Ice Climbing in the French Alps - Long Weekend

Ice Climbing Adventures in the Alps - suitable for beginners

Escape from the office and do something different for your fresh air and adventure fix! Breathe in the fresh alpine air and explore some of the most dramatic ice in the Alps on this intensive ice climbing course.

Fixed Dates: 19 - 23 January 2012 - ideal for individuals looking to join a group (min group size of 4).

Other Dates: December - End of March - groups of two or more booking together.

This is a progressive course where you will learn the basics of ice safety and security and essential ice climbing techniques. After an intensive introduction on your first day, you will split into pairs of matching ability and explore more challenging multi pitch routes. We have a wealth of ice falls, gullies and ice cliffs to choose from including several world famous sites so there is something for everyone!

And as with the rest of our holidays we choose our locations slightly off the beaten track so you can appreciate the calm and tranquility of ice climbing in the mountains without having to share the experience with hundreds of others!

You don't need to have had any previous ice climbing experience to come on this trip but will need a reasonable level of fitness.

0845 009 8501

Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1 - Arrival

We'll come and collect you from Gap train station and take you up to your accommodation where you'll meet the rest of the group. Once everyone has arrived we'll have a welcome drink, go through the week together and answer any questions you might have.

Then you can sit down to a lovely meal prepared by Stephanie before a good night's sleep to prepare your self for tomorrow!


DAY 2 - Introduction to Ice Climbing

Your guide will come and collect you in the morning and take you to the Tourengs a fantastic ice climbing venue perfect for beginners.

A short approach from the road, beautiful views over the river and valley and good quality ice! The Tourengs is a large 200m cliff with several waterfalls and consists of several short pitches with the option of longer (up to 200m) multi pitch routes of a variety of grades.

It's ideal to get started on as you can focus on technique, rope work and safety without being too physically committed!

You will start off on top ropes and learn the basics of placing your ice axes and crampons and optimising your energy and strength (very important for ice climbing)! You will also learn about different types of ice and its behaviour, rope technique and safety.

For lunch we will make a group decision each day as to whether we take a picnic or eat in a restaurant which will also depend on weather conditions and venue. As we are near to civilisation today and it is the first day, we usually go for the restaurant option!

In the afternoon we will continue and your guide will focus on your individual strengths and weaknesses giving you exercises to do to perfect your technique.

DAY 3 - Multi Pitch Technique

After yesterday, you should have a good grasp of basic rope technique and have mastered to a greater or lesser degree the art of optimising your energy and strength!!

Today, you will take that a stage further and learn how to use the rope for longer routes. You will look at different belaying systems, placing ice screws and other gear and removing them!

You will now be in pairs with one guide per pair and should be ready to go for a longer and more technical climb so you can practice multi pitch climbing and there will be the opportunity for you to have a go at leading if you want to!

There are several possibilities as to where to go but Prapic 1513m is a favourite. It is a beautiful little alpine village at the end of the valley. It is still inhabited all year round by four families and has preserved it's authentic alpine charm and architecture.

It is also home to some fantastic ice climbing such as the 300m Pisse Bernard.

You will be out for the full day so will need to take picnic, snacks and a hot flask!

There is a very good chance you will have the ice falls at Prapic to yourselves for the day and can really experience the tranquility and beauty of ice climbing in the Southern Alps! Look out for chamois and golden eagles.


DAY 4 - The Ice Falls of Valgaudemar

Parallel to the Champsaur valley is the spectacular Valgaudemar valley, a 22km long valley with 3000m+ peaks towering above you on either side! The choice of ice falls here is incredible!

A wild and natural valley with a real high mountain ambiance - a perfect location to end your week!

Your guide will help you choose which one would be a good one for you taking into consideration your progress and the local conditions so you can end on a grand finale!

There is the famous Le Voile de la Mariée which is situated just above the Gioberney refuge with a magnificent mountain backdrop. There is about an hour to walk in and 200m of beautiful ascent at grade IV/3+.

Or from the hameau du Bourg there is the Torrent du Bourg. To do this you have about an hour to walk in following a gorge before you attack the ice. It is 100m high and grade III/4 with an abseil descent.

Or from Le Casset is the 'Souvenirs inattendus" - unforgettable memories! In good condition this is a classic! Another hour to walk in with 200m of ice climbing at grade III/4. Abseil descent.

Again you'll be out for the full day and away from shops and civilisation so a good stash of supplies needed!

DAY 5: Goodbye

This is the sad day when we say goodbye :(

Other Details

Accommodation Details

This is a great little Auberge newly refurbished in unique style of modern funky decor whilst still retaining it's rustic mountain heritage!

You will be staying half board in a great Aubegre situated in the beautiful Champoleon valley just at the entrance to the Ecrins National Park, one of the most dramatic mountain ranges of the French Alps.

The accommodation has a very good restaurant (where vegetarians don't have to feel like lepers!), bar, internet access, library and some of the most beautiful views in the area!

The rooms come in various sizes from small double or twin rooms to large family rooms - all with en-suite bathrooms with either shower or bath.

It is run by a small team of passionate foodies and outdoories headed by Stephanie and Laurent and their two children, who will ensure you are well looked after.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

FIXED DATES: 19 - 23 January 2012 - ideal for individuals looking to join a group (min group size of 4).

Price: 999€ per person


OTHER DATES: December - End of March - groups of two or more booking together.
Prices for groups of 2 or more booking together:

2 - 3 people: €1264
4 or more: €999

0845 009 8501