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Introduction to Alpine Mountaineering Course During this 5 day course we will start with alpine rock climbs and scrambles while we acclimatise, learning appropriate ropework and belaying skills on the way. The second part of the week we spend in the high glaciated mountains of the Mont Blanc massif, taking in 2 quality peaks while we learn appropriate crampon, rope and crevasse rescue techniques. The course is flexible, so if rock is your thing we can focus more on that or vice versa - let us know on your booking form. Who is it for? A good level of fitness and previous hillwalking and/or scrambling experience is all you need for this course. Previous rock climbing experience is a bonus, but not necessary. A perfect week for alpine first timers or old-hands looking for a great weeks' climbing while brushing up their skills. Meet: We meet Sunday evening (day 0) at 6pm in Chamonix to deal with any equipment rental and run through the plan for the week. We return to Chamonix Friday afternoon and recommend you book your return flight on Saturday morning. Chalet Accommodation When staying in Chamonix, we stay in one of our comfortable Adventure Base Chalets, literally 6 minutes walk from the town centre's restaurants and bars. Breakfast and packed lunch are included leaving the evenings free for you to explore the delights of Chamonix. What to expect from mountain huts They are basic but comfortable. They can cater for vegetarians. Food is usually on a set menu basis (3 course in the evening, hot drink and bread/jam/cereal for breakfast). Often there is no running water and so you have to buy water to drink and wash with (no showers). You can usually buy tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks, chocolate bars and snacks. Sleeping arrangements are normally dormitory style bunkbeds (eg 6 people on the bottom, 6 on the top) with blankets or duvets. You can expect a good atmosphere and a stunning view! Typical Itinerary Day1 - multipitch rock climbing and abseiling in Chamonix valley. Stay in Chamonix. Day2 - traverse of the Clocher-Clochetons in the Aig Rouges, stay in Chamonix Day3 - traverse the glacial Vallee blanche from the Aig du Midi to Pt Helbronner. Overnight in the Torino hut. Day4 - climb the Tour Ronde and overnight in the Cosmiques hut. Day5 - climb Mt Blanc du Tacul and return to Chamonix Kit List Ice axe - for general mountaineering (at least 60cm long) Crampons - for general mountaineering with anti-ballingplates Helmet Poles - optional Boots - these must fit and be comfortable. We feel it is best not to rent boots. Rather buy some and have them fitted professionally - this will make your week much more comfortable, fun and blister free! Try and make sure they broken in before the week. They should be high-end insulated leather and must be compatible with your crampons. Rockboots Rucksack - 40-50l Waterbottle 1L - not platypus type - they freeze and leak. Harness, 3 screw gate karabiners, belay device, 1 8-foot sling, 2 prussik loops 2 pairs sunglasses (cat 4), goggles, sunhat, sunscreen, lip salve/block 3 sets socks and light coloured thermal tops Lightweight goretex top/bottoms, warm hat, thick gloves, thin gloves Insulating layers. I use a thin '100' weight fleece and a synthetic duvet jacket. Personal first aid - blister kit, ibuprofen. Head torch and gaiters Book/iPod for spare time in huts Remember kit should be lightweight but functional - you have to carry it! We can help with equipment rental in Chamonix. | Price: £1080 Course Only: £840 Ratio: 1:3 guide:client Level: Intro Dates: 21-25 June, 2-6 Aug, 6-10 Sept | ||||||||||||
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Price includes: guiding, guides expenses, twin share chalet accommodation in central Chamonix on a B&B and packed lunch basis (very convenient!), mountain hut accommodation on a full board basis, in resort transport. Price does not include: insurance, travel to/from Chamonix, uplifts, equipment rental, drinks/snacks, evening meals in Chamonix (it's nice to explore the town!) Course Only includes: guiding, guides expenses, 3 nights mountain hut half board accommodation. | |||||||||||||
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Further Information: We will email you detailed 'Joining Instructions' on booking/request. These include advice on training, equipment, clothing, travel, and what to expect. email us: info@dream-guides.com | |||||||||||||
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