I'll be visiting my buddy in Geneva in late summer and probably taking a shot at the Gouter route on Mont Blanc. I own everything I need (and have two of some things, so I can lend him stuff), but he will have to rent some gear like mountaineering boots and crampons. I know him to be a tough kid and a very competent hiker/scrambler, but he doesn't own the full arsenal of winter gear. I'm wondering if anyone has good gear rental tips for Chamonix or even Geneva.

You will find plenty of places which rent out everything you need in Chamonix.

I have never rented gear there myself so no experience on prices etc from me, but just head into any climbing store on the main walking street and ask around.

Have fun and be safe.

Flattlander, I think that any of the Inter Sport stores in Chamonix rent gear

There are plenty of places to rent in Chamonix. My friend visited from Iceland while I was in Cham and she managed to rent crampons, an ice axe, and some other things I forget.

I once walked into one of the gear shops in Chamonix and asked:

"Is it possible to rent...?"

The clerk quickly responded:

"This is Chamonix...anything is possible."

I've found this to be true on every level.

Here: http://www.cham3s.com/selectproduit.asp (in French)