Icefall Climbing
Climb amazing ice formations on constantly changing frozen waterfalls, from roadside cragging to big mountain ice routes. I work primarily in Chamonix (France), La Grave (France), and Cogne (Italy), during the winter season, and if you want to book a particular date but find that I am already booked, I should be able to arrange another Guide for you. All guiding is led by UIAGM/IFMGA Guides, guaranteeing the highest level of qualification and expertise. If you have a particular ambition but don’t have the experience or expertise to tackle it yourself, the flexibility of having your own Guide will give maximise your chances of success, and you will have lots of input into the content of your days out and the routes undertaken.
Ratios and Routes
The areas I work in offer some of the best ice climbing in the world, with numerous vertical icefalls from 40m to 600m long. There are classic climbs of all grades, although most are Scottish Grade IV and above, and many climbs are reached after very short walks. The size of your group will determine the kind of challenges you can undertake - the smaller the ratio, the more adventurous the climbs. The maximum ratio is 1:3.
Dates
No availability for winter/spring 2010 - sorry! 2011 dates will be confirmed later in the year.
Guiding fees
The fees are per Guide per day as follows:
1:1 - £250
1:2 - £270
1:3 - £290
In addition, you must also pay for telepheriques for yourself and your Guide in the local currency.
Accommodation
Check out the Accommodation in Europe page for ideas. We can advise on the best way to travel out to the Alps.
Preparation
The fitter you are, the more you will get out of your time with us, as all ice climbing requires considerable physical effort. Swimming, cycling, and hill-walking are all good preparation, and any climbing-related training is beneficial.
Equipment
Check out the Equipment for Icefall Climbing 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 cheque with your booking form: £500 per booking for up to 6 days guiding, £750 per booking for 7 days or more. 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.