Ice climbing in Val Thorens with all equipment provided, Les 3 Vallées

Discover ice climbing in Val Thorens during a 3½-hour session in the heart of Europe’s highest ski area. Set in the glacial cirque at the foot of the Cime de Caron, climbers drive their ice axes into a crystalline, bluish structure amidst crisp, pure air. The ice climbing sites in Val Thorens, situated due north at altitudes of between 2,400 and 2,500 metres at the foot of the Aiguilles de Péclet, guarantee consistent ice conditions and a complete absence of avalanche risk throughout the winter season. This unspoilt corner of Savoie offers an exceptional playground for learning the techniques of winter mountaineering without the need for a ski pass.

Your experience begins in the centre of the resort, where you’ll be provided with all the necessary equipment by the team at the Maison des Guides et de la Montagne Val Thorens. After a 20- to 40-minute approach walk along the alpine slopes – which serves as a taster session for walking in crampons – you’ll reach the frozen cliff face. The UIAGM-qualified instructor sets up top-ropes on walls 20 to 40 metres high, offering at least six routes of varying difficulty. You’ll learn how to lock in your ice axes, fit your crampons in the front-pointing position and maintain your vertical balance. Two team members belay the climber at the base of the icefall, reinforcing team cohesion and collective safety before moving on to steeper routes as the session progresses.

The activity is suitable for sporty children aged 8 and over and is aimed at both complete beginners and experienced climbers. The guide office provides all the technical equipment from head to toe, including a stock of 62 pairs of mountaineering boots in sizes 35 to 50, crampons, helmets, harnesses and ice axes. Groups are deliberately limited to six participants per guide to ensure personalised instruction. A full-day 6-hour session is also available to develop anchoring and belaying techniques in greater depth.

Running from early December to mid-April, this course combines maximum safety, all equipment provided and a spectacular alpine setting in the 3 Vallées ski area. Book your ice climbing session in Val Thorens now and get ready to tackle your first frozen cliffs in Savoie!