Whether you’re a climber, walker, runner or skier (etc…), the Chamonix valley needs little introduction. From the valley floor you’ll run out of fingers counting off the legendary peaks and faces looking down on you, all of which are accessed by an incredible lift system – for those looking for to make the most of their time off, this makes a trip here very efficient and can offer the opportunity to save a huge amount of time and energy accessing routes.

The traditional times to catch the best conditions in the Alps are sadly shifting but I’m hoping to catch some good snow conditions and settled weather by going ‘early’ in the summer when there’s a higher chance of being able to get on some mixed classics.

Planning – the best way to make the most of the trip will be to form teams in advance based on your shared objectives. This will also allow you to work on your partnership in advance. I will however put together a WhatsApp group so people can share their ideas and plans. If you add yourself to the meet, I’ll add you to the group.

Camping – The indented campsite is Camping Du Glacier D’Argentiere (link), the last place the KMC had a formal Alps meet and the same place I lived for several months in 2012. The campsite is well equipped and makes a great base for exploring the valley just a little outside the main hustle and bustle of Chamonix itself.

2024 rates were (I’ll update these for 2025 when they’re available):

Adult – 8€/day

Child – 5€/day

Small Tent – 3.80€/day (+ car 7.20€/day)

Big Tent – 5.50€/day (+ car 8.90€/day)

Camper – 7.50€/day

Electric hookup – 7€/day

Travel Options

Car – Argentiere is 8-9 hours drive from the ferry at Calais. This will be my preferred way to get there and I’ll help coordinate shares/ logistics for those also looking to travel by car.

Plane – If you are looking for a faster journey, it is easy to fly from Manchester to Geneva and then transfer in around an hour. I’ll gladly help coordinate flights and transfers if there are people travelling this way.

Bus/ train – It is also possible to travel to Argentiere in around 24 hours via land based public transport. I’ll leave you to work this out for yourself if you are this way inclined!

Activities Available (not limited to):

Alpine Climbing – all styles, from relatively easy to access moderate rock routes to huge, remote, serious and hard North faces and everything in between. The Mont Blanc massif and the Aiguille Rouge flank the valley and offer just about any kind of route at any grade you can imagine.

Valley Cragging – for rest days or for those less inclined to head up high, the valley has plenty of crag climbing which has been the training ground of many a legendary name.

Walking/ Running – there are endless stunning walking and running routes throughout the valley. More than enough to keep you entertained for a lifetime.

Mountain Biking – The ski areas are also well set up for mountain biking in the summer, accessed via the lift system.

Guidebooks

The Rockfax guide is a good overview of the area with plenty of variety and lots of beautiful photography http://www.rockfax.com/climbing-guides/books/chamonix/

Another one often recommended for easy alpinism and alpine walking: Mont Blanc - easy ascents and glacier hikes

For high-level rock routes only Mont Blanc and The Aiguilles Rouges - Rock Routes

The Alpine Club guidebooks give more detailed (but dated) coverage.

There are many more books as well.

A good guide for walkers is reputed to be Mont Blanc - A walkers Guide also the Ciccerone guide Mont Blanc Walks

Maps

The French 1:25,000 IGN maps are very good, the excellent Swiss maps cover quite a bit of the area as well.

These maps are also available digitally via Outdoor Active premium subscription (FYI this also has OS maps at home and is cheaper than the OS subscription!).