Chamonix – Mountaineering with a Human Touch, by Zoban - Radek Lienerth

Our ambassador Radek Lienerth – Zoban, UIAGM mountain guide, shares his top picks for the summer Cham-life. With cable cars taking you almost straight to the route and world-class climbing within easy reach – Chamonix is the ultimate base for any alpine climber, whatever the weather.

Whether you’re into multi-pitch routes, mixed terrain, ice climbs, or chill via ferratas, Zoban has you covered – with detailed tips from Grand Capucin to Brevent, and the stunning Grand Perron ridge traverse.

📍 Check out what Chamonix has to offer this season – there’s no shortage of climbing inspiration!

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Chamonix – Alpinism with a Human Face

1) You're right in the heart of the Western Alps—when the weather turns bad, it’s just a short drive to find something better.

2) Whether you're into sport crags, long trad lines, icy couloirs or savage alpine routes—it all depends on the weather, and it's all right there in front of you.

3) Hate wasting hours on the approach? This is your dream—the lifts drop you off practically at the start.

4) Prefer things a little quieter? An hour’s walk from the lifts, and you’ll leave the busiest routes behind.

Tour tip:
Grand Capucin – combination of Vogler / Swiss / O Sole Mio
An excellent traditional route – the best line in the 6a/6b grade on Capucin. Beautiful cracks and minimal fixed protection in an impressive alpine setting.

The north side of Gran Paradiso

A classic firn/ice slope on a beautiful peak. Often, all you need is a good storm with the right temperature and conditions are perfect, even in the middle of summer. In recent years, this has tended to be towards the end of June, but we'll have to accept that meanwhile as a fact.

Brevent

“Poeme a Lou” or “Fin a Babylon” are crowded? That's understandable when the cable car spits you out 10 minutes above the starting point. Don't hesitate and take the free sports route immediately to the left of “Fin Babylon”. The bolts are well placed and the difficulty is around 6b/b+. Want complete tranquillity? I recommend “Retour la Normandie” by R. Jasper, 6a+/6b in luxurious bolting, a bit like Legoland at times, but definitely a beautiful climbing experience where no one will bother you. Additional info: take at least one cam in sizes 5 and 6.

Grand Perron

Travers from Aig. di Van, via Perron to Pointe d. l Ifala. Probably one of the most beautiful rock ridges. Approach without snow and ice (from July onwards), views of the Emosson reservoir and the snow-covered Blanc on the other side.

Via feratty

Whether you choose the new route above Vallorcine, the athletic La Fayette or the scenic route above Passy, you can't go wrong.

Just a normal Chamlife summer season.