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 may 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 2026:

Jully: 14>17 .
August : 24->27
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
UIAGM High Mountain Guide
Climbing equipment
NOT INCLUDED
Meals Insurance”
See “Materials required”
PRICE  520€/p for 3 days, 700€/p for 4 days.
Minimum 2 people registered to start the climbing course.

 

1

Day 1

Meet at 9:00 a.m., head to Le Grand Bornand for a climbing school. Top rope. Return around 3:00 p.m.
2

Day 2

Meet at 9:00 a.m., head to the climbing school in La Clusaz. Lead climb. Return around 3:00 p.m.
3

Day 3

Meet at 9:00 a.m., at Falaise du Bargy for an introductory multi-pitch ascent. Return around 3:00 p.m.
4

Day 4 - optional

Meet at 9:00 a.m., at Falaise du Jalouvre, multi-pitch route. Debriefing and return around 3 p.m. End of class.
  • What is the ideal length for a beginner climbing course?

Our courses last 3 to 4 days, the optimal duration for mastering the fundamentals: rope handling, belaying techniques, and rock face reading. This gradual progression will allow you to confidently tackle iconic sites like the Jalouvre cliffs.

  • Are the Aravis mountains really suitable for a first climbing course?

Absolutely! The Aravis massif offers a wide variety of training crags with diverse profiles: the sloping limestone slabs are ideal for beginners. These natural walls develop a true sensitivity to the rock.

  • Is a particular level of fitness required for this course?

The course is focused on recreational discovery; there’s no pressure. We’re here to introduce you to a sport in a magnificent setting. Approaches are relatively short (generally less than 30 minutes). The goal? To combine moderate effort with the pleasure of discovery.