Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix

Who they are

The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix is the valley's association of high-mountain guides, with more than two hundred years of history according to its own website. It has two offices: the Chamonix one, in the Maison de la montagne, on the church square, and the Argentière one, on the village's main street. From them its group activities leave and private guided outings are booked.

What it does

Its offer runs from the most technical to the most relaxed. For mountaineers it has ascents, courses and the Vallée Blanche crossing on skis. For non-climbers there are half-day or full-day walks, with themes that change by the week (edible plants, heritage, life in the pastures, the deer rut in autumn), winter snowshoeing, via ferrata and a climbing school. Group outings are confirmed with a minimum of four people and go with a guide or a mid-mountain escort.

How to book

Everything is booked online, with each activity's calendar, or by phone with its reception service. On group outings you are asked to meet at the Chamonix office at a fixed time and the transfer to the departure point is included. On private ones, the guide calls you the evening before to fix the time and place. For any outing they require civil liability insurance covering the activity, with rescue and repatriation. Specific equipment, such as snowshoes and poles in winter, is included; you supply your own boots, and at partner shops there is a discount for hiring them.