Climbing course — Upguides

In a nutshell

Gaining independence in outdoor rock climbing

Climbing is a rapidly-growing mountain activity which will even be featured in the next Olympic Games. The aim of this course is to enable occasional climbers, indoor or outdoors, to move towards greater independence on equipped outdoor climbing routes. And also to discover multi-pitch climbing routes at the end of the course !

Belaying a lead climber, climbing second on the rope, abseiling and linking several pitches: these are just some of the techniques we’ll be looking at in detail, so that we can integrate them fully.

Each type of rock will also enable us to adapt our technique and broaden our repertoire of movements. This will enable us to better appreciate the slabs, overhangs and dihedrals that the rock offers us.

And last but not least, climbing outdoors allows us to recharge our batteries in a calm and completely unspoilt natural environment.

Roadbook

A few figures Climbing in Maurienne Do I have the right level? Our guides' favourites Details & prices

Single pitch routes : 10 – 30m.

Multi pico routes : 60 – 400m.

Length of rope to be coiled during the course : approx. 1000m !

Duration : 3 days from 9am to 5pm, 1 rest day and 1 full day for the big route.

Altitude : between 1200 and 3000m.

Number of participants per guide : 3 to 6 people.

This long Alpine valley has always been better known for skiing than climbing. But local guides and climbers have long been developing and equipping numerous cliffs here, from short sport sites to more adventurous long routes.

The geology of the Central Alps is complex, so the variety of rocks here is unique : granite in the lower valley near La Lauzière, limestone including the highest limestone cliff in France (La Croix Des Têtes, over 700m of climbing), gneiss at Bonneval, conglomerates and quartzite around Aussois. This geological richness also brings great diversity in climbing styles, making the Maurienne a prime location for progressing in all styles.

This is a beginner’s course.

No prior knowledge of rope handling is required.

If you can climb with a top rope on a 5b, then this course is for you.

Experience needed : a few introductory climbing sessions, indoor or outdoor, roped or bouldering.

In four days, it would be impossible to show you all the climbing sites in the Maurienne. Fortunately, we’ve got our favourites….

The unmissable Rocher des Amoureux is ideal for a first day. Routes for all levels and a long free-hanging abseil to finish ! Not to mention the little outdoor bar right at the bottom !

After that, the Fort Marie Christine and Côtes Blanches sites will enable us to improve our technique on some great limestone.

If it’s hot, the high altitude sites of Le Planay in Bramans or Les Drailles Blanches in Bessans will provide a welcome break from the heat.

Finally, the Fournache valley in the Vanoise National Park offers numerous multi-pitch climbing routes surrounded by alpine pastures, glaciers and peaks – the perfect way to finish this course.

But don’t worry : The ideal site will be chosen every day by the guide according to level, group and training program.