In 200 years, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix has achieved a great deal. Officially founded in 1821, the association was created to set up a solidarity fund for the families of guides Auguste Tairraz, Pierre Carrier and Pierre Balmat, who lost their lives in an accident on Mont Blanc. The creation of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix thus formalized an indispensable emergency fund.
Indeed, ever since British explorers introduced the world to the region's sublime "glaciers" in 1741, the popularity of the Mer de Glace had become immense. So it was only natural that the valley's hunters and crystal-makers should take on the role of guides to accompany visitors eager for adventure. However, they were still working without an equitable division of labor. The Compagnie des Guides remedied this by creating the Tour de Rôle principle.
For 200 years, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix continued to guide mountaineers on their conquest of the peaks. From the 1950s onwards, with the development of ski lifts, mountain activities multiplied and guides specialized. Here again, the company has evolved to meet demand and make alpine sports ever safer and more magical for all.
The Fête des Guides de Chamonix : an event full of symbolism
The very first Fête des Guides de Chamonix took place on August 15, 1924. At the time, the event was sponsored by the wife of François Coty, the famous perfume manufacturer. The aim was to raise funds for the Caisse de Secours, to help cover expenses no longer covered by subscriptions alone.
The organization chose Assumption Day for its event, wishing to place the courageous guides under the protection of the Blessed Virgin. The festival celebrates the values held dear by the association, and recalls the importance of sharing and solidarity, which are the very foundations of the roped party spirit. It also pays tribute to the men and women who have helped make mountaineering what it is today.
Fête des Guides de Chamonix 2021
On August 15, 2021, the Fête des Guides de Chamonix also celebrates a particularly special event: the 200th anniversary of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix ! This time, members of the association, customers, tourists and the entire Chamonix community will enjoy a full week of festivities.
The Fête des Guides de Chamonix 2021 kicks off on August 9 in Argentière, with a number of activities including climbing and a concert. On the 10th, Vallorcine will host the festivities in the form of a via ferrata, entertainment and a concert. Climbing enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy. On August 11, a bread sale, alpine horn, choir and rock climbing will be on the program at Lavancher. On the 12th, guests will enjoy a climbing session on a natural site at Les Houches, followed by another concert. On the 13th, in Servoz, zip-lining, climbing and a concert will be the order of the day.
On August 14, the festivities will be in full swing in Chamonix-Gaillands, with rock-climbing initiations, discoveries of the superb southern balconies, and even a brass band accompanying a procession of guides from the Maison de la Montagne to Gaillands. Admission to this "Guide Pride" will be charged, with all proceeds going to the Caisse de Secours. There will also be a Flying Frenchies show and live music. The highlight of the show will undoubtedly be the screening of the eagerly-awaited film "200 Years", created by Yucca Films.
Finally, on August 15, the Fête des Guides de Chamonix will take place in front of the church, where the traditional ceremony will be held. It will celebrate the induction of new members, the blessing of ice axes and the presentation of medals to the most loyal clients.
