Classic Rock Challenge
The original Lakes Classic Rock challenge was devised as a running and climbing adventure, with the aim of linking the fifteen Lake District rock climbs in Ken Wilson’s book, Classic Rock - on foot, unsupported, all in under 24 hours. The climbers carried all their climbing kit and food, and went without sleep. We’ve adapted this into an four- or five-day adventure for mere mortals, by adding in transport for some sections, support with camping kit, and most importantly, sleep. It is still a big undertaking, requiring a high level of fitness and determination, but it is achievable. The hardest climb is graded at MVS, so any fit, motivated person can undertake the challenge - previous climbing experience is not essential, although for non-climbers we would recommend a day immediately before the challenge to cover the basics of rock climbing.
Ratios and Routes
The maximum ratio for the Classic Rock Challenge is 1:3, and it can be undertaken in different ways to suit your level of fitness and time available:
- as a four-day trip - for the very fit and motivated
- as two weekends - the same itinerary as the four-day trip, but allowing for rest between the two modules
- as a six-day trip - still a great challenge but giving more time
- as three weekends
- as individual days fitted in to suit your schedule
The Four-Day Challenge
Day 1
Little Chamonix (VD***) - Shepherd’s Crag, Borrowdale (4 pitches, 71m)
Troutdale Pinnacle (S***) - Black Crag, Borrowdale (6 pitches, 105m)
Gillercombe Buttress (S***) - Gillercombe, Borrowdale (7 pitches, 195m)
Overnight stay at Black Sail Youth Hostel
Day 2
Rib & Slab (S***) - Pillar Rock, Ennerdale (5 pitches, 91m)
New West Climb (HD***) - Pillar Rock, Ennerdale (3 pitches, 88m)
The Needle (HVD**) - The Napes, Wasdale (2 pitches, 20m)
Needle Ridge (D**) - The Napes, Wasdale (3 pitches, 99m)
Tophet Wall (S***) - The Napes, Wasdale (7 pitches, 81m)
Overnight camp at Wasdale Head
Day 3
Jones Route Direct from Lords Rake (S***) - Scafell Crag, Scafell (4 pitches, 55m)
Moss Ghyll Grooves (MVS***) - Scafell Crag, Scafell (4 pitches, 80m)
Bowfell Buttress (VD***) - Bowfell Buttress, Langdale (7 pitches, 106m)
Overnight camp in Langdale
Day 4
Ash Tree Slabs (VD***) - Gimmer Crag, Langdale (2 pitches, 48m)
C Route (S***) - Gimmer Crag, Langdale (3 pitches, 62m)
Bracket & Slab (S***) - Gimmer Crag, Langdale (7 pitches, 97m)
Murray’s Route (S***) - Dow Crag, Coniston (3 pitches, 55m)
The Four-Day Challenge Over Two Weekends
Weekend 1: Days 1 and 2 of the Four-Day Challenge
Weekend 2: Days 3 and 4 of the Four-Day Challenge
The Six-Day Challenge
Day 1: Borrowdale - Little Chamonix, Troutdale Pinnacle, Gillercombe Buttress, overnight stay at Black Sail Youth Hostel
Day 2: Pillar - Rib & Slab, New West Climb, overnight stay at Black Sail Youth Hostel
Day 3: Napes - The Needle, Needle Ridge, Tophet Wall, overnight camp at Wasdale Head
Day 4: Scafell - Jones Route Direct from Lords Rake, Moss Ghyll Grooves, descend to Wasdale Head and drive to Langdale campsite
Day 5: Langdale - Bowfell Buttress, Ash Tree Slabs, C Route, Bracket & Slab, overnight camp in Langdale
Day 6: Coniston - Dow Crag
The Six-Day Challenge Over Three Weekends
Weekend 1: Days 1 and 2 of the Six-Day Challenge
Weekend 2: Days 3 and 4 of the Six-Day Challenge
Weekend 3: Days 5 and 6 of the Six-Day Challenge
Dates
April 2012: 23-27
May 2012: 10-18
June 2012: 4-13
September 2012: 17-22, 26-29
Guiding fees
Our fees for the Classic Rock Challenge are slightly higher than for other guiding in the Lakes, to reflect the level of extra support needed. The following charges are per instructor per day or half day:
1:1 - £210 per full day
1:2 - £230 per full day
1:3 - £250 per full day
Additional costs are camping and/or youth hostel costs.
Preparation
The fitter you are, the more likely you are to complete the Challenge - swimming, cycling, and hill-walking are all good preparation. Long days in the mountains carrying a big heavy rucksack will be an essential part of your preparation. Reading the Lake District chapter in Classic Rock by Ken Wilson will give a flavour of the routes you will be climbing.
Equipment
We provide all the specialist climbing equipment, although you are welcome to bring your own harness and helmet if you have them. We will advise you about personal clothing and other kit when you book.
Insurance
We recommend that you have adequate insurance cover - 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 50% deposit cheque with your booking form. The balance of the fee will be due 14 days before the date of the guiding. 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.
Guiding in Sardinia
If you want to get away from the damp dark days of winter and climb warm limestone in the sun, then this is for you. The mediterranean island of Sardinia offers miles of great climbing at all grades, and the weather in November is usually warm enough to climb in t-shirts. Budget flights are available from several UK airports, and we share the cost of a hire car once on the island.
Dates
9th - 25th October 2012
Guiding fees
The fees for 2012 are per Guide per day as follows:
1:1 - £260
1:2 - £280
Additional costs are flights, hire car, accommodation, food.
Accommodation
We stay in clean, comfortable self-catering apartments, with living room, cooking area, bathroom, and bedrooms. The cost is around 15 euros per person per night.
Equipment
Equipment list coming soon!
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.
Alps Intro Course
If you’d like to give Alpine mountaineering a go and meet like-minded people, then this is the course for you. It will include ascents of a number of peaks, and you will learn the essential skills needed to travel confidently over glaciated mountains. The programme covers how to use crampons and ice axe; roped glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques; ridge scrambling and ‘moving together’ roped; advice on acclimatisation and fitness; use of huts and cable cars. All ascents will be via simple routes, the only requirement being a good level of fitness. The valley base will be in Chamonix, and three nights will be spent in high mountain huts. The ratio is 1:4. There is an two-day optional extension for an attempt on Mont Blanc immediately after this course, at a ratio of 1:2.
Dates
Intro Course: Sunday 22nd-Saturday 28th August 2010. Mont Blanc extension: Tuesday 31st August & Wednesday 1st September 2010. Please note that this is a date change.
Sunday Meet late afternoon or evening in Chamonix valley for introductions.
Monday: Day 1 Gear check. Introduction to glaciers and local ridge for prussik/rope training. Night in the valley.
Tuesday: Day 2 Walk to a mountain hut (possibly the Albert Premier Hut) and practice crevasse rescue from the hut. Night spent in the hut
Wednesday: Day 3 Ascend a 3,500m peak from the hut and move on to the Trient Hut
Thursday: Day 4 Descend to the valley via a simple peak.
Friday: Day 5 Drive over to Switzerland and walk up to a mountain hut
Saturday: Day 6 Ascent of 4,000m peak and descend to the valley. Return to Chamonix to celebrate successes!
This is a very full programme and it may well be changed to suit the weather and levels of fitness/experience of course members, without losing the gradual gain in height in order to allow acclimatisation. For example, days 5 and 6 could be changed for a lower mountain, depending on how folk are feeling.
Mont Blance extension: Two days off on Sunday and Monday, with summit attempt on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Guiding fees
The Intro Course is £950 per person. This includes all hut nights with dinner and breakfast, cable cars, Guides’ expenses, valley accommodation (B&B), and transport during the course. It does not include insurance (see below), evening meals in the valley, packed lunches, or your return travel to the Alps.
The Mont Blanc two-day extension will be charged on a private guiding basis: £270 per person for two days @ 1:2, plus out-of-valley expenses for yourself and the Guide in local currency (in the region of 100 euros).
Preparation
The programme would be ideal for people with hill walking and scrambling experience in Britain. Whilst experience on snow and ice is preferable it is not essential, as this aspect of mountaineering will be covered in full during the course. 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. We offer Alpine Dreamers days in the Lakes, which offer training including crevasse rescue and essential ropework, or a few days rock climbing in the Lakes would give the opportunity to introduce some techniques and to chat through your aspirations for the Alps.
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 cheque for £450 with your booking form. The balance of the fee will be due at the beginning of the course, and we may ask you to pay in euros or swiss francs. If you cancel for any reason and we cannot fill your place, we will expect you to pay the full fee as arranged and claim from the insurance company as appropriate. If we fill your place, we will refund your fee less the deposit. If we cancel, we will refund any money paid in full.
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.
Alpine Mountaineering
+
Whatever your ambition, from first setting foot on a glacier to big north faces, we can help you to achieve your Alpine dreams. I love working in a variety of different areas, and we can base ourselves anywhere in the Alps to make the most of the weather and climbing conditions, such as the Chamonix valley or the Dauphiné Alps in the Ecrins National Park. 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 size of your group will determine the kind of challenges you can undertake. At 1:1 you are limited only by your own ability and aspirations - Matterhorn, Eiger, Tasch-Dom traverse, NE face of Liskamm, Aiguille Verte, absolutely anything! At 1:2 you could attempt Monte Rosa, Mont Blanc, Dent Blanche, Jungfrau, Petit Aiguille Vert, Aiguille de Tour, Dent de Geant. 1:3 would allow ascents of Weissmies and Gran Paradiso, and 1:4 limits you to straightforward 4000ers, such as Bishorn, Allalinhorn, Breithorn, Haute Route, Pigne d’Arolla, and glacier treks on straightforward glaciers.
Dates
29th - 31st August 2012
Guiding fees
The fees for 2012 are per Guide per day as follows:
1:1 - £260 (except for the Matterhorn, which is £280)
1:2 - £280
1:3 - £300
1:4 - £320
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. We offer Alpine Dreamers days in the Lakes, which offer training including crevasse rescue and essential ropework, or a few days rock climbing in the Lakes would give the opportunity to introduce some techniques and to chat through your aspirations for the Alps.
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.
Guiding in the Lakes
Climbed lots indoors and want to have a go outside? Been climbing with friends and want to learn to lead? Want to undertake some of the classic Lakeland climbs but don’t have the skills or confidence? Almost ready for an assessment but would like a refresher? Whatever your skills level and ambition, I can help you to achieve your goals. You make a booking for the date(s) you want, and the size of your group will determine the kind of challenges you can undertake.
If you have an idea and don’t see it listed below, don’t be limited - please talk to me!
Ratios and Routes
The maximum ratio for each activity is shown after the title. By working with individuals and small groups, I can ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, and that each person is given enough attention to ensure a good level of learning throughout the session.
Dates
I am available as follows for guiding in the Lakes:
April 2012: 23-27
May 2012: 10-18
June 2012: 4-13
September 2012: 17-22, 26-29
October 2012: 1-5
November 2012: 6-11, 14-30
December 2012: 1-21
Guiding fees
2011 charges per instructor per day or half day:
1:1 - £180 per full day, £115 per half day
1:2 - £200 per full day, £125 per half day
1:3 - £220 per full day, £135 per half day
1:4 - £240 per full day, £145 per half day
1:5 - £260 per full day, £155 per half day
1:6 - £280 per full day, £165 per half day
1:7, 1:8, 1:9 and 1:10 - £300 per full day, £175 per half day
2012 charges per instructor per day or half day:
1:1 - £190 per full day, £120 per half day
1:2 - £210 per full day, £130 per half day
1:3 - £230 per full day, £140 per half day
1:4 - £250 per full day, £150 per half day
1:5 - £270 per full day, £160 per half day
1:6 - £290 per full day, £170 per half day
1:7, 1:8, 1:9 and 1:10 - £310 per full day, £180 per half day
The Activities
Rock Climbing
Whatever your experience and level of ability, we can choose climbs to challenge and stretch you. We will take you to a mountain crag offering long adventurous routes (max 1:3), or to a smaller friendlier venue (max 1:10), depending on your aims, ambitions and group size.
Abseiling (max 1:10)
Abseiling is a popular and exciting activity. It can be combined with rock climbing to give a full climbing experience.
Gorge Walking/Ghyll Scrambling (max 1:10)
Hopping boulder to boulder, wading through pools, climbing up waterfalls - this is a fun activity! How wet you get is optional - some people limit it to below the knees, others like to get completely soaked.
Classic Lakeland Scrambles (max 1:6)
Exciting routes up beautiful Lakeland mountains, eg Jack's Rake on Pavey Ark in the Langdale Valley.
Classic Lakeland Walks (max 1:12)
Discover some of the classic walking routes in the Lakeland mountains, such as the Fairfield Horseshoe, the Scafells from Eskdale, Bowfell via The Band, Striding Edge on Helvellyn.
Alpine Dreamers (max 1:6)
Pre-Alpine training for aspiring Alpinists, including crevasse rescue, ropework, and use of specialist equipment. Snow is not needed - we can simulate conditions using rock faces.
Winter Walking Skills (also in Scotland) (max 1:10)
The basics of ice axe and crampon use, mapwork, and navigation, for summer walkers who want to venture out in winter.
Snow & Ice Climbing (also in Scotland) (max 1:4)
Advanced winter techniques for adventurous beginners through to experienced climbers. See also the Scottish Winter Guiding page for more info.
Accommodation
See the Travel to and Accommodation in the Lake District page for ideas.
Equipment
We provide all the specialist equipment for each activity. Each participant must come to the activity with the correct clothing - we will advise you about this when you book. See the links page for equipment shops.
Insurance
We recommend that you have adequate insurance cover - 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 50% deposit cheque with your booking form. The balance of the fee will be due 14 days before the date of the guiding. 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.
Scottish Winter Guiding
Each winter we offer a full range of guiding based in the Aviemore and Fort William areas of Scotland, covering all levels from total beginner to advanced climber, and using all the main winter climbing areas - the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, Creag Meagaidh, and the Northern Highlands.
Many people opt for a course rather than guiding, because they believe that courses are always cheaper. However, if there are two or more people in your group, guiding may actually cost less than booking a place on a course. In addition, the advantages of booking your own Guide for yourself or your small group are huge. You have lots of input into the content of your days out and the routes undertaken. If you have a particular ambition, you can discuss the possibilities with me. You make a booking for the dates you want, and the size of your group will determine the kind of challenges you can undertake.
Ratios and Routes
- 1:1 and 1:2: limited only by your own ability and aspirations
- 1:3: allows climbing at Grade II-III, eg Curved Ridge (Glen Coe), Dorsal Arete (Glen Coe), Hell's Lum (Cairngorms), The Vent (Cairngorms)
- 1:4: allows up to Grade II, eg Aonach Eigach ridge (Glen Coe), Ledge Route (Ben Nevis), Central Buttress (Lochnagar), Liathach Ridge (Torridon).
- 1:5 and 1:6: limited to scrambling, walking, and basic skills training.
Dates
Sorry - no dates for winter 2011/2012
Guiding fees
The following charges are per guide or instructor per day:
1:1 - £190
1:2 - £210
1:3 - £230
1:4 - £250
1:5 - £270
1:6 - £290
Accommodation
Some clients prefer to research their accommodation themselves, or to stay with friends or family in the area. We can recommend the following:
- The Rowan Tree Country Hotel
- Loch Alvie, near Aviemore. A small cosy family-run hotel offering relaxed en-suite full board accommodation to walkers, climbers and general visitors in a quiet location. The Rowan Tree Country Hotel
- Badenoch Christian Centre
- Kincraig, near Aviemore. Self catering accommodation in mainly four-bedded and two-bedded bunk rooms and an apartment sleeping 4-6. Shared kitchen, an excellent drying room, all bedding provided. (No pressure to take part in any of the Christian activities of the centre). Badenoch Christian Centre
- Alan Kimber
- Fort William. Self catering accommodation in twin rooms. Shared kitchen & living room, an excellent drying room, and great value. Alan Kimber
Preparation
The fitter you are, the more you will get out of your time with us, as all winter mountaineering requires physical effort. Swimming, cycling, and hill-walking are all good preparation. The following books would be useful reading: Scotland’s Winter Mountains by Martin Moran; Mountain Navigation by Peter Cliff; Cold Climbs by Alcock & Barry.
Equipment
Check out the Equipment for Scottish Winter Guiding page for a full list of all the kit you will need.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that all our clients take out mountaineering insurance to cover against cancellation and curtailment, medical costs, personal liability, loss of personal belongings, etc. Try the British Mountaineering Council, tel 0161 445 6111. If you cancel after you have paid your deposit, and we cannot fill your place, we will expect you to pay the full fee as arranged - see booking conditions below.
Booking Conditions
Please send a non-refundable 50% deposit cheque with your booking form. The balance of the course fee will be due 14 days before the start of the guiding. If the booking is made within 14 days of the start date, please send the full fee with the booking. 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.
Icefall Climbing
Climb amazing ice formations on constantly changing frozen waterfalls, from roadside cragging to big mountain ice routes. I will be based the beautiful Dauphiné Alps in the Ecrins National Park for the winter season of 2012. Check out the area at www.lagrave-lameije.com 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
20th - 24th February 2012
5th - 9th March 2012
27th March - 13th April 2012
Guiding fees
The fees for 2012 are per Guide per day as follows:
1:1 - £260
1:2 - £280
1:3 - £300
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 will send travel directions when we receive your booking.
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 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.
Ski Guiding
Feeling limited by piste-skiing? Want to escape the crowds? Looking for more of a challenge? Join me in France for some really adventurous skiing - come and make your own tracks off-piste, or take a journey through the high mountains staying in catered mountain huts. For winter 2012 I will be based the beautiful Dauphiné Alps in the Ecrins National Park, near La Grave - one of the premier off-piste skiing areas in Europe. Check out the area at www.lagrave-lameije.com By booking your own Guide for yourself or your small group, you have lots of input into the content of your days out and the routes undertaken. If you have a particular ambition but don’t have the experience or expertise to tackle it yourself, guiding is the answer. You make a booking for the dates you want, and I design your itinerary to suit the available time and your sense of adventure!
Dates
Off-piste skiing :
20th - 24th February 2012
5th - 9th March 2012
27th March - 13th April 2012
Ski-touring:
27th March - 13th April 2012
Guiding fees
The fees for 2012 are per Guide per day as follows:
1:1 - £260
1:2 - £280
1:3 - £300
1:4 - £320
1:5 - £340
1:6 - £360
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. We will send travel directions when we receive your booking.
Preparation
The fitter you are, the more you will get out of your time with us, as all skiing requires considerable physical effort. Swimming, cycling, hill-walking and piste skiing are all good preparation. To get the most out of off-piste skiing and ski-mountaineering, you must be a strong piste skier, able to ski black runs in control and able to make a steady descent on off-piste terrain.
The Haute Route
The Haute Route is a popular ski journey through breathtaking scenery starting in Chamonix, the centre of French Alpinism, and finishing by descending under the North Face of the Matterhorn into Zermatt. There are several variations, each with its own advantage. The route we've outlined has become known as the Classic Haute Route, but other variations are available on request. I often guide the Verbier Haute Route, which can be done in seven days. The maximum ratio is 1:7.
- Day 1: Ski off-piste at Les Grands Montets or Vallee Blanche, with training in skinning, avalanche awareness and use of transceivers.
- Day 2: Intro day tour, eg Cols des Aiguilles Crochues.
- Day 3: Argentiere to the Trient Hut via the Col du Chardonnet and Fenetre du Saleina.
- Day 4: Trient Hut to Champex. Bus or taxi to Bourg St Pierre, stay in valley accommodation.
- Day 5: Bourg St Pierre to Valsorey Hut
- Day 6: Valsorey Hut to Chanrion Hut, via Plateau du Couloir & Col du Sonadon
- Day 7: Chanrion Hut to Vignettes Hut, either with an ascent of the Pigne d'Arolla or direct. An extra day can be added in here by going to the Dix Hut and traversing the Pigne d'Arolla.
- Day 8: Vignettes Hut to Zermatt, via Col de L'Eveque and Col de Valpelline. Stay overnight in Zermatt. This is a long day, and it can be split into two by staying at the Schonbiel Hut for one night.
- Day 9: Day tour from Zermatt, eg the Breithorn (400m peak), or downhill skiing, or day in hand for bad weather. Possibly travelling back to Chamonix.
- Day 10: Possibly travelling back to Chamonix.
Fees and costs for the Haute Route are as follows:
- Guiding Fees: see above for fees for different ratios. In addition the Guide's out-of-valley expenses must be paid by the clients at the time.
- Hut Fees: Approx £30 per person per night, this includes dinner and breakfast. (We take lunch snacks with us, and stock up when we descend to the valley).
- Valley Acommodation: Approx £15 per person per night plus food.
- Cable Cars: Approx £65 per person
- Transport: Transfer from Geneva airport to Chamonix and return: 42 euros per person each way. Champex to Bourg St Pierre approx £30 per person (based on 6 sharing taxi). Zermatt back to Chamonix approx £40 per person (based on 6 sharing taxi).
- Equipment hire: Approx £30 per person per day (boots, skis, skins, avalanche transceivers)
- Insurance: See below. Normal ski insurance does not usually cover off-piste skiing of any kind.
- Please note that, apart from the guiding fees, these costs are an indication only - they will vary with exchange rates.
Equipment
Check out the Equipment for Ski Guiding 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.