Lames Fontaine 2766m

The Lames Fontaine (2,766 m) offers a unique route in the Aiguilles de Chamonix: a series of small airy summits and pinnacles, at the foot of the Blaitière. This fun and technical ridge climb allows you to progress in granite climbing while enjoying a magnificent setting in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif.

Program

The day before – Welcome in Saint-Gervais
Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Saint-Gervais guides’ office. Meet with the guide, check the equipment, and briefing.

Day 1 – Ascension of the Lames Fontaine (2,766 m)
Early departure from Saint-Gervais to Chamonix (30 min). Access to Plan de l’Aiguille via the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Approach hike along the moraine of the Blaitière Glacier (1.5 hours) to reach the base of the climb. Ascend the Lames Fontaine: approximately 250 m of rocky ridge with crack climbing (5b required, up to 6a), 19 short pitches, and 4 rappels. Return via the north-west ledge of the Blaitière and descent by cable car in the afternoon.

The guides may adjust the itinerary according to the weather, mountain conditions, and participants’ abilities.

Photo gallery

Details

Rediscovered and equipped in the 1990s, the Lames Fontaine form a true high-altitude climbing school. The route links 19 short pitches, alternating cracks, ridges, and small rappels, in a uniquely airy atmosphere.

It is a valuable experience for already initiated climbers: the granite here is exceptional, and the route offers the chance to tackle technical sections (up to 6a in cracks). All of this unfolds in a wild setting, facing the glaciers and the great walls of the Aiguilles de Chamonix.

A perfect route to progress in alpine climbing while exploring an off-the-beaten-path itinerary, away from the crowds, Supervised by a mountain guide.

Dates

Group outings: every Tuesday from mid-June to mid-September.
Private outings: daily, from early June to the end of September.

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 with regular physical activity who are capable of managing elevation gain in the mountains (about 800 m of ascent and 7 hours of walking).

We will be traveling on a mountain route; you must be aware of the hazards associated with this activity (rockfall, sometimes harsh weather).

We are available to answer any questions you may have.

Prices

Price for the group option:
€385 per person (departure guaranteed from 2 individual participants)

Price for private options:
1 participant: €650
2 participants: €385 per person
3 participants: €480 per person

The price includes

  • Supervision by a mountain guide
  • Lift passes

The price does not include

  • Drinks, cereal bars, and other personal expenses
  • Transportation from Saint Gervais to Chamonix (it is customary for clients to provide transport for the guide)
  • Your personal insurance
  • Picnic
  • 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

Technical equipment

  • Helmet
  • 25–30 litre backpack
  • Two telescopic trekking poles with snow baskets
  • Harness with locking carabiner
  • Climbing shoes

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

  • Thermal, breathable base layers, long-sleeve or short-sleeve. No cotton!
  • Polartec®-type fleece jacket
  • Technical hiking pants

Essential accessories:

  • Sunglasses (category 4)
  • Cap
  • Gourde ou thermos pouvant contenir au minimum 1L d’eau.
  • High-protection sunscreen and lip balm
  • Energy bars and dried fruit

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

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.


Follow us on Instagram

For all the latest news, you can follow us on social networks, here are the upcoming events.

Site under construction

Our website is currently in its finalization phase.
If you notice any issue or error, please feel free to let us know!

You can call us at (+33)4 50 47 76 55.