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Technical 'Ice & Classics' 2010
Summit of Aiguille du Moine
PHOTO: Summit celebrations on the Aiguille du Moine, after ascent by South Ridge
FEEDBACK: "The Guides knew exactly what routes were in condition, and we were
pushed to our limits. A great week or fantastic climbing on famous routes
I had dreamed about for years" Chuck N, New York, 2006
Course Overview
For those who enjoy ice climbing during the winter, this course allows you to push your skills (grade II ice or UK Severe or US Grade 5.9) to attempt some of the major mixed and ice mountaineering routes around Chamonix.

This course ascends famous routes around the AD+/ D grade. Examples include the Dent du Geant, Midi-Plan traverse, Chere Couloir, Gervasutti Couloir (Tour Ronde), S. Ridge of Aiguille du Moine, N. Face Gran Paradiso.
For those prefering snow or ice routes, rather than mixed or involving some rock, you should opt for the course dates early in the season (June or July) for the best conditions with more ice and less stonefall.
By using the many cable cars in Chamonix you will have access to these fantastic routes and minimise your length of time spent travelling or walking into the routes. If you have climbed in Chamonix before, there are over 4000 routes so you are guaranteed not to repeat anything.
This course can be used as progression from the Chamonix Alpine Rock course, as it is focused ice & mixed rather than just rock, and is less demanding of stamina than the Swiss 4000er Peak Baggers course.
Whatever your previous ice or rock experience, the aim of this course is also to teach you more skills and style points useful in your own climbing, developing your mixed climbing, grades and techniques on different routes.
Dates: 6 - 12 June 2010, 13 - 19 June 2010, 27 June - 3 July 2010, 25 - 31 July 2010, 22 - 28 August 2010, 29 Aug - 4 Sept 2010, 19 - 25 September 2010. Dates for this course run on demand for groups of two people. For current availability on this course click here.
The course at a glance...
• Week long course, run during summer. Price £999pp, includes accommodation.
• The focus of the week is to climb great technical ice & mixed routes around Chamonix!.
• Top tip... consider this course instead of the Alpine Autonomy as the guide ratio is 1:2.
• You could also consider rock or snow routes.... Alpine Rock or Alpine North Faces


Course Film & Photo Gallery

Brief Course Itinerary
Sun Travel to Chamonix to arrive for the 18:00 check-in followed by and course safety and itinerary briefings. There is time for kit checks or rental of equipment. Briefings are over by 20:00 and the Chamonix hosts accompany the group to pre-dinner drinks to answer any queries. Night in Chamonix.
Mon A day to refresh your climbing skills. Popular routes include the Chapelle de la Gliere with its knife edge traverse, Couloir de Chevalier on Petitie Verte or the L'Index. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Tue Exposed altitude climbing in the higher Aiguilles du Chamonix, on routes such as the NNE Arete of the Aiguille de l'M, Petite Charmoz or the Arete des Papillons. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Wed A long day route on an exposed ice / snow ridge with broken rocky sections such as Traverse of Aiguille D'Entreves (AD+) or the Midi Plan Traverse. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Thu A technical day route, e.g. ice on Chere Couloir or a shorter route followed by a night in a mountain hut, e.g. Pyramid du Tacul. Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in mountain hut or Chamonix.
Fri An early start for a major route at altitude such as Contamine Mazeud on Mont Blanc du Tacul or the Dent du Geant (if you stayed in a hut last night). Guiding ratio 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix.
Sat Breakfast, then course debrief, with feedback and questions and answers session. Depart for home.
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.


Course Photo Gallery
Course Prices
Standard course
 5 days guiding, 7 days holiday in total £999
Premium course
 7 days guiding, 8 days holiday in total
(Standard course plus Acclimatisation weekend) LINK		 £1098
Secure online booking system
Standard Course Inclusions: 1) IFMGA Mountain Guide for five days, 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) One night half board in mountain hut (inc. costs for guides), 9) Evening technical instruction on nights in Chamonix.
Exclusions: 1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Equipment hire, 3) Personal laundry, telephone calls, lunches, evening meals in valley, & any purchases in mountain huts / hotels / restaurants, 4) Cable cars and uplift for you and your guide (cable cars for guide included in Chamonix), 5) Transport / tunnel ticket outside the Chamonix valley, 6) Activities insurance, & excess baggage charges.
Upgrade options
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.
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.
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.