Valley Rock

Inspired by the Swiss guidebooks 'Schweiz Plaisir', the Alps are home to some superb moderate rock routes, with fun, enjoyable climbing on high quality rock. If largely stress free well bolted routes in fantastic locations are your thing, then the crags of France, Switzerland and Italy are the place to be...
Valley Rock Climbing in Chamonix
The Chamonix area is probably most famous for it's high level mountain rock climbing but the reality is that there is plenty at valley levels well below the snowline. As a result the cragging season starts early and lasts well in to the autumn, as well as giving great opportunities for climbing when the weather prevents it in the high mountains.
Climbing Level
A trip to climb in the Chamonix Valley doesn't need to be extreme and there are plenty of great objectives at all grades. With routes from entry level grades upwards, both on single or multi pitch.
Areas
Here are a few selected locations, and some examples of routes. Also check out the photos below...
- Les Gaillands - The old favorite, highly accessible climbing on the outskirts of Chamonix.
- Vallorcine and Barberine - Good climbing predominately of a slabby nature.
- Vallon de Bérard - High quality climbing in a quiet valley with a remote feel.
- Col de la Colombière - Good quality limestone climbing in Les Aravis a short drive from Chamonix.
- Pierre Avoi - Climbing in an atmospheric location high above the Rhône Valley.
- Col des Montets - Quality bouldering
Season
As soon as the rock is dry and free from snow, it's game on...!
Autoroute Blanche
Ian Hey shows how its done on the compact Gneiss of this classic line near Châtelard enlarge
Col des Montets
Andy Turner proving that even good bouldering exists in Chamonix... enlarge
Droide
Max Hunter taping up and getting involved at an excellent single pitch venue in the Valle dell'Orco enlarge
Into The Wild
David Espley on the classic line in the Vallon de Bérard enlarge
Limestone
Sometimes its worth travelling out of the Chamonix Valley. Jaimella Espley discovers why on the Limestone slabs of... enlarge
Manque un mètre
Following the water warn runnels.. enlarge
Pierre Avoi
Climbing with Chris Plant high above the Rhone Valley enlarge
Plaisir Rock
Bolt protected limestone near Leysin enlarge
Via Corda Alpina
Moving together on the classic 'rockaneering itinerary above Les Bois enlarge
Vipère au Pied
Dave Evans on one of the steeper pitches... enlarge