Happy is he who, like Icarus, could approach the sun until you touch it. Wingless. Only by the strength of his legs, his arms, and his will. Do you regularly practice physical activity, and for some time have you been coveting the peaks of these mountains in Europe that you believe to be impregnable?
You have finally made up your mind, you are going to embark on this memorable human adventure. Progression on the glacier, aerial passages, laughter, tears, an unequaled feeling of freedom… You will keep unforgettable memories of this experience.
Then come the typical questions that troubles your mind: Where to start? Is it better to start with an ascent in the Alps or in the Pyrenees?
We will answer you both, as the two mountain ranges each have their emblematic summits accessible for a first mountaineering experience. You don't need to be an experienced mountaineer to take on the mountains, you just need to be in good physical condition! What's more, we recommend that you carry out your first experiences with a high mountain guide who will be able to teach you the basic mountaineering techniques (cramponing, use of the ice axe, etc.).
In France, Italy, or Switzerland, quickly discover our 10 ideas for the most suitable summits for beginners in mountaineering!
The Dômes de Miage (3,673 m) - Mont-Blanc massif (Alps)
The Dômes de Miage are summits located in the south of the Mont-Blanc massif. They are very well known for a first experience in mountaineering: their crossing constitutes a great classic of alpine raids. It starts from the Aiguille de la Bérangère at 3,425 m to finish at the Col de Miage, at the Durier refuge at 3,367 m.
The road mostly traveled by beginners in mountaineering is the crossing of the Dômes de Miage: it is in fact a half-crossing starting at the Col des Dômes at 3,524 m, in order to reach the Refuge des Conscrits (2 602 m) via the Aiguille de la Bérangère.
In all, 5 domes await you if you opt for the full route, with a breathtaking view of the Contamines Montjoie reserve, considered the highest mountain nature reserve in France. From west to east, count two days of alpine racing to overcome it, five hours to reach the Conscrits refuge and spend the night there. Then seven hours to visit the west summit, the second dome, the central summit, the east summit and the fifth dome before returning to the refuge by the right bank of the glacier.
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The Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) - Gran Paradiso Massif (Italy)
Arriving at the destination, it gives the opportunity to have a 360 degree spectacular view on Mont-Blanc and its satellites, Mont-Rose, as well as on Vanoise, the summits of Tresenta and Ciarforon and the Italian side of the Valais.
The ascent of the Gran Paradiso in initiation mode will leave an immutable imprint in your memory: this is what we offer you via a three-day mountaineering course from Aosta and supervised by our partner high mountain guide.
2.5 hours of walking on the first day to the Vittorio Emanuele II refuge (2,732 m) then, after a good night rest, destination La Tresenta at 3,606 m for altitude acclimatization and an introduction to high mountain terrain mixed.
On the third and final day: the ascent of the Gran Paradiso. Chills guaranteed in the last 20 meters!
The Dôme des Écrins (4,015 m) - Massif des Écrins (Alps)
Located at the foot of the barre des Écrins culminating at 4,101 m in altitude, the snow dome of the Écrins is a striking peak at the limit between the Isère and Hautes-Alpes region. Its first ascent was made in July 1877 by the Nîmes mountaineer Emmanuel Boileau from Castelnau. Accessible to all well-trained amateur mountaineers, the route presents no technical difficulty and crosses vertiginous walls and deep crevasses. Once at the top, it offers exceptional views of Mont-Blanc, La Meije and Mont-Rose.
The key to a successful ascent of the Dôme des Écrins?
A good acclimatization before your departure. We offer a complete three-day program that allows you to optimize your physical condition, basic mountaineering techniques and your adaptation to environmental and climatic constraints.
Departure from Pré Carle at 1,870 m to reach the Glacier Blanc refuge at 2,542 m on the first day and spend the night there after a 2h30 spike session.
The next day: on the way to the Dôme des Écrins via a stop prior to the refuge of the same name at the end of the second day.
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The Aiguille du Tour (3,542 m) - Mont-Blanc massif (Alps)
On the Swiss glacier of Trient and the French one of Tour, the Aiguille du Tour is a mountain in the Mont-Blanc massif which has a unique ascent in store for its amateur contenders. It is made up of two distinct peaks. It brings together the ideal conditions for an alpine raid on rocky, snowy and icy terrain, allowing you to acquire and practice all the basic mountaineering techniques in a single day as well as autonomy, always under the watchful eye and wise advice of a mountain guide.
The departure is traditionally from the Albert 1er refuge located at 2,706 m, which can be reached from the village of Le Tour, or by the Trient hut. The upper Col du Tour offers a stunning view of the Valais as well as the Swiss peaks of Weisshorn, Matterhorn, and Grand Combin. After crossing breaches, crevasses and bergschrunds, the mountaineering course ends in apotheosis with a unique central view at the top of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Pennine Alps.
Combine your passion for trail running and mountaineering with Hardloop through a unique alpi-trail experience accompanied by Florent, a qualified partner high mountain guide! Departure at night for a one-day round trip that will satisfy your desires for escape and challenge.
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Mont Viso (3,841 m) – Italian Alps (Italy)
Mont Viso, at 3,841 m, is one of the highest peaks in the Italian Alps. It is located in the Piedmont region and has the source of the Po River at its foot. Its ascent is made for all those who wish to start in mountaineering. Note, however, that the route can sometimes be demanding, particularly due to the many descents.
Frédéric, Hardloop's partner high mountain guide, accompanies you to make your experience a reality through a two-day ascent of Mont Viso from the Quintino Sella refuge at the Grand Lac du Viso (2,640 m).
After spending the night there, set off at dawn with your mountain guide to make this emblematic round-trip ascent, made up of chimneys and snowfields all along the route. Once at the top: a breathtaking panorama over the entire Alpine arc, from Austria to the Mediterranean, with in particular remarkable viewpoints of Mont-Blanc, Monte Rosa and the ridges snow-capped mountains of the Ecrins and the Vanoise. Count about 7h30 of walking for a difference in altitude of 1,200 m.
Monte Rosa (4,634 m) - Valais Alps (Switzerland)
Monte Rosa is nothing more than the second-highest massif in the Alps after Mont Blanc. Located on the border between Switzerland and Italy, its highest point, Pointe Dufour, is the fourth-highest peak in the Alps and the highest in Switzerland.
The Tour of Monte Rosa was inaugurated in 1995. A high mountain hiking circuit, it is divided into seven stages lasting nearly seven hours each. As for the ascent of Monte Rosa, the easiest accesses are from Gressoney-La-Trinité or Alagna Valsesia in Italy.
Seven valleys surround Monte Rosa and its ten distinct peaks, including the Vallée du Lys in the Aosta Valley; the Valsesia in the Piedmont region; the Zermatt valley in the Swiss Valais region. Get familiar with the glaciers of Grenzgletscher, Lyskamm (4,481 m), Pollux (4,092 m), Castor and Breithorn (4,164 m) at its summit. An alpine race that promises to delight you and without great technical difficulty.
La Roche Faurio (3,730 m) - Massif des Écrins (Alps)
In the heart of the Massif des Écrins, Roche Faurio forms the junction between three ridges: the one coming from the Cordier snow peak , the one going to the top of the Grande Rhine and the one plunging over the Écrins pass. La Roche Faurio is a magnificent belvedere, offering an alpine raid accessible to all those who have good physical preparation and wish to start mountaineering.
From the Pré de Mme Carle at 1,870 m, our partner mountain guide Hardloop offers you a supervised two-day ascent.
On the program: 3 hours of walking to the Glacier Blanc refuge at 2,542 m, then an ice school before spending the night at the Écrins refuge. The next day, start of the ascent at 5 a.m. to reach the summit at 9 a.m., and its unique view of the Vanoise and Mont-Blanc massifs.
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The Cosmiques ridge (3,600 m) - Mont-Blanc massif (Alps)
A short walk from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m), the Arête des Cosmiques offers a spectacular ascent. It is one of the most famous alpine races in the Chamonix valley in Haute-Savoie. It promises diversified mixed climbing mixing rock, snow and ice. The ascent of the Arête des Cosmiques does not present any major difficulties, as long as you remain vigilant to the wind and winter conditions.
From the Aiguille du Midi by the so-called classic route, you will therefore have to follow its southern face then head towards the pass located between the Cosmiques refuge and the Simond shelter. Chain relay, aerial steps, rappels, and crossing a large steep step: the ascent of the Arête des Cosmiques turns into a real adventure until you reach the terrace of your starting point.
Note that this route is very busy in both winter and summer. Intermediate circuits exist to try to avoid them: do not hesitate to ask your mountain guide for this information.
The Vignemale (3,298 m) - Massif du Vignemale (Pyrénées)
Located on the Franco-Spanish border in the massif of the same name, the Vignemale (or more commonly, the Pique Longue) is a peak bordering from the Pyrenees National Park and the Reserva de la Biosfera Ordesa-Viñamala. Accessible from the towns of Gavarnie, Cauterets and Torla, part of the route follows the long-distance footpath (GR 10).
The Vignemale, culminating at 3,298 m above sea level, is presented by many as a fantastic range of walls and one of the most beautiful mountains in the Pyrenees. After ascending the 1,700 m of the Ossoue glacier then climbing the long corridor leading to the summit, you will see half a dozen reliefs at 3,000 m altitude. Alpine race on glacier without any real problem when the conditions are favourable, the Grand Vignemale awaits to share its enchantment with you.
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The Pic d'Aneto (3,404m) - Massif de la Maladeta (Pyrenees)
If he is Spanish and the highest point in the Pyrenees, the Pic d'Aneto (3,404m) is also the epicenter of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. With a drop of 1,250 m, good physical preparation is required from the start of your ascent from the Besurta car park to the Rencluse refuge (2,140 m). A very busy stage: remember to reserve your places at least two months in advance.
After a good night's sleep, you will be on the way to the summit via the Portillon dit Supérieur (at 2,900 m). Pic Crabère (2,629 m), Pic de Canejan (2,654 m): the circuit has some of the most beautiful Pyrenean panoramas. Arrival at Pas de Mahomet: a few cold sweats for this passage of about thirty meters, but which, once crossed, will know how to galvanize you.
The key: 5 to 6 hours of pure snowy sensations, in the clouds and above. Climbing the Pic d'Aneto is a classic summit for beginners in mountaineering and discovering the Pyrenees on the way!
Are you looking for an initiation or a mountaineering course to match your most intense desires for a change of scenery? On Hardloop, we offer ascents to various accessible peaks for a first experience in mountaineering, supervised by partner mountain guides and certified in France, Switzerland, and Italy. Solo or in a group, quickly discover all the summits we offer on our mountaineering page!
The ideal outfit for beginners in mountaineering
A technical and waterproof jacket: Millet Trilogy V Icon Dual GTX Pro Jkt
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Millet | |||
The first part of your mountaineering outfit and one of the most important, the choice of your mountaineering jacket. We recommend that you opt for the Trilogy V Icon Dual GTX Pro Jkt, from the Millet brand, available in men's and women's models. The Trilogy V Icon Dual GTX Pro Jkt is a technical mountaineering jacket, robust, highly waterproof and breathable thanks to the Gore-Tex® Pro membrane.
Protective, it is equipped with a large hood compatible with the wearing of a mountaineering helmet, itself equipped with a drawstring for a perfect fit. Its adjustable cuffs as well as the drawstring at the waist allow you to best adjust this mountaineering jacket to your figure. It will effectively protect you against bad weather in the mountains, all year round.
The Trilogy V Icon Dual GTX Pro Jkt is worn in addition to a warm and technical second layer. Challenge the elements!
For him:
➤ Millet - Trilogy V Icon Dual GTX Pro Jkt
For her:
➤ Millet - LD Trilogy V Icon Dual GTX Pro Jkt
- Pro membrane 100% waterproof and breathable
- Recco® equipped Sporty fit
- tex®
- Dual Tech™ construction
- Adjustable mountaineering hood
- Helmet compatibility
- 2 large zipped quick-access chest pockets
- Inside zipped pocket
- Underarm ventilation zips
- Double slider zip closure
- Lower, collar and cuff adjustments
- Materials: Gore-Tex® Pro Astree 3L, Gore-tex® Pro Pegase 3L
- Weight: 465 g
Mountaineering pants: Millet Elevation Pant Gtx
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Millet | |||
The Millet Elevation Pant Gtx pants are technical mountaineering pants , functional, highly waterproof and breathable thanks to its design with Gore-Tex® Plain 3L and Gore-Tex® Holberg Rs 3L membranes.
The Elevation Pant Gtx will effectively protect you against the most difficult conditions in the mountains, whether you are attempting the ascent of the Dôme des Ecrins or the ascent of the Vignemale. You will appreciate the removable straps as well as the adjustable waistband, allowing you to properly adjust the Elevation Pant Gtx to your figure.
Equipped with preformed knees, you benefit from greater flexibility during your ascents. Mountaineering pants you won't be disappointed with!
For him:
For her:
➤ Millet -Trilogy XCS Air Pant
- Removable straps
- 1 thigh cargo pocket
- Side openings and exclusive drop seat system
- Adjustable reinforcements and snow gaiters
- Main material: Gore -Tex® Plain 3l - Waterproofing 28,000 mm - Breathability ret < 9 m²pa/w // 100% polyamide
- Secondary material: Gore-Tex® Holberg Rs 3l - Waterproofing 28,000 mm - Breathability ret < 9 m²pa/w // 100% polyester
- Reinforcement: centurion™ cordura® - 70% polyester - 30% cordura®
Reliable shoes: La Sportiva Nepal Extreme & Garmont Ascent Gtx Wmn
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La Sportiva | Garmont | ||
Reliable and robust mountaineering shoes for men: La Sportiva Nepal Extreme
As their name suggests, the La Sportiva Nepal Extreme are precise, light and comfortable mountaineering shoes that will take you to the peaks of the world. Designed with Thinsulate® and Primaloft® Gold technologies, the Nepal Extreme are warm shoes offering all the protection and precision necessary for mountaineering.
Their hydrophobic Idrp-Perwanger® leather upper will keep you dry. Whether you practice mountaineering in winter or summer, don't be afraid of negative temperatures or the weather! Equipped with Vibram® Impact Brake System soles, you benefit from a precise and fine grip at the toe, whether you are on ice or on rock. The Nepal Extreme are mountaineering boots compatible with automatic crampons.
A quality choice for vertical ascents!
- 4 seasons
- Hydrophobic Idro-Perwanger® leather upper 3+ mm
- Primaloft® Gold Insulation Eco lining
- Compatible with automatic spikes
- Precise support
- Lacing with instep blocking
- Total protective rubber
- coating PU reinforcement
- Sole 6 mm polyurethane
- Midsole Vibram® Impact Brake system sole dedicated to mountaineering, precise
- High quality Italian manufacturing
- Resoling possible
- Weight: 2 x 1,055 g
Versatile and high-performance mountaineering boots: Garmont Ascent Gtx Wmn
The Garmont Ascent Gtx WMn are the perfect shoes for the top mountaineering European peaks. Featuring the waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex® membrane and a suede leather construction, the Ascent Gtx® Wmm will keep your feet dry, whatever the weather in the mountains for increased comfort. Your ankles will be protected throughout the ascent by the high upper of the shoes, which ensure perfect stability, without compromising your comfort.
The Flex insert, tongue and collar of the Ascent Gtx® are made of stretch fabric, guaranteeing excellent comfort throughout your mountain outing and adjustment of the shoe to your foot. Thanks to the FrameFlex Mid and Vibram® soles, they absorb shocks in rocky areas and when wearing spikes.. Neither too flexible nor too rigid, the Garmont Ascent Gtx® will offer you comfort while not compromising on technicality.
- Insert and collar: stretch fabrics
- Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex® membrane
- More anatomical fit 1.8 mm suede leather
- Reinforced toe cap to protect the toes
- Simple lacing with hooks
- Soft collar for lasting comfort
- System of intelligent flex to adapt the natural flexion of the forefoot and the shin
- Insole: FrameFlex Mid for the rigidity of the cleats
- Tech PU cleat insert in the heel: safety and shock absorption
- Bi-microporous rubber midsole: comfort and foot stability
- Vibram® Nepal sole: semi-locked sticky rubber compound in the toe area for uphill performance and in the heel area for better grip.
- Mid-depth lugs for good grip on different terrains in a lightweight configuration.
- Self-cleaning drainage channels.
- Concave heel brake
- Weight: 2 x 1200 g
A light and practical mountaineering backpack: Ortovox Peak 35
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Ortovox | |||
Last important element of your mountaineering outfit: your mountaineering backpack. We have selected the Ortovox Peak 35, which you can use for your mountain hikes as well as your mountaineering races. The Peak 35, made of Nylon 420 D Manstar, is perfectly accessorized to accommodate all your equipment necessary for the practice of mountaineering. Equipped with an ice ax holder, a rope holder, reinforced ski holders, you can attach all your technical equipment to the Peak 35.
Its Swisswool Full Contact back system will allow you to regulate your heat and humidity and thus always stay dry during your ascents. It is compatible with a hydration system, so you can slip your water bladder in and enjoy hydration throughout your journey. Robust, comfortable and reliable, a safe bet in the mountains!
- Chest strap with whistle
- Snowboard and snowshoe attachment
- Waterproof zips
- Separate compartment for safety equipment
- Helmet net
- Equipment
- Pocket on the belly strap
- A-Skifix
- D-Skifix
- Rope
- Straps compression
- Hydration system compatible
- Swisswool Full Contact
- Two compartments on the flap
- Ice axes and poles attachment
- Key hook
- 1x emergency card
- Materials: Nylon 420D HD Ripstop + Nylon 420D Manstar
- Volume: 35 L
- Weight: Min. 1370g / Max. 1440 g
Do not hesitate to contact our HardGuides on the +33 (0) 1 84 67 14 24 or through our Help Center! Our team of specialists will be able to answer all your questions and give you the best advice in choosing your first summit!
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