En 200 years, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix has achieved a lot. Officially founded in 1821, this association was created in order to set up a solidarity fund in favor of the families of guides Auguste Tairraz, Pierre Carrier and Pierre Balmat, an accident that occurred in Mont Blanc having cost them their lives. The creation of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix has thus made it possible to formalize an emergency fund that has become indispensable.
Indeed, since British explorers introduced the world to the sublime “coolers” of the region in 1741, the craze for Mer de Glace had become huge. It was therefore quite natural that the hunters and crystallizers of the valley had taken on the role of guides to accompany visitors eager for adventure. However, they were still working without an equitable distribution of work. The Compagnie des Guides has remedied this by creating the principle of Role Playing.
During 200 years, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix has thus continued to supervise mountaineers in their quest to conquer the summits. From the 1950s and with the development of ski lifts, mountain activities multiplied and guides specialized. Again, the Company has evolved to meet demand and make alpine sports even safer and more magical for everyone.
La Chamonix Guides' Day : an event full of symbolism
It was on August 15, 1924 that the very first took place Chamonix Guides' Day. At the time, the event was sponsored by the wife of François Coty, a famous perfume manufacturer. The objective is then to organize a fundraiser for the Emergency Fund in order to contribute to expenses that contributions alone are no longer able to cover.
The organization chooses Assumption Day for its event, wishing to place the courageous guides under the protection of the Blessed Virgin. The festival celebrates the values dear to the association and recalls the importance of sharing and solidarity, which are the very foundation of the spirit of rope. It also pays tribute to the men and women who contributed to making mountaineering what it is today.
The Chamonix Guides Festival 2021
On August 15, 2021, the Chamonix Guides' Day also celebrates a particularly strong event: the 200 years of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix ! The members of the association, customers, tourists, as well as the entire Chamoniard community will this time enjoy festivities spread over a full week.
The start of the Chamonix Guides' Day 2021 will be given on August 9 in Argentière, where several activities will be held including a climbing event and a concert. On the 10th, it will be Vallorcine's turn to host the festivities in the form of a via ferrata, entertainment and a concert. Climbing enthusiasts will also find something to look forward to. On August 11, bread sale, alphorn, choir and climbing will be on the program in Lavancher. On the 12th, guests will enjoy a climbing session on a natural site in Les Houches, followed by a new concert. On the 13th, in Servoz, ziplining, climbing and a concert will be on the agenda.
On August 14, the festival will be in full swing in Chamonix-Gaillands where you will be introduced to climbing on the cliff, discovering the superb balconies to the south, and even a brass band that will accompany a procession of guides from the Maison de la Montagne and to Gaillands. Admission to this “Pride Guide” will be paid and the profits will go to the Relief Fund. You can also admire the Flying Frenchies show as well as concerts. The highlight of the show will undoubtedly be the screening of the highly anticipated movie “200 Years”, created by Yucca Films.
Finally, on August 15, the Chamonix Guides' Day will occupy the square in front of the church where the traditional ceremony will be held. It will celebrate the enthronement of new members, the blessing of the ice axes and the awarding of medals to the most loyal customers.
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