Alpinism
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Above all other climbs, the Alpine North Faces hold a special status and allure amongst mountaineers. Once the preserve of the elite, improvements in equipment and technique have now made many of these routes accessible to the regular alpinist. This specialist week appeals to experienced climbers looking for the full North Face experience. Climbing at 1:1 throughout, the aim is to climb classic N Face routes in the AD to TD- range, but we are also able to extend this to attempt routes as hard as your ability, inclination and conditions will allow. See Reports - Grand Jorrasses..., Frendo Spur... Sample Itinerary Subject to weather and conditions we follow the general format below: Day 0 Sat Day 1 Sun Days 2-6 Mon - Fri North Faces. A varied and challenging week of climbing tailored to your ability and ambitions. Our experienced guides select the best faces in condition each season - if necessary we will travel a long way to ensure you get the top routes in. Premium Guiding Routes - on these specialist weeks, it is also possible to climb longer more involved routes, beyond the scope of our normal itinerary - for which premium guiding rates apply (paid as a supplement, on a per route basis). As a guideline these apply to routes that involve one of the following: more than a 10-12hr day, bivouacs, over 500m long, TD or above. For example, routes on the following faces usually come into this category: If you have a particular big objective in mind, then please contact us for a quote so we can discuss the route and conditions with you in more detail.
Food and Accommodation We run all of our courses on a guiding & instruction only basis to allow you maximum flexibility with accommodation options. Our recommended hotel in Chamonix is the Hotel Les Lanchers ** (see photos) in Chamonix Les Praz, run but friendly ex-pat Jon Rodgers - who we will happily put you in touch with if you'd like to reserve a room. You are however free to make whatever accommodation arrangements you like. A number of nights are also spent in Alpine huts to maximise climbing time during the week. Your guide will book these as necessary & you simply pay for hut fees direct as you go along (the guides car fuel, hut and uplift expenses are all covered within the course budget). Travel Full travel details are provided with your joining instructions. Chamonix is easily reached by flights to Geneva and an airport transfer, both of which are bookable online. Fitness You need high levels of climbing fitness for this week (especially in the calves for front pointing) as typical routes involve 8-12 hours on difficult terrain each day (see fitness level 3-4) so we advise you to prepare well in advance with regular exercise and training. Some pre acclimatisation for this course can also be helpful. Experience You should have good quality alpine experience, be capable of front pointing for long periods and climbing Scottish III or above to enjoy the week. Equipment All communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us. You are expected to come equiped with personal clothing and climbing equipment. Local equipment hire (including boots) is also available. |
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Sample Climbs :
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