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Technical
'Ice & Classics' 2012
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| Course
overview |
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Course
dates & availability |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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
Monte
Rosa 4000m Peaks.
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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.
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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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Course
Film & 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 |
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 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 |
£999 |
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Premium
course
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7
days guiding, 8 days holiday in total
(Standard course plus Acclimatisation weekend)
LINK |
£1098 |
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Secure
online booking system |
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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. |
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| 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) 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
£150pw (subject
to availability) |
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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