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Chamonix in March - Alpine Recommendations?

Original Post
Jesse Morehouse · · CO · Joined May 2006 · Points: 1,975

Im going to possibly find myself in Chamonix in late March. Ive never been there and was trying to figure out what I could do if I had one free day. I saw Voie Frison-Roche in the Aiguille Rouges on MP and it looked like it would be scenic and casual. Can it be done in March? Any better choices?

Jon H · · PC, UT · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 118

2 very important questions: What type of climbing are you looking to do? What grades?

Also, do you have a randonee/AT setup? That's a biggie.

Jesse Morehouse · · CO · Joined May 2006 · Points: 1,975

Jon, for grades, nothing over moderate 5.10 gear or bolts (kind of weird in the alpine but it seems this is common in some places in this vicinity?) doesnt matter. But Im psyched to climb a 5.6 if it is THE thing not to miss. Probably something that can be done in 3/4 of a day at a healthy speed.

If ice/mixed is a better option Im psyched for that too, I just dont quite get the seasonal norms there. For longer stuff probably a little WI5 or M7 is fine.

Yes, I have light rando gear.

Jon H · · PC, UT · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 118

There's a good beta/partner search thread here: mountainproject.com/v/chamo…

I've only done ice routes around Cham, not rock. Last time I was there was March 12-Apr 1 or thereabouts and there were only a relative handful of rock routes in good nick.

Some ice routes off the top of my head that are nice one day outings:

Grand Montets:

  • Frendo-Ravanel off the Grand Montets (TR with amazing photography here: philippegatta.fr/montblanc_… - the photos make it look steeper than it actually is)

Midi/Tacul
  • Gabarrou-Albinoni
  • Modica-Noury
  • Supercouloir, if you're feeling badass. But you have to be dialed and FAST if you're going to make it back to catch the last telecabine down.
Jesse Morehouse · · CO · Joined May 2006 · Points: 1,975

Thanks, Jon! That helps get started in the right direction. Much appreciated.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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