UKH

Planning a trip to the Alps in late September/early October and was curious about people's experiences with cragging conditions (including 'roadside multipitch' routes) around the Chamonix and Aosta valleys in late September/early October? I've only been out there in summer before but am working a seasonal job these days and won't have the free time until the start of autumn this year. Will there still be plenty to go at for a trip, or should I expect a complete washout weather wise and plan to head elsewhere (any suggestions)? I'm aware the lifts won't be running. We'd be looking for bolted routes up to 6a ish or trad up to around VS equivalent. 

We've had extended trips to both the Cham and Aosta areas around that time of year, and found plenty to do in both - with the added bonus of tranquil campsites and crags. There are a dozen or so venues at each covered on our blog, which will hopefully also give you some inspiration as well as an idea of conditions you might encounter in October (though I admit we were maybe lucky with the weather).

Chamonix: https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/?s=Chamonix&submit=Search

Most are covered in the Rockfax but here are a couple of worthwhile options that aren't:

https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2018/10/13/le-chapeau/

https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2018/10/17/coupeau/

Aosta: https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/?s=Aosta&submit=Search

140 crags covered in the excellent recent guide, and a bit of a summary of about 10 of these in this round-up:

https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2020/10/15/aosta-round-up-more-rock-than-y...

One more tip - if you can defer your decision until you have sight of the weather forecast I would do. Aosta seems to enjoy significantly better weather (mates of mine commute over from Cham in the off season for a day's cragging) but if the meteo plays game then of course Cham can be magnificent! 

Enjoy! Cheers, Dom 

Thanks so much for the information! 

It probably won't affect you but in case it does - the Mont Blanc Tunnel is closed from 17th October