Chamonix is famous as the cradle of mountaineering and has many outdoor crags which are equipped for climbing. Chamonix rock climbing may have an extreme reputation but as you’ll see below, there is in fact something for everyone.
If you are heading out rock climbing for the first time alone in Chamonix, we strongly recommend taking a guide to ensure that you know where you are going and what you are doing. The information below forms an outline of some of the popular rock climbing areas in Chamonix but is no substitute for a qualified guide.
Similarly, we suggest various areas below for beginners etc. but if you are a beginner or have never climbed outdoors / on your own before then you should certainly take a guide.
Once you’ve got the lay of the land, we also recommend picking up a guide book. There are many available in several languages at the main book shop in Chamonix’s pedestrian zone. We like Crag Climbs in Chamonix by François Burnier and Dominique Potard.
Most popular Chamonix rock climbing – Les Gaillands
Les Gaillands is popular with locals and visitors to Chamonix, thanks to its location close to Chamonix town centre. The area is a beautiful setting for doing some rock climbing, with lakes to stroll around and stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Glacier des Bossons. There’s a small snack bar and toilets too, which makes it pretty convenient if you’re planning to stay out all day, and it’s very accessible from Chamonix on foot, on the bus or by train to the Pelerins stop.
Les Gaillands is also home to Chamonix’s adventure tree park and the Chamonix rock climbing school, so it’s always buzzing with people. The crag at Les Gaillands faces south / south-east so it does catch a lot of sun.
Total beginners should take some lessons to get to grips with the equipment and gain confidence on the crag – joining a group is inexpensive and will ensure that you can be safe. All the safety equipment is included except climbing shoes, which can easily be hired from any sports shop in Chamonix if you wish to try them out.
From the road and car park you can see the larger section of the climbing wall but there are several other smaller sections up on the left hand side which are hidden from view. The best beginner’s section is Vipères, up on the left, and the central section provides some good routes for practising lead climbing when you feel more confident.
Servoz, Les Chavants & Vallorcine
Just beyond Les Houches at the bottom of the valley, and most easily accessed by car, the Servoz crag is located just by the road. There is a great French bistro opposite this Chamonix rock climbing spot, and the Gorges de la Diosaz are only 500m down the road – well worth a visit in their own right so you can make a day of your trip to Servoz. Some sections of the crag are also sheltered underneath an overhang so it can be a good option if it’s raining, and the crag is west-facing so it’s a good location for staying in the shade during the day.
At opposite ends of the valley, Les Chavants in Les Houches and Vallorcine also offer Chamonix rock climbing crags which are suitable for beginners. Les Chavants is particularly nice as it has an open field at the bottom with picnic benches and a snack bar close by on the edge of the Lac des Chavants. The setting has a similar feel to Les Gaillands but rarely suffers from over-crowding.
In Vallorcine and just a short walk of 15 minutes from the car park, this crag is rated ‘excellent’ for experiencing typical granite climbing. Because of that, it can get overcrowded with climbers, although the area at the base of the wall is not very spacious for picnicking etc.
Le Brévent
Get up into the mountains – above 2000m – and experience the spectacular views and sometimes quieter location for climbing. As the area faces east and you are higher in altitude, be mindful of the fact that snow can stick around well into the summer months.
There are a multitude of areas to explore, close to the arrival of the Brévent cable car and at different points just off the path between Planpraz and Brévent. You’ll need a good intermediate level of climbing to enjoy everything that there is on offer up there.
Legendary Chamonix mountaineering
More experienced climbers may want to try some of Chamonix’s mythical mountaineering routes. You can book a private guide and follow in some famous footsteps.
Advanced climbers will probably already have heard of these famous routes and be itching to try some of them. As already mentioned, don’t forget the risks of climbing and mountaineering and ensure that you take a guide if you are not an expert.
- Easier mountaineering routes: Index (Flégère) and Petite Aiguille Verte (Grands Montets). The Petite Aiguille Verte is accessed via a glacier hike, while the Index is a classic and relatively uncomplicated rock climb. Both can be easily accessed by lifts, and the Petite Aiguille Verte is above 3500m so make sure you’re prepared for the higher altitude. Other easy routes to start with are the Aiguilles de Chardonnet or other routes up at Le Tour.
- Medium difficulty: Cosmiques (Aiguille du Midi) – this route is very easily accessed from the top of the Aiguille du Midi and is a popular and enjoyable introduction to mixed climbing, as it is not too long – taking less than a day to complete.
- Very difficult mountaineering: Les Grandes Jorasses Traverse is a challenging overnight climb, while the Walker Spur at Les Grandes Jorasses is one of the most famous alpine routes. Les Drus is also a challenging route which will tempt you from the bottom of the valley as it soars above Les Praz.
- Mont Blanc: the rooftop of Europe is a natural target for mountaineers who can’t resist conquering Europe’s highest peak.
Chamonix rock climbing equipment
Regardless of your level you will need roughly the equipment mentioned here. If you’ve booked into climbing school then the safety equipment will be provided.
- Harness, helmet, climbing rope (min. length 60m), belay device, quick-draws, cowstail
- Also remember to take sun or rain protection, as well as plenty of water and food – especially if you will be going overnight.
Hiring your kit
All the larger sports shops in Chamonix town centre provide rentals services for rock climbing equipment if you’re booking a private guide or ready to head out on your own. You may want to hire rock climbing shoes if you’re taking group lessons as they are not included but we do recommend having them.
Indoor climbing in and around Chamonix
If the weather turns or you just fancy a session on the wall, Chamonix has some great indoor climbing options. The main gym in the valley is Mont Blanc Escalade in Les Houches, open all year round.
You’ll find over 100 routes (including lead and top-rope), a bouldering area, and a beginner-friendly wall — perfect for families or anyone just starting out. There’s also equipment hire available if you don’t have your own gear.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
If you want a change of scene, Le Topo in Le Fayet (just below Saint-Gervais-les-Bains) is another excellent indoor climbing gym. It’s bright, modern, and popular with locals for its friendly atmosphere and wide range of routes for all abilities. You’ll find lead climbing, top-rope, bouldering, and a training area with campus boards and hangboards. There’s also a café and shop on-site, making it a great spot to spend a few hours whatever the weather.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Via ferrata in and around Chamonix
As well as all the Chamonix rock climbing routes described above, you can also experience the heights of via ferrata in and around the valley. Perfect for anyone with a head for heights, this exciting activity combines hiking and climbing as you follow metal cables, ladders and bridges fixed to the rock — all while safely clipped in with a harness.
There are several fantastic via ferrata routes within easy reach of Chamonix, offering everything from family-friendly adventures to adrenaline-filled climbs.
Via Ferrata des Évettes – La Flégère, Chamonix
Located just above the mid-station of the La Flégère gondola (Les Praz), this scenic via ferrata route climbs into the Aiguilles Rouges massif with unbeatable views of Mont Blanc. It’s a short 20-minute walk from the lift to the start point, making it one of the most accessible options in the valley.
Expect ladders, cable traverses and two suspension bridges — including the famous “monkey bridge”. The route takes around 1.5 hours to complete, with roughly 150 metres of vertical gain. It’s suitable for guided groups and adventurous families, though a good head for heights is essential.
Start point: La Flégère gondola station, Les Praz
Access: Lift ticket required; check opening dates and weather before you go
Via Ferrata du Parc Thermal – Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
If you fancy exploring beyond Chamonix, head 25 minutes down the valley to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, where the Via Ferrata du Parc Thermal winds above the Bonnant Gorge. This route mixes ladders, cables and beam crossings with breathtaking views over the Mont Blanc Massif.
It’s more challenging than the La Flégère route, so better suited to confident climbers or those with a guide. Minimum height requirement: 1.50 m.
Start point: Parc Thermal, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Access: Free; helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyard required
Via Ferrata du Curalla – Passy
Overlooking the Arve Valley, the Via Ferrata du Curalla in Passy offers one of the best panoramas in the region — with Mont Blanc directly in front of you. The route features ladders, vertical walls, cable bridges and even a small overhang section for those seeking a bit more challenge.
It’s a mid-difficulty climb suitable for sporty beginners upwards, with around 250 metres of vertical ascent and 500 metres of total route length. Guided trips and equipment rental are available locally in Passy and Saint-Gervais.
Start point: Plateau d’Assy, Passy
Access: Free; open year-round (weather dependent)
Other climbing activities
Visitors of all ages will also enjoy the adventure tree park at Les Gaillands. With a selection of routes from green to black you push yourself through the treetops as far as you dare – all the way to the final Tarzan swing!
You might also like to try ice climbing as part of our glacier hikes. Possible from 16 years+, these hikes take you up onto some of Chamonix’s famous glaciers – Mer de Glace or Vallée Blanche – to introduce you to the different techniques of roping up, walking with crampons and ice climbing.
Good to know
You can find out the latest climbing conditions and ask for advice at the Compagnie des Guides, opposite the Tourist Office in Chamonix town centre. They also have an extensive library of climbing guide books which is well worth a look.
