UKC

Hi

Heading to the alps as a big group this summer and looking for destinations that wont require a car - both for getting there and for getting around once there.

So a campsite with lots of sport climbing within walking distance, ideally with bigger alpine adjectives not too far away either.

Been to Ailefroide (Ecrins) and Val di Mello in the past which have both worked very well, but looking for somewhere new.

Any ideas appreciated

Chamonix is very easy to get to without a car (fly to Geneva, book a transfer), and very easy to get round once there (free bus service up and down the valley). There's a reasonable amount of reasonable valley sport cragging, and of course you have the Mont Blanc Massif (an endless of supply of alpine fun - committing or otherwise, multi-day or single day, from a hut or lift-to-lift), and the Aiguilles Rouges (big alpine sport routes). It's also the birthplace of modern alpinism, and the atmosphere of the place is fantastic. Go outside of peak season if at all possible though. June can be quite nice.

Ötztal could fit the bill, especially if around with families. The same is true with Zillertal / Ginzling, good campsite, sportsclimbing in walking distance, and some 'real mountain stuff' availlable through pu lic transport. Fly into Innsbruck or Munich and take public transport from there.

Just on my way back from Leysin by public transport. Dead easy by rail from Geneva airport.    It’s been while since I’ve climbed there, so I don’t know whether there’s enough in the right grade range for you, but the Tour de Ai is an impressive bit of rock.

How about the Maritime Alps?

Bus up to St Martin Vesubie from Nice Airport. Several campsites. Free Navette start and end of day up to the roadheads (Le Borean, Madone de Fenestre). Lots of great peaks up to about 3200m, with lovely granite, and the odd snow field to cross. Everything can be done from the vaalley in a day (maybe excepting the Argentera, which you might want to do with a night at the Remondino hut).