Intro to mountaineering + climb Gran Paradiso 4061 m

Climbing in an alpine environment is a fantastic combination of physical challenge and nature experience. It requires skill in navigation, route selection and climbing skills. Alpine climbing involves climbing on rock, snow and ice, sometimes all at the same time.

 

Approaches and descents often take place on glaciers, this requires knowledge of glaciers. This is the introductory course to climbing in an alpine environment and aims to give you a foundation for different types of alpine climbing. In addition, we have added an ascent of one of the Alps' most beautiful 4000 meter peaks. Perfect for those who want to get started with alpine climbing & mountaineering. Gran Paradiso is a great first 4000 meter peak where you get to feel high altitude at a reasonable level.

 

On this trip, the photographer Emma Svensson participates and documents your trip.

 

Course content
 
• Review of basic rope team work, basic knowledge of crampons and alpine ice axe
• Glacier knowledge and route selection on a glacier
• Planning of alpine tours
• Comrade rescue, system to help someone out of a crevasse
• Map, compass, altimeter and alpine guidebooks
• Lots of, and nice, climbing in a magnificent alpine environment!
• Ascent of Gran Paradiso 4061 m - an educational experience where you are involved in planning & carrying out the tour from start to finish - invaluable knowledge for those aiming for higher mountains in the future
• Pictures and documentation by Emma Svensson
 
 
Course objectives
To get a foundation to be able to do alpine climbing tours.
 
 
Who should participate?
Those who want to get a thorough introduction to alpine climbing under the guidance of skilled instructors who are also authorized mountain guides.
 
 
Previous knowledge
You do not need to have previous experience of alpine climbing, but must be healthy and have a good physique. If you have a green card in climbing or have taken a basic course in rock climbing, you will learn more during these days. 
 
 
Schedule
 
Day 1
This is your travel day as you travel to Chamonix on your own. You can check in at your hotel from 15:00
 
Day 2
We make an approach up a glacier where we learn how to rope, use an ice ax and crampons and glacier rescue. We then plan tomorrow's trip and talk about navigation, trip planning, mountain safety and route selection. The night is spent in a mountain cabin.
 
Day 3
We do the Aiguille Tour or another nice peak in the area. It's a lovely trip on a glacier, up a steeper section that ends with an easier climb. You get to experience the alpine environment while our guides teach you how to tackle the terrain. We sleep in a hotel in Chamonix.
 
Day 4
We head to Italy and make the approach to Gran Paradiso. In the afternoon we take it easy up at the cabin and relax before the summit attempt. We sleep in a mountain hut.
 
Day 5
We wake up early, while it's still dark outside, and eat breakfast. Then we head, in the glow of headlamps, towards the glacier and the summit of Gran Paradiso. About 5 hours later we are at the top. We then walk all the way back to the car and drive back to Chamonix where we stay in a hotel.
 
Day 6
Your return home day. You check out no later than 10:00 and continue the adventure on your own. 
 
 
Equipment
Loan of necessary climbing equipment is included in the price. The following equipment is assigned to you by your mountain guide at the beginning of the course.
• Alpine ice axe
• Crampons
• Helmet
• Harness
• Screw carabiner

 

Personal equipment
You need to have the following personal equipment with you, this is not included in the course fee. There is time to arrange the final details such as completing equipment on Monday morning, but it is an advantage if you have everything ready by Sunday. 
 
• Boots to which crampons can be attached (ex La Sportiva Trango Tech or Scarpa Ribelle). If you are unsure whether your boots are sturdy enough, you can of course ask us before you go. There are boots to rent in Chamonix, the best place to rent is Snell Sport in Chamonix. Price list for rental equipment at Snell Sport can be found here: http://www.cham3s.com/snell-rental-prices.html
• Backpack, 35-45 litres
• Warm hat (which fits under a helmet)
• Underwear, shirt and pants (synthetic or wool, not cotton)
• Thinner fleece sweater
• Thicker fleece sweater or thin down jacket
• Wind and waterproof jacket (preferably shell jacket without lining)
• Wind and waterproof trousers (preferably shell trousers without lining)
• Thick gloves
• Thin mittens, gloves
• Snow locks (gaiters)
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Ski goggles
• Water bottle
• Sun protection

 

The following are good to have but not a must:
• Poles (telescopes that can be folded and attached to a backpack)
• Sun hat or cap
• Handkerchief (slightly larger can serve as sun protection for the neck/head)
• Camera (compact) 
 
Included in the price
• Training and guiding by an authorized mountain guide for 4 days
• All climbing equipment
• Accommodation 3 nights at a hotel in Chamonix (shared doubbleroom, single room on request at extra cost)
• Breakfast 5 days
• Accommodation for 2 nights in mountain huts (shared rooms, no single room possible)
• Dinner every day we stay in mountain huts
• All transport during the trip
 
Not included
• Travel to and from Chamonix
• Clothing / personal equipment, see the list above
• Lift card
• Own insurance 

Number of days: 6 days in total, 4 days course & climb

Price: 1690 Euro


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