Ice climbing initiation in Cognes

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.