Alpine Rock
Whatever grade you climb at, you can share in an awesome mountain adventure, journeying through amazing rock scenery with fantastic views of glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We stay in beautiful quiet high mountain huts, and the climbing is at any grade from severe upwards, although to get the most out of a trip like this, seconding around VS or above is best.
Ratios and Routes
Some of my favourite areas are the Chamonix Aiguilles (eg the Cordier Pillar on the Grand Charmoz, and Children of the Moon from the Envers hut), and the Salbizten area in Switzerland, where we stay with Hans in the Salbit hut - one of the best huts in the Alps which gives access to acres of perfect granite with routes from two to thirty pitches. Because of the technical nature of the climbing, the maximum ratio is 2:1.
Dates
29th - 31st August 2012
Guiding fees
The fees for 2012 are per Guide per day as follows:
1:1 - £260
1:2 - £280
In addition, the Guide’s out-of-valley expenses (hut fees and telepheriques) must be met by you in the local currency (usually in the region of 180-200 euros in total for a five day period, depending on the programme and exchange rates). You must also pay your own hut fees and telepheriques, and your accommodation and food when in the valleys. The Reciprocal Rights Card gives reduced rates in some mountain huts, and is available to BMC members. You have to pay for the card, but it will pay for itself in just a few hut nights. Contact British Mountaineering Council at http://www.thebmc.co.uk or on 0161 445 6111.
Accommodation
Check out the Accommodation in Europe page for ideas.
Preparation
The fitter you are, the more you will get out of your time with us, as all Alpine mountaineering requires considerable physical effort. Swimming, cycling, and hill-walking are all good preparation. Regular outdoor climbing or visits to a climbing wall are also strongly recommended. We offer Alpine Dreamers days in the Lakes, which offer training including crevasse rescue and essential ropework, and also rock climbing days.
Equipment
Check out the Equipment for Alpine Mountaineering page for a full list of all the kit you will need.
Insurance
Insurance is absolutely essential when climbing abroad. You must ensure you are covered for rescue from the mountain environment, medical treatment, and cancellation, as well as all the normal things such as personal belongings. Standard holiday insurance does not cover for adventurous activities. Try the British Mountaineering Council, tel 0161 445 6111.
Booking Conditions
Please send a non-refundable deposit of £500 with your booking form. The balance of the fee will be due 14 days before the start of the course. If the booking is made within 14 days of the guiding start date, please send the full fee with the booking form. If you cancel for any reason and we cannot fill your date, we will expect you to pay the full fee as arranged and claim from the insurance company as appropriate. If we fill your date, we will refund your fee less the deposit. If we cancel, we will refund any money paid in full.