Ice Climbing Weekend in the Alps (tailor made)

In the Champsaur Valley there is some of the best ice climbing in the Southern French Alps and climbers come from all over the world to sample it. As such we have a wealth of sites to choose from and we will adapt the itinerary when you are here to make the most of local conditions.

This is a suggested itinerary to give you an idea of some of the ice climbing possibilities available in the area. For the first day you will be in a group of maximum 6 people with one guide and for the 2nd and 3rd day you will one guide for 3 climbers.

All the guides we use for ice climbing are UIAGM high mountain guides with lots of ice climbing experience and local knowlegde.

We'll welcome you at your accommodation,  go through the holiday with you. Depending on what time you arrive you can go for a short walk, visit the local village or just relax in your accommodation and take in the views!

Full day ice climbing learning the basics of ice safety and security and essential ice climbing techniques.

With your guide you will head for The Tourengs, a large 200m cliff with several waterfalls. The area is great for beginners as there are lots of routes of differing grades - some short pitches with the option of longer (up to 200m) multi pitch routes. It's the ideal place to get started on as you can focus on technique, rope work and safety without wearing yourself out!

You will start off on top ropes and learn the basics of placing your ice axes and crampons and optimising your energy and strength (very important for ice climbing)! You will also learn about different types of ice and its behaviour, rope technique and safety. As the day progresses your guide will focus on your individual strengths and weaknesses giving you exercises to do to perfect your technique.

Full day ice climbing where you will learn multi pitch techniques.

After yesterday, you should have a good grasp of basic rope technique and have mastered to a greater or lesser degree the art of optimising your energy and strength!!

Today you might go to the falls in Moline, on the other side of the valley. Here, you will learn how to use the rope for longer routes. You'll look at different belaying systems, placing ice screws and other gear and removing them! The routes will be longer with 2 - 3 pitches so you can practice multi pitch climbing and there will be the opportunity for you to have a go at leading if you want to!

Full day multi-pitch ice climbing.

Prapic (1513m) is a beautiful little alpine village at the end of the valley. It is still inhabited all year round by four families and has preserved it's authentic alpine charm and architecture. It's also home to some fantastic ice climbing. There will now be a guide ratio of 1:3 and you should have enough skills to go for a longer and more technical climb.

Your guide will help you decide which route to do but the Pisse Bernard is a fantastic challenge at grade 4 with 7 pitches. There are also other slightly easier routes to choose from which are equally majestic!

There is a very good chance you will have the ice falls at Prapic to yourselves for the day and can really experience the tranquility and beauty of ice climbing in the Southern Alps! Look out for chamois and golden eagles.