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Kandersteg Ice Climbing Week

kandersteg ice climbing guide

"Kandersteg is one of Europe’s premier ice climbing venues, with a huge selection of famous routes mainly in the mid to higher grades. Dedicated ice enthusiasts travel from around the world to climb the areas mythical formations and classic lines in a wonderful alpine environment. Kandersteg also plays host to an annual ice festival is regarded as THE European meet for ice enthusiasts."
  
5 days
Advanced
2:1
Dates: 09 - 13 Jan 2012  
  16 - 20 Jan 2012  
  23 - 27 Jan 2012  
  30Ja - 3Feb 2012  
 
06 - 10 Feb 2012
  
Price: £895
Fitness: 3-4
Experience: Must be very comfortable seconding Scottish grade 5 on ice.
Included: Guiding Fees and Expenses.
Other Costs: Food and accom ~ £400
Book Online Here
 
Summary
This is a week for experienced climbers who want to consolidate their skills on steeper ice, and above all climb challenging, high quality lines.
The itinerary of each course will be dictated by conditions and the ability of the party, but most routes start at around Scottish grade 5 and are from one to six pitches long. Approaches are usually under an hour, with abseil descents.
 
Course Base
We base ourselves in the Swiss ice climbing centre of Kandersteg, climbing in both the main valley and other venues nearby during the week.
 
Sample Itinerary
Subject to weather and conditions, we follow the general format below:
kandersteg ice climbing course itinerary
Day 0 - Sun PM Meet in Kandersteg, discuss plans for the week - check equipment etc.
Days 1 - 5 Mon - Fri

Ice Climbing on the areas classic routes - examples include:

  • Pingu (5+)
  • Arbonium (5)
  • Rattenpissoir/Groll (5)
  • Namenlos (4+)
  • Travel to neighbouring areas if conditions allow/dictate eg Adelboden

Skills Training can be included into the itinerary at any time - including:

  • Coaching in ice climbing technique
  • Leashless skills
  • Consolidation in other existing skills
kandersteg ice climbing course
 
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 place to stay in Kandersteg is the excellent Gemmi Lodge - if you'd like to stay here, just let us know and we'll arrange a room for you. You are however free to make other accomodation arrangements if you choose (Kandersteg has a wide range of other accommodation available including hostels, hotels and rental apartments).
 
Travel
Kandersteg is easily reached by train direct from Geneva or Zurich airports - check out the Swiss Federal Railways website for timetables and information. If you are arriving by train, then you may be able to save money by purchasing a swiss travel pass (various options are available - click on the English version of the website).
 
Ability and Experience
To get the most from this week you need to be very comfortable seconding Scottish grade 5. Good levels of fitness and stamina will be very important (see fitness level 3-4). Of particular importance are arm strength and calf muscle strength for front pointing, so we advise you to prepare well in advance with regular cardiovascular exercise and climbing related training down the wall or gym.
 
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.
 
     
 
 
 
         
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