Arête des Cosmiques 3800m

The Arête des Cosmiques (3800 m), accessible from the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix, is an iconic mixed ridge route in the Mont Blanc massif. Combining snow sections, rock climbing, and airy rappels, it offers an intense and varied experience, ideal for progressing in high-altitude mountaineering with a guide.

Program

The day before – Arrival in Saint-Gervais

Meeting at 6:30 PM at the Saint-Gervais Guides’ Office to meet your guide, check equipment, and prepare for the climb.

Day 1 – Ascent of the Arête des Cosmiques (3800 m)

Early departure from Saint-Gervais to reach Chamonix (30 minutes by car). From there, take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m).

Descent of the Aiguille ridge, then a short approach to the col near the Abri Simond (3600 m). The itinerary then follows the Arête des Cosmiques, a varied route combining snow, rock, and two airy rappels. The setting is spectacular, with breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif.

Return in the early afternoon via the Aiguille du Midi cable car.

The guides may adjust the program according to weather conditions, mountain conditions, and participants’ skill levels.

Photo gallery

Details

The Arête des Cosmiques (3800 m) is one of the most famous ridge routes in the Mont Blanc massif. Easily accessible from the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m), it combines every aspect of mountaineering: snow travel, rock climbing, airy rappels, and a high-altitude atmosphere.

The route begins with the descent of the Aiguille ridge, then joins the col near the Abri Simond. The mixed ridge traverse offers varied, enjoyable progress, ideal for practicing rope and belay techniques. Rock sections alternate with snow passages, punctuated by two impressive rappels.

Beyond its technical aspects, the Arête des Cosmiques is a truly panoramic route, offering exceptional views of Mont Blanc, the glaciers, and the surrounding peaks. It is an essential outing for climbers seeking a day full of sensations in the heart of the high mountains.

Dates

Year-round depending on mountain conditions and the cable car opening.

Registration and payment

Directly on our website or using the dated and signed registration form, accompanied by a 40% deposit and any optional insurance fees. The balance must be paid 60 days before departure.

Supervision and participants

Maximum 2 people per guide. Group departures guaranteed from 2 people. You will be supervised by a mountain guide.

Physical and technical level

Good physical preparation is necessary for this ascent; it is intended for active individuals. Endurance sports: cycling, running, hiking.

And remember that during this day you will be walking and climbing with a backpack and at high altitude, which increases the effort required, so during your training outings practice hiking with a backpack.

You will be traveling on a high-mountain route and must be aware of the hazards associated with this activity (crevasses, serac fall, rockfall, avalanches, very low temperatures).

We are available to answer any questions you may have.

Prices

Group rate:
€365 per person (departure guaranteed from 2 individual participants)

Private rates:
1 participant: €630
2 participants: €365 per person
3 participants: €460 per person
4 participants: €365 per person
5 participants: €420 per person

The price includes

  • Guidance by a mountain guide
  • The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car
  • Mont Blanc Tunnel fee

The price does not include

  • Drinks, cereal bars, and other personal expenses
  • Lunch
  • Transport from Saint Gervais to Entrèves (it is customary for clients to drive the guide)
  • Your personal insurance
  • Rental of technical equipment
  • Anything not listed under “price includes”

Insurance

Repatriation

Having “assistance–repatriation” insurance is mandatory to take part in our trips: it must cover you in high mountains for search and rescue by helicopter. If you do not have “assistance–repatriation” insurance, we can provide one at a rate of €5/day.

Cancellation

We also offer optional “cancellation” insurance at a rate of €12/day. This insurance does not take into account the sporting nature of our trips. It must be purchased at the time of registration to take effect.
As a reminder, cancellation insurance covers you from the moment you register until the start of your trip if something happens and you cannot attend. We apply cancellation fees as specified on our registration form and in our terms of sale. These fees may be reimbursed by the cancellation insurance if your reason for cancelling is covered.


If you pay by credit card, feel free to check the insurance included with it.

As a reminder, in the event of cancellation you must file your claim with the insurer within 5 days of the accident or reason for cancelling, otherwise it will not be valid (then check whether the reason for cancellation is covered).

Insurance fees are non-refundable.

Equipment list

Equipment list

Technical equipment

  • Helmet
  • 30–40 liter backpack
  • Two telescopic trekking poles with snow baskets
  • Harness with locking carabiner
  • Ice axe
  • Gaiters
  • High-mountain boots with rigid soles compatible with crampons
  • Semi-automatic crampons with anti-balling plates

Technical equipment is available for rent from our partners:
For Saint Gervais : blanc-sport-saintgervais.com/ www.unlimited-saintgervais.com,
For les Contamines : www.intersport-lescontamines.com/

Clothing

  • Beanie and neck gaiter
  • Thermal, breathable base layers, long-sleeve or short-sleeve. No cotton!
  • Polartec®-type fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Gore-Tex®–type waterproof and windproof jacket (ski jackets are not suitable)
  • Thermal tights
  • Technical hiking pants
  • Gore-Tex® pants, waterproof and windproof
  • Warm socks

Essential accessories:

  • Sunglasses (category 4)
  • Ski goggles in case of snow or strong winds
  • Cap
  • Gourde ou thermos pouvant contenir au minimum 1L d’eau.
  • 2 pairs of gloves: one light pair (fleece or leather) and one warm, waterproof pair
  • High-protection sunscreen and lip balm
  • Energy bars and dried fruit
  • Identification documents, proof of insurance, European Health Insurance Card

Feel free to contact us if you need advice on physical preparation, gear selection, or organizing your trip.

Rendez-vous

Rendez-vous

You will meet the guides the day before departure at the Saint-Gervais Guides Office (43 rue du Mont Blanc, 74170 Saint-Gervais), located inside the tourist office in the village center, at 6:30 p.m. Please let us know if you cannot attend; the briefing can be done by phone.


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