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The
snow-capped massif of Mont Blanc dominates the French alpine
resort of Chamonix and is the highest peak in the European
Alps. This programme aims to reach the summit over a ten day
period of glacier training and acclimatisation. A shorter
seven-day course is possible, please ask for details, but
remember that your chances of success are greater if you have
more time for acclimatisation training. During this time a
progressively higher series of ascents to huts and summits
will be made, in order to allow those taking part to acclimatize
and gain fitness. In this way it is hoped that an enjoyable
ascent of Mont Blanc can be achieved, assuming good weather.
Approximately half of the time will be spent in alpine huts,
whilst other ascents will be made on a daily basis from the
valley using cable cars. No previous alpine experience is
necessary. However, it would be wise for those taking part
to be fit and healthy hillwalkers, preferably with winter
experience in Britain. The course will be based in Switzerland,
where a wide selection of 4,000 metre peaks provide good training,
before moving around to Chamonix.
- 1 Guide to 4
training & 1:2 on Mt Blanc.
- By arrangement (June/July/August/Sept)
- All transport and cable cars during
course.
- All hut costs during course.
- Breakfast and evening meals in huts.
- Advice, tuition, guiding services and
ropes.
- Guides expenses during the course.
- Valley accommodation B&B
- Valley evening meals and packed lunch
- Alpine mountaineering and holiday insurance.
The exchange rate may effect
the accommodation prices, but not the main course price, which
is fixed for the season.
Meet during the late afternoon or evening preceding the course
at Saas Grund for introductions.
- Day 1
Gear check. Please try and make sure that the equipment
you are bringing with you is adequate for the activities
to be undertaken. To this end please contact Alan Kimber
with any queries before leaving the U.K. Local glacier for
crampon/axe/ice training . Local crags for prussik/rope
training (pm).
- Day 2.
Walk to a mountain hut (possibly the Britannia Hut)and practice
crevasse rescue from the hut. Night spent in the hut.
- Day 3.
Ascend either a 4,000m peak (possibly Allalinhorn) or high
pass from the hut and descend to the Tasch Hut.
- Day 4.
Ascent of Alphubel (4206m) and descend to the valley.
- Day 5
Walk to Almageller Hut.
- Day 6.
Ascent of Weissmies, (4023m) and descend to Hohsaas Hut
for another night.
- Day 7.
Ascent of Lagginhorn (4010m) and descend to the valley.
- Day 8
Rest day and travel to Chamonix for the evening.
- Day 9
Ascend to Gouter Hut (3,800m) via cable car train and foot.
- Day 10
Ascend Mont Blanc via Bosses Ridge and descend to the valley.
This programme is a very full one and may well be changed
to suit both the weather and course members level of fitness.
The important point is to maintain a gradual gain in height
climbed in order to enhance the acclimatisation and fitness
of individuals. Also of importance is the fact that this course
is not meant to be exhausting all of the time, after all those
attending are on a holiday!!
The first week of this course is similar to that experienced
on the Saas Fee - Alpine Introductory course. The course can
also be based in Chamonix and a similar programme followed,
including Swiss peaks.
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