Its been a busy winter.
November I was off to Patagonia with a friend, Stuart,
climbing in Torres Del Paine. We made the first ascent of
'The Good the bad and the Ugly!' a reference to the
weather we had during our climb, not a comment on our
looks!
Since mid December I have
been based in the Alps, ice climbing, mountaineering and
skiing. Contrary to reports ice conditions where excellent
in the Alps. I climbed for 8 weeks in Italy and never
missed a days climbing. Cogne was and still has big ice.
The Haute Route has been in good condition with better
than average snow high up. Low down conditions have been
thin.
For August and September
I am offering Alpine Mountaineering Guiding and Courses in
the Alps. I work on a basis of personalising a weeks
Alpine Climbing. I can offer every thing from Guided
ascents of Peaks such as the Matterhorn, Eiger and Mont
Blanc to courses for novice Alpinists. For all info,
prices and ideas see my web site
www.sheersummits.com or ring me on 01286871679.
Some ideas for the
summer.....
Introduction to Alpine Climbing
For Folk who have no
Alpine experience and you wish to learn the basic
skills and climb some Alpine Summits in the process.
Occasionally we climb a 4000m peak if fitness and
conditions allow. A 5 day course. £700pp Ratio 1:2 or
£500pp ratio 1:3.
Classic 4000m Alps
A 6 day
course climbing as many 4000m peaks as possible. For
mountaineers with some crampon experience. Based around
Saas Fee and Zermatt. Most nights are spent in huts. 1:1
ratio £1250 , 1:2 ratio max £700pp.
Technical Alpine climbing Routes
Guided Ascents of
Technical Alpine Routes such as the Eiger, Ober Gabelhorn,
Dent Blanche, Liskamm and the Matterhorn.These peaks have
to be guided on a one to one ratio. Minimum length of
course 6 days to allow for acclimatisation, weather and
training. £1500
Guided ascents of the
Alps' greatest rock climbs. All at Altitude and most 500+m
long. Most accessed from Alpine huts. Climbs that may be
tackled include the West Ridge (E1) or South Ridge (vs)
of the Salbitschijen. Two of the Alps' best rock ridges.
Multi pitch routes in the Grimsel and Furker Pass. The
great walls and ridges of the Bergalia (Badile and Cengalo).
Classic Chamonix Granite climbs. 5 day mimimum 1:2 ratio
max. £700pp.
The classic Chamonix to
Zermatt journey over glaciers and snowy peaks. The trek
takes in the best views of the Alps and some of the most
memorable landmarks etc Matterhorn. This is a 9 day trip
staying in high mountain huts. ratio 1:4 ratio max £600pp
Climbing Mont Blanc
requires a week of acclimatisation and training. You can
combine any course with a 3 day extension or take a 7 day
course. 1:1 ratio £750, 1:2 ratio £700pp
