Rock Climbing and Alpine Rock Initiation in the Vercors

We have an appointment at 13h15 at Lans-en-Vercors, where we meet Captain Raphaël and the rest of the team. Once introductions are made, we head to the cliff of Bec du Cornillon in Lans en Vercors.

This natural site offers more than a hundred routes, from beginner level (3a) to expert (8b), so we'll have plenty of choices!

Our Captain begins by presenting us with the equipment and safety principles in climbing. Helmets adjusted, harnesses buckled, it's time for a first session in contact with the rock. We discover the basics: belaying techniques in rappelling and lead climbing, rope management, technique, body positioning… All the learning that will serve us during our mountaineering day at the end of the stay.

At the end of the day, we head to our accommodation: a warm guesthouse, set in a former farm surrounded by pastures and sheep. The atmosphere is peaceful, the welcome authentic, and we share a good meal together, prepared with carefully selected local products.

Activity: 3 hours of climbing initiation

Location: Saint Martin en Vercors

Today, we will continue our cliff learning and also discover via corda. The opportunity to put into practice the techniques learned the day before and explore movement security, an essential skill in mountaineering.

Unlike via ferrata, where fixed cables guide the route, via corda is traced as we progress, rope after rope, guided by Captain Raph. The terrain is more raw, more committing, and above all wilder. This unusual route takes us to the heart of the massif, through aerial passages and spectacular panoramas, secret corners that he shares with passion.

The rope team atmosphere strengthens: we help each other, we encourage each other, we live beautiful moments of concentration and adrenaline… and we really start to feel like a team of mountaineers.

Well-deserved picnic break, carefully prepared by the farm. At the end of the day, return to the lodge for a friendly evening around a good shared dinner.

Activity: 9am to 5pm of via corda and climbing

Location: Saint Nizier du Moucherotte

A wonderful day ahead: a ridge traverse along the Dauphiné ridgeline, a true introduction to rock climbing. We will experience the spirit of rope partnership in complete safety! It is truly a singular experience that provides unique sensations. A very different itinerary from the previous day, because instead of being inside the massif, we will be overlooking it! This ridge traverse offers breathtaking and quite unique views.

Before us stretch the Chartreuse, the Belledonne Massif, Mont Blanc, the Bauges, the Grandes Rousses, Barre des Ecrins, Dévoluy and a bit of the Vercors.

We will use the different techniques learned over these past 2 days to progress safely and taking maximum pleasure, the route is superb, sometimes challenging but accessible to all. We experience our first strong rope partnership experience together.

End of the route and return to Lans-en-Vercors by 3pm.

Activity: climbing all day