Navigation Course in Chamonix, French Alps

Expect to cover around 10 km per day with a few hundred meters of altitude gain.

The Bronze course is suitable for anyone over the age of 16. The Silver course follows on from the Bronze, so we expect you to have an idea of the basics of map reading - orientating a map, following linear features (paths), interpreting map symbols, etc.

Located in the captivating Chamonix valley, our courses primarily take place in the charming village of Argentiere, which is conveniently situated just a ten-minute drive or a short bus ride away from the center of Chamonix. This strategic location grants us seamless access to the terrain essential for both the Bronze and Silver courses. Moreover, Argentiere boasts excellent transportation connections to Chamonix and offers a wide range of accommodation options. As a customary practice, we typically gather on the first morning at the delightful Al'Pain bakery for an enjoyable introduction, complete with invigorating exercises and a cup of coffee. However, we will provide you with a confirmation regarding the meeting arrangements prior to the commencement of the course to ensure a smooth and organized start.

You'll need to organize your own accommodation and bring a packed lunch for this course.

Yes, we have groups running in early July and will add more on request.

As this is a navigation course, we'll treat bad weather as an opportunity to practice our poor visibility navigation skills. That said, we'll generally do more of the theory indoors over a coffee if the weather is bad, and find somewhere sheltered for our lunch stop.

The courses cater to both beginners (Bronze) seeking to obtain their complete NNAS Navigation Awards in the Alps and individuals with intermediate navigation skills (Silver). If you're unsure about which level would be the most suitable for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance.

To participate in the course, it is essential that you come prepared with specific items. Please ensure you have an IGN 1:25,000 map, a compass, pen and paper, as well as appropriate gear for a one-day hike. Let us know if you need to borrow a map or compass as we have a few spares.