- All national park admission & entrance fees
- International Flight to and from Chamonix
- Excess baggage and airport taxes
- Personal expenditures such as laundry, drinks during meal, etc.
- Single supplement charges
- Your travel and health insurance
- France Visa fee
Check out experiences from previous Guanabanas
Mountain climbing, a first for the team. Moe, Raed, Anshul, Sachin, Rishabh, YP our cameraman and myself Matt, never expected what we confronted. The idea came to our mind when Moe and I visited Nepal for a Safari last February. Everest gave us a feeling that could not be described in words.
When I first heard of Wild Guanabana through my cousin, I went on the website to have a quick look but stayed there for hours, going from one page to the other, already discovering new places and meeting new people. I needed to disconnect and was dreaming of traveling differently so I called Omar and told him I had some time in July. And the adventure began!
When you live your best friends’ dreams, you are bound to get influenced or dragged into one. Climbing Elbrus was one of these ‘drags.’ Omar, knowing me ever so well, convinced me of the idea to attempt to summit Mt.
Going to the Swiss Alps with my brother Omar was my first experience on a mountain range, but not the last. Nonetheless, they always have the same effect; they’re always more than you expect in every aspect whether it’s the beautiful scenery, the exhilaration or even the effort.
We are proud to be the Middle East & North Africa's first Carbon Neutral Travel Company.
How do we do it?
At Wild Guanabana we understand that by choosing to travel we create a carbon footprint. As an ethical and responsible travel company, we place a lot of effort not only in offsetting all our own travel and office emmissions but most importantly designing trips that are of low carbon impact. Everything we cannot reduce on the ground and airfare (when booked through us) we will offset through an energy efficient stoves project in Kenya. Every traveller gets a certificate post-travel to that effect.
What does offsetting mean anyway?
It's a way of reducing your ecological impact by 'neutralizing' the impact of your carbon footprint. Actions associated with travel amount to around a third of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Carbon offsetting offers a solution to reduce the impact of your travel by purchasing carbon credits that are invested in activities that reduce CO2. While this doesn't erase all of the environmental impact of flying, it does serve to help reinvest into the planet and contribute to activities which help its conversation. For more information on Carbon offsetting read more from our partners ERCC Carbon and Sustainable Travel International.
Other ways to offset your environmental impact when traveling:
- Travel by bike, hike, paddle, train, horseride - turn away from power boats, roadsters, and private cars when possible
- Reduce your waste, and be sure it finds its way to the bin. If there are no public garbage bins in sight, keep a small baggie to dispose of your waste once you're back to your hotel/campgrounds
- Turn out the lights. Let mother nature wake you and guide you to sleep. Enjoy candlelit evenings
- Turn off the taps. Don't let the water run longer than you need it to
- Reuse your towels more than once before washing
- Choose eco-friendly accommodation that has been designed with smart and green principles in mind
Read more here about Wild Guanabana's Sustainability policy that also includes an important social element.
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