Climb Freney Pillar in Mont Blanc with a guide
Enrico, an IFMGA-certified mountain guide, takes you to one of the most classic and challenging routes in the Alps: the Central Freney Pillar in Mont Blanc.
Private
Alps
3 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Advanced
Description
Shining in the sun of the South Face of Mont Blanc, the Freney Pillar is one of the ‘all life’ dreams for an alpinist.
This 800 m long granite pillar overlooking the Italian mountain town of Courmayeur and the Aosta Valley, is one of the most desired climbs in the Alps.
The first ascent of this peak was a major achievement in mountain history and led to a big fight. Who has never heard of Bonatti’s unfortunate adventure up there in 1961?
Those who want to attempt this route need a good level of rock climbing and a fair base of classical mixed climbing experience. To make sure you are properly trained, I ask you to take a preparation trip with me prior this big climb. Check out this 6-day training course where you’ll climb three different routes in the Mont Blanc massif where we will focus on rope work and crack climbing technique. On such a long and complex climb it is so important that we move as an efficient team.
If you are already prepared for this huge climbing challenge, then send me a request! I’ll be glad to be your guide in this classic major climb in the Alps.
If your goal is to climb one of the north faces of the Alps’ trilogy (Eiger, Matterhorn and Grandes Jorasses), you may check this 4-day training program.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
- The price does NOT include lodging, meals, and/or transportation for both clients and the guide. We can provide lodging at B&B Maison de la montagne (http://www.maisondelamontagne.net/) when based down the valley.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Meeting
Meeting very early in Courmayeur, we will move up to Eccles hut at3800m.
Day 2: Climbing day to the base
From the bivy, we will go pas the Eccles col and down on the Freney glacier to reach the base of the actual pillar. We will climb, most likely up to the base of the Chandelle.
Day 3: Climbing day in the Chandelle
The crux of the climb, the Chandelle itself. Through a mixed ridge we reach the top of Mont Blanc and go down the valley.
Details
More info
According to the new directives of the Aosta Valley Regional College, insurance for recovery in the event of an accident is in charge of the customer and can be purchased by registering with the ITALIAN ALPINE CLUB (or corresponding local alpine club) or on the UVGAM website (https://pos.larcasrl.it/default.aspx?IDCON=926 ).
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Enrico & Guides' Team
4.9
(24)
Mountain Guide
Enrico and IFMGA Guides’ team
At the age of 15, I knew I wanted to become a mountain guide, I wanted to live in the mountains, teach and share my new passion with everyone. In 2006 I realized my dream and I became a professional certified mountain guide.
I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with my clients, embarking on a journey that slowly transforms the guide-client relationship into a climbing partner and often a lasting friendship. I am not and never will be a lone climber but "a fellow explorer”. My specialty is certainly climbing on ice and mixed terrain at high altitude.
With my clients I have climbed the most difficult faces in the Alps, explored mountain ranges, and traveled across America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Now I share all this with a group of friends and highly qualified, professional guides who will be pleased to lead and teach you whenever I am not available.
If I trust them…you can trust them too!
Languages
Italian | French | English
Certificates
IFMGA
What people are saying about Enrico & Guides' Team
Winindra
I had an amazing experience with Enrico! From the very beginning, Enrico was super friendly, clear in communication, and really flexible in making everything work out. The itinerary was adjusted and very personalized to my needs and experience, which made the whole trip even better. I booked two days with him, and when he wasn’t available on one of them, he made sure I was in good hands with one of his colleagues. That day I went to Cosmic Ridge, I went with Leo and he had such positive energy, motivating, empowering, and just a joy to be around. Pure good vibes! On the day Enrico was available, he took me and my whole family rock climbing at a local crag. He even picked us up and dropped us off, which was such a thoughtful touch. He really thought a lot about how to make the experience enjoyable for our 4 year old! Throughout the day, he taught us lots of useful skills, explained everything with patience, and you could really see his experience and careful approach. We always felt safe, well taken care of, and at the same time had a ton of fun. He shared his wisdom through decades of mountaineering experience too. If you’re looking for a guide who is not only professional and extremely competent but also warm, careful, and great company, I can’t recommend him enough. Truly a great guide who makes the whole experience unforgettable!
Christian
We had an amazing morning climbing near Cogne! Enrico is patient, super friendly, and explains everything clearly — even as beginners, we felt safe and confident. He speaks excellent French, which was a big plus. Highly recommended — we’ll book him again in the Aosta Valley!
John
This was intended to be 10 days of skill building with the ultimate goal of climbing one of the 6 great north faces of the Alps. I'd climbed some mountains graded PD/AD- before and did a few mountaineering courses but didn't have much experience climbing ice, mixed or steep snow. This course blew my expectations out of the water. Enrico is the best guide I've ever had, from a combination of technical skill, patience, knowledge of all aspects and good nature. We climbed something every single day (!). I really progressed my ice climbing which was the main goal for me and many times during the course I came away feeling that I'd surprised myself by getting to the top. Enrico did a great job judging my level and found options every day to challenge but not overwhelm me. I came to trust his judgement and really appreciate the time we got to spend climbing some great routes. 10/10.
David
Great trip, highly customized and exceeding our expectations. Highly recommendable
Enrico is a fantastic person and a very good guide, very professional. We climbed Auguille d'Entreves.
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