Four days in the Aravis to learn and enjoy rock climbing :
This beginner course of 3 or4 days is aimed at people wishing to learn the pleasures of climbing. We are lucky in the Aravis massif, not far from Annecy, to have beautiful cliffs that lend themselves well to learning this sport. If you have never tried climbing, or if you practice from time to time on artificial structures, I suggest you acquire the basic techniques in one of the pretty climbing schools in the area and then explore easy routes of several lengths.
Here is the typical course of a beginner’s climbing course:
Day 1 – We will start the course on a small cliff in Grand Bornand, well-oriented to the sun above the mountain pastures. Getting to grips with the equipment, a few safety instructions and you will quickly come into contact with the beautiful limestone of the Aravis. Advice will be given on the basics of second or “top rope” climbing, the appropriate positions for the ascent and then the descent. You will practice a little abseiling at the end of the session to feel more comfortable.
Day 2 – Review of what you learned the day before on a new cliff in La Clusaz. Learning lead climbing and the appropriate techniques. In the second part of the day, you will do your first 2-pitch route.
Day 3 – Introductory route in several pitches. Applying the learnings of the day before on a multi-pitch route of an appropriate level of difficulty.
Day 4 -optional- Multi-pitch route at le Jalouvre! A majestic climb of more than 150m in a suitable terrain and well equipped by local guides will allow you to taste the pleasures of the lengths that follow one another. A little bit of chamois terrain will give you the opportunity to learn mountaineering.
What you will learn in this course:
-Use equipment wisely: quickdraws, ropes, knots and belays.
-Make a belay on multi-pitch routes.
-Climb and descend safely: second and lead. Management of protections, choice of passages, rappels.
-Develop your climbing techniques: placements, rest, work on holds.
You will be supervised by a mountain guide for a maximum of 4 people.
Dates of the beginner climbing course Annecy-Aravis planned for this year 2025:
June: 26-29
Juillet : 11-14 .
Aout : 07-10; 21-24
September : 11-14
Other dates possible on request, 2 participants minimum.
You will find a short report of a climbing course here.
A few ideas on the Aravis cliffs here.
| START/RETURN POINT | Thônes | ||||
| MEETING TIME | 9h00 | ||||
| DURATION | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. over 3-4 days | ||||
| MINIMUM AGE | 14 years | ||||
| LEVEL | Beginner | ||||
| GUIDE RATIO | 1 Guide for 1 to 4 people | ||||
| MATERIAL NECESSARY | Climbing shoes. Possibility of loan depending on size. | ||||
| INCLUDED |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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| PRICE | 450€/p for 3 days, 600€/p for 4 days. Minimum 2 people registered to start the climbing course. |
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4 - optional
What is the best length for a beginner’s climbing course?
Our programs last 2 to 5 days, an optimal length for mastering the fundamentals: rope handling, belaying techniques, and wall reading. This gradual progression allows you to tackle iconic sites like the Tours du Midi with confidence.
Are the Aravis really suitable for a first climbing course?
Absolutely! The massif boasts a variety of training cliffs with varied profiles: the inclined slabs of Pré Richard for beginners, and the fluted rocks of Grand Bornand for advanced climbers. Unlike over-equipped sites, these natural walls develop a real sensitivity to the rock.
Is a particular physical condition required for this course?
No athletic ability is required. We adapt the routes according to your endurance: short approaches (15 minutes max), pitches of 20 to 35 meters, with rest periods in the mountain pastures. The goal? To combine moderate effort with the joy of discovery.
