A line of climbers with headtorches on a snow slope at night

Since 1998

Company

A small office in Chamonix, four guides and one rule: the mountain decides.

Our story

One rope and a phone number

Leon started Cordee in 1998 from a kitchen table in Argentiere. The idea was simple: guide the big routes of the Alps with very few people on the rope, and say no when the conditions say no.

Twenty eight seasons later we are four guides, a small office near the church and a list of climbers who come back every year. We still answer every email ourselves.

Three climbers roped together crossing a snow field

How we work

  1. 01

    Short ropes

    One guide for one or two climbers on ridges, never more than four on a glacier. You learn more and you move safer.

  2. 02

    Weather first

    We pick the window, not the date. Every trip has a spare day, and a turnaround time written down before we leave the hut.

  3. 03

    Training before summits

    Every big summit starts with a training day at altitude. It is where we get to know each other.

  4. 04

    An honest price

    One price per person, written in the first email: guide, huts, lifts and the guide's food. No surprises at the end.

  • 1:2Guide to client on every ridge
  • 28Seasons in the Mont Blanc massif
  • 41Four thousanders on our list

Certified

  • IFMGA / UIAGM mountain guides
  • Compagnie des Guides partner
  • Swiss and Italian guiding permits
  • Fully insured for every client

Questions we hear

How fit do I need to be?

For a first glacier, fit enough to hike six hours with a light pack. For Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn, a lot more. Each route page lists what you need before you come.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We move the summit to the spare day, pick another route in good conditions or, if nothing is safe, we refund the unused guiding days.

Can you lend me the gear?

Yes: crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet and the avalanche kit. We fit them with you the evening before.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, a policy that covers mountain rescue and mountaineering at the altitude of your route. We can point you to one.

How far ahead should I ask?

For July and August, as early as you can. For the shoulder seasons and ice climbing, a few weeks is often enough.

Can we come as a group of friends?

Of course. We split you into small ropes with one guide each, so the group still climbs together.

Tell us where you want to stand

Dates, a plan and an honest price, written by a guide within two days.

Ask for a date