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Cogne
/ La Grave Ice 2011
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PHOTO:
Climbing a curtain of mushroom ice in La Grave, France.
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FEEDBACK:
"Before this week, I had spent two seasons ice
climbing in Chamonix,
and thought it an ice mecca, but I was not prepared for the
massive range of routes
on offer when I visited Cogne!" Sally C, Portsmouth,
2004
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| Course
Overview |
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For
those looking to climb waterfall ice routes of Grade III+
or above, this course will provide the challenge you've
been looking for!
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From
long multi-pitch waterfall ice routes to shorter more
technical routes, there is a route to suit every style.
There is also usually the opportunity to try mixed climbing
or some dry tooling routes. |
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Your
previous experience would likely be seconding on gullies
and ice climbs up to grade III, or Alpine experience up
to PD (such as Mont Blanc by the traverse or an Alpine
Intermediate course). |
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Many
people use these courses as an opportunity to gain or
increase their experience of leading confidently on ice
at this level so that they can attempt similar routes
in the Alps or the UK. |
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Included
in the course price are three nights half board accommodation
in either Val de Cogne or La Grave which enables you to
spend four days climbing in one of these ice mecca's.
The hotels are within walking distance of the ice climbs
and are very comfy, and are equipped with jacuzzi, bar
and sauna! |
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Dates: 6
- 12 February 2011, 6 - 12 March 2011.
Extra dates for 2 or more people booking together. For
the latest course availability click
here. |
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The
course at a glance... |
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Week long ice course, run Jan to March. Price £1199pp,
includes accommodation. |
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Ice climbing experience to Grade III necessary. Avalanche
safety kit is included. |
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Top tip... for beginners to ice climbing, look at the
Winter
Intro Ice & Alpine
at £799. |
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You could also consider week long... Waterfall
Ice & Gullies or
Off
Piste Clinic |
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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 20:00 and the Chamonix hosts accompany the
group to pre-dinner
drinks to answer any queries.
Night in Chamonix. |
| Mon |
Refresh
your ice climbing skills on valley waterfall ice, such
as Argentiere icefalls. Also practice placement of ice
screws, runners & screamers, building anchors and
leading. Guiding 1:2 (max). Night in Chamonix. |
Tue
&
Wed
&
Thu |
Today
you drive over to either Val de Cogne (Italy)
or La Grave (near Grenoble)
to allow you to push your climbing grade in one of these
famous regions. Small guiding ratios at a maximum of 1:2
give you the opportunity to climb technical multi-pitch
ice at the highest grade you can find, develop your technique
on different types of ice, and maybe try some mixed or
dry tooling routes.
Popular climbs in Val de Cogne include: Patrie, Thoule,
Cold Couloir, Stella Artice, Archeronte.
Popular climbs in La Grave include: Erection, Pylone,
Claphouse, Holiday on Ice, Mauvais Annees. |
| Fri |
Final
day in Cogne or La Grave, and you push the grades to the
max to use your increased
confidence and technique for a more difficult ice route,
before returning to Chamonix for the night. |
| Sat |
Breakfast,
then course debrief, with feedback and questions and answers
session. 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
Prices |
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Standard
course
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5
days guiding, 7 days holiday in total |
£1199 |
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Premium
course
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7
days guiding, 8 days holiday in total
(Standard course plus Acclimatisation weekend)
LINK |
£1298 |
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Secure
online booking system |
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| Standard
Course Inclusions: 1) IFMGA Mountain Guide for five
days, 2) Chamonix course hosts for logistics & briefings,
3) Pre course information booklet, 4) Equipment discount voucher
for UK shops, 5) Three nights B&B accommodation in Chamonix
(inc. bedding & towels), 6) Three nights half board accommodation
in either Val de Cogne or La Grave 7) Chamonix Free 36 page
technical Course Instruction Booklet, 8) Road transport in Chamonix
valley, and to / from either Val de Cogne or La Grave, 9) Chamonix
office support and evening instruction. |
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| Exclusions:
1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Cable Cars (approx £20),
3) Equipment hire, 4) Personal laundry, telephone calls, lunches,
evening meals, & any purchases in mountain huts / hotels
/ restaurants, 5) Activities insurance, & excess baggage
charges. |
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| Notes:
The
loan of all avalanche safety kit is included (avalanche tranceiver,
avalanche probe and shovel). |
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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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Avalanche
Skills Day
£49
(throughout the season) |
To
learn avalanche prediction, reutschblocks and use of avalanche
tranceivers. Course is available on any day during the
week (includes ARVA),
details. |
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