"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 is a specialist week for experienced alpine/ice climbers. Climbing at 1:1 throughout, the aim is to climb classic N Face routes in the AD to TD- range.
We are also able to extend the scope of this week to attempt routes as hard as your ability, inclination and conditions will allow - see premium guiding notes below.
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:
Aig du Midi N Face
Gd Jorrasses, N Face
Droites + Courtes
Les Drus, N Face
Piz Badile, N Face
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. Food and accommodation must be paid for seperately. Our recommended accommodation in the Chamonix valley is Ice and Orange - Chalet Tissières, who we will happily put you in touch with if you'd like to reserve a room. You are however free to make other accommodation arrangements if you choose (for a full hotel service, Hotel Les Lanchers in Chamonix Les Praz is another good option - Chamonix has numerous other hotels and rental apartments available at a wide variety of prices - click on 'reservation' at the Chamonix website for more details).
Travel
Chamonix is easily reached by flights to Geneva and an airport transfer, both of which are bookable online.
Ability and Experience
You should have good quality alpine experience, be capable of front pointing for long periods and be able to climb Scottish III or above to enjoy the week. High levels of climbing fitness are required (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.
Acclimatisation
Some pre acclimatisation for this course can be useful. This is especially so, if harder or premium guiding routes are planned.
Equipment
We will supply you with a full kit list. All communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us. You are expected to come equiped with personal clothing and climbing equipment. For the more technical items (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, boots etc) local equipment hire is also available.
