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Chamonix
Intro Via Ferrata 2012
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Course
overview
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Course
dates & availability
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A
via ferrata is Italian for an iron road (known as
klettersteig in German), and it is a mountain route
equipped with fixed cable, ladders, bridges, staples
and rope pig tails for safety. The first via ferratas
were built in the Dolomite mountain region of Italy
during the First World War, to aid the movement
of mountain infantry. |
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Once
equipped and instructed in the use of the via ferrata
safety lanyard clips, you can progress along some
easy via ferrata, even with no previous experience.
Don't worry as the guide is there to look after
you. They can add a safety rope if you are nervous
at first. |
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Routes
in France are graded for difficulty using a six
level system.F
- Facile: Easy, suitable for initiation. PD -
Peu Difficile: Slightly difficult, suitable for
beginners. AD - Assez Difficile: Moderately difficult,
suitable for accompanied beginners. D - Difficile:
Difficult, for those accustomed to the sport.
TD - Tres Difficile: Very difficult and physically
demanding. ED - Extrem Difficile: Extremely difficult
and very physically demanding.
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The
course is aimed at beginners on via ferrata, and
is carefully designed to develop your skills during
the week. You are led throughout by qualified leaders
and guides, so are in the best of hands at all times.
Note this is not always the case in with some operators
in the Dolomites, where unqualified leaders are
not uncommon! |
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For
this course you need no previous experience, just
a basic level of hill fitness, and a willingness
to learn and have a great laugh. These courses are
great fun, and the mountain scenary is always stunning.
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Note
that all the safety kit required for this course
is provided for the guided days. We will supply
a harness, helmet, and the via ferrata lanyard to
each participant (and crampons for the high mountain
option). If you prefer to bring your own, you are
welcome. The guide supplys extra krabs, ropes, beley
devices etc as required. |
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Dates:
these
are listed in the column on the right, and they
show the live availability from our secure online
booking system. When you book online, you receive
immediate confirmation, your Alpine Information
Booklet, course specific kit list and invoice. |
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So
why choose Icicle? |
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We
are true specialists in Alpine Via Feratta. See
our blog, by clicking on the RSS logo (right). |
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Itinerary
flexibility to allow you to take full advantage
of the weather and conditions each day, so that
you maximise the amount of time spent climbing each
day. |
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Our
prices are fixed in £ pounds sterling, to
protect you from euro currency fluctuations, so
that you can budget accurately. |
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We
have a team of over 30 IFMGA guides, and a resort
support team, who all want you to have the best
Alpine holiday possible! For more details on the
guiding team and qualifications, please click
here. |
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Course
Photo Gallery
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Brief
Course Itinerary |
| Sun |
Travel
to Chamonix to arrive for the 17:00 check-in followed
by and course safety and itinerary briefings. There is
time for kit checks or rental of equipment. Briefings
are over by 19:00 and the Chamonix hosts accompany the
group to pre-dinner
drinks to answer any queries.
Night in Chamonix. |
| Mon |
Echelles
de l'Aiguillette d'Argentiere, Chamonix
(F). This is a great introduction, with a trek opposite
the Mont Blanc massif, that ascends the Cheserys cliffs
by a series of ladders, steps and chains. Option of descending
by cable car from La Flegere or on foot. Guiding ratio
1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix. |
| Tue |
Via
Corda de Le Bois, Chamonix (AD). This
roped way is a great introduction to via ferrata and moving
on steeper ground. A mix of scrambling and easy climbing.
Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix. |
| Wed |
Via
Ferrata de Curalla, Passy (AD+). This classic via ferrata
has it all; wood and cable bridges, staple ladders and
airy traverses. Brilliant views to Mont Blanc. Guiding
ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix. |
| Thu |
Option
1: Yves Pollet Villard, La Clusaz (D+). This day route
has an amazing and airy footbridge. Guiding
ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix.
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Option
2: Balcon de la Mer de Glace (D). Cross the glacier
to reach the series of ladders and chains.
Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in mountain
hut.
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| Fri |
Option
1 (cont'd): Tour Jalouvre, Grand Bornand (D+). Another
great day route with lots of vertigo.
Guiding ratio 1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix. |
Option
2 (cont'd): Continue
from Couvercle to the Leschaux hut then walk back down
the glacier with crampons. Ratio
1:6 (max). Night in Chamonix. |
| Sat |
Breakfast
then the accommodation check out is by 10:00. Most arrange
their airport transfers to leave around this time, to
catch a flight from Geneva about midday.
Depart for home. |
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| ITINERARY
NOTES: Where possible we follow itineraries. Mountain adventures
are weather and conditions dependant, so occasionaly we are
forced to alter the plans. If this is the case, suitable alternatives
are offered. Please use this outline itinerary as a guide to
the types of route / activity that you will attempt. |
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Course
Photo Gallery
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| Course
Prices |
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Standard
course
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5
days guiding, 7 days holiday in total |
£699 |
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Premium
course
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As
above with half board throughout
(Breakfasts and evening meals in Chamonix) |
£798 |
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Secure
online booking system |
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Course Inclusions: 1) Five days guiding in Chamonix
region, 2) Chamonix course hosts for logistics & briefings,
3) B&B accommodation in Chamonix (inc. beddings & towels),
4) Pre course information booklet, 5) Equipment discount voucher
for UK shops, 6) Free 36 page technical Course Instruction Booklet,
7) Road transport in Chamonix valley, 8) Optional evening technical
instruction on nights in Chamonix. |
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| Exclusions:
1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Equipment hire that is not
already included, 3) Personal laundry, telephone calls, lunches,
evening meals in valley, & any purchases in mountain huts
/ hotels / restaurants, 4) Cable cars and uplift (c. £10),
5) Costs of any optional nights in mountain huts on half board
basis for you and your guide (c. £30), 6) Sunday pre-dinner
drinks & Friday celebratory meal & drinks, 7) Activities
insurance, & excess baggage charges. |
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| Upgrade
options |
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Acclimatisation
Weekend
£99
(throughout the season) |
To
get the most out your course, acclimatisation is essential
so that you minimise the chances of AMS (altitude sickness)
later on during your course,
details. |
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Half
Board Upgrade
£99
(throughout the season) |
For
every night that you are in town, you eat in a different
restaurant in the centre of Chamonix. Always three courses,
to power you for the next day. |
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Private
Room Upgrade
£120
(7-27 June & 6-26 Sept)
£150 (28 June - 5 Sept) |
The
course accommodation is usually in rooms of two sharing.
Two people booking / sending forms together are guaranteed
a room of two sharing. This upgrade guarantees you a private
room on
your own for your course. |
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