In a nutshell
Gaining independence in outdoor rock climbing
Climbing is a rapidly-growing mountain activity which will even be featured in the next Olympic Games. The aim of this course is to enable occasional climbers, indoor or outdoors, to move towards greater independence on equipped outdoor climbing routes. And also to discover multi-pitch climbing routes at the end of the course !
Belaying a lead climber, climbing second on the rope, abseiling and linking several pitches: these are just some of the techniques we’ll be looking at in detail, so that we can integrate them fully.
Each type of rock will also enable us to adapt our technique and broaden our repertoire of movements. This will enable us to better appreciate the slabs, overhangs and dihedrals that the rock offers us.
And last but not least, climbing outdoors allows us to recharge our batteries in a calm and completely unspoilt natural environment.
Roadbook
Single pitch routes : 10 – 30m.
Multi pico routes : 60 – 400m.
Length of rope to be coiled during the course : approx. 1000m !
Duration : 3 days from 9am to 5pm, 1 rest day and 1 full day for the big route.
Altitude : between 1200 and 3000m.
Number of participants per guide : 3 to 6 people.
This long Alpine valley has always been better known for skiing than climbing. But local guides and climbers have long been developing and equipping numerous cliffs here, from short sport sites to more adventurous long routes.
The geology of the Central Alps is complex, so the variety of rocks here is unique : granite in the lower valley near La Lauzière, limestone including the highest limestone cliff in France (La Croix Des Têtes, over 700m of climbing), gneiss at Bonneval, conglomerates and quartzite around Aussois. This geological richness also brings great diversity in climbing styles, making the Maurienne a prime location for progressing in all styles.
In just four days, it’s impossible to show you all the climbing sites in Maurienne. Fortunately, we have our favorites…
Day 1: Introduction to Rock Climbing
Location: Rocher Saint-Claude (conglomerate, short routes of 10-20m).
Level: 3 to 6c.
Objectives:
- Discover outdoor climbing safely.
- Learn basic knots and belaying techniques.
- Get introduced to reading topos and communication in a rope team.
Day 2: Technical Improvement
Location: Rocher des Amoureux (limestone, varied routes: slabs, cracks, small overhangs).
The iconic Rocher des Amoureux is perfect for a second day. Routes for all levels and a thrilling spider’s web abseil to finish! Not to mention the outdoor bar right at the base!
Level: 4 to 8a.
Objectives:
- Strengthen lead climbing techniques.
- Learn anchor (relay) techniques.
- Develop supervised autonomy in a rope team.
- Grand spider’s web abseil.
Day 3: Technique Deepening and Endurance
Location: Falaise Marie-Christine or Côte Blanche (limestone, long routes of 25-40m).
The sites of Fort Marie-Christine or Côtes Blanches will allow us to progress technically on beautiful limestone.
Level: 5a to 7b.
Objectives:
- Discover multi-pitch routes and their management (anchors, rope, endurance).
- Deepen rope techniques and manipulations.
Day 4: Wrap-Up and Fun Climbing
Location: Giaglione (technical routes, alpine atmosphere) or La Crosta (granite).
Depending on the temperature, the high-altitude sites of Planay in Bramans, Drailles Blanches in Bessans, or Giaglione on the other side of Col du Mont Cenis will provide a welcome coolness.
Level: 5a and above.
Objectives:
- Adapt to a new style of rock.
- Validate the skills acquired during the course with supervised autonomy.
- End the course in a friendly atmosphere.
Note: This is an indicative program. Rest assured: the ideal site will be chosen each day by the guide based on the group’s level, preferences, and the educational program.
Voici la traduction en anglais :
Participants: Minimum 3 to 6 people
Price: 650€ per person
Included:
- 4 days with a state-certified climbing guide
- Technical equipment (except climbing shoes)
Not included:
- Transportation
- Accommodation, meals, and drinks
- Personal insurance
Optional: Accommodation available—contact us for details.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for motivated beginners! No prior knowledge of rope techniques is required—we start from scratch, as long as you’re eager to learn.
If you can climb 5b as a second (indoors or outdoors), then this course is perfect for you!
Prerequisites:
All the experience you need is a basic understanding of climbing (on walls, bouldering, or top-rope outdoors). What matters most is your motivation and desire to progress safely.
Your guides
Morgane Bléteau
Climbing & Canyoning instructor