Advanced Alpinism- Technical alpinism course stage II A direct continuation of our “Technical alpinism I”, we offer a continuation program for the experienced alpinist. An activity planned to improve existing technical abilities by those who would like to push their mountaineering limits yet further while keeping it safe. In a week-long activity, our professional guides will share with you on-route, all the tips and tricks required to tackle complex routes in mixed terrain in the high mountains. About the activity The advanced alpinism course is addressed for students who took part in the past in alpine climbing, steep ice climbing and trad climbing; this is our most challenging and technically demanding alpine course offered by Mountains; This activity will fine tune and improve existing abilities for its participants. Through “learning by doing”- we will undertake some serious alpine ascents at PD-AD+ level* The advanced alpinism course is addressed for students who took part in the past in alpine climbing, steep ice climbing and trad climbing. Required fitness level and difficulty: A very physically demanding course- the activity is addressed to highly motivated people with an excellent level of physical fitness (D), and solid rock and ice experience (Mountains 4-5); as a rule of thumb the applicants should be able to climb a UIAA V/French 5a on lead or lead climb UIAA IV trad, have steep ice (WI III) experience and have a high level of physical fitness plus the motivation to improve existing abilities. Activity’s goals: • Improving speed and efficiency when moving together on alpine rock- fast and light • Improving speed and efficiency when moving together on snow and ice- fast and light • Safe and professional route planning and execution of a complex route in the high mountains • Route funding and orientation along the three phases of approach, on-route and descent Timetable: * The mentioned timetable is exemplary and may vary due to conditions, ability of the participants, safety & weather limitations. Day 1- we will meet at 17:00 in Argentiere- at hotel Les Randonneurs for an opening briefing and a gear check. Hotel Les Randonneurs Addressee: 39, Route du Plangolet, Argentiere, 74400 Chamonix Montblanc, France Website: http://www.lesrandonneurs.fr/ Day 2- Alpine rock day- we will take the cable car from La Praz in the valley to Aiguilles Rouges*- where superb gneiss is abandoned- and climb a classical alpine-rock route concentrating on efficient & safe movement in high alpine terrain. At the end of the day we will head back down to the valley and will spend the night in our lodge. * in the early courses, it might be that most of the lifts in the valley are closed, in that case we shell spend the rock-day in Vallorcine or ascend the Aiguille Rouge via Col des Montets or from Plan del Aiguille and climb one of the classical rock routes on the Aiguilles de Chamonix from the middle station. Day 3- we will complete the ascent to a high mountain hut- both Turino or Cosmique huts are candidates as well as the swiss Trient hut. In the huts proximity, we will climb a mixed ridge Possible routes: Petite Aiguille Verte, Aiguilles d’Entreves, Aiguilles Marbrees Day 4- a steep ice climbing day- the north face of the Tour Rond is our goal for today- a 450- meter route with steep ice in varied angles- it’s a major undertaking and a great “playground” to hone our ice climbing skills. Day 5- a classical ridge climbing such as the Rochefort or the integral traverse of Aiguille de Marbree. Day 6- a day of a major snow and ice route on the Triangle de Tacul. Day 7- Climbing the Cosmique ridge and going down to the valley- courses end in Chamonix anytime between 15:30-17:30. Dates: Please refer to our site Price 1,350 € pp*. The Price Includes: • 7 days of activity of which 6 are in the mountains • Planning and guiding by a UIAGM certified guide/Guide Aspirant • Transportation throughout the week • Guides expenses • Modern & high level technical equipment (excluding clothing and shoes). Price does not include: flights and insurances, lifts and trains (once or twice during the activity 50€), mountaineering shoes rental (in case needed), overnights in a mountain hut or in the valley (65€ half-board in the valley for a participant sharing a double room; 60€ per night in the alpine hut), estimated total expenses excluding flights 1,750 €. * In case of 2 bookings only we will still be able to guide the activity with an additional payment. Gear Personal gear list: • Mountaineering boots with crampons compatible soles (Possible to rent in Chamonix). • Light approach shoes • Rock climbing shoes (can be rented- with a 1 week warning) • Climbing pants • Mountaineering or ski pants and jacket (water proof) • Fleece jacket • 2 X thermal first layer shirt • 1 X thermal long underwear • 2 X thermal warm socks • 1 X waterproof gloves (with fingers separation) • 1 X thin gloves • 1 X warm hat • 1 X sun hat • Sun glasses • Sunscreen and lip balm with a minimum of 40 UV protection • A lining sleeping bag for the hut • A small bathing kit and a small towel (there are showers in the hut!) • Medications (if needed) • 1.5 L minimum thermos or nelogen drinking bottle • Headlamp • Wallet • Walking poles • Down /Prima loft jacket (optional) • Hut- sleeping bag (lining) • Bathing kit and a small towel • An alpine club membership (optional- we recommend a membership in the Austrian Alpine Club) http://aacuk.org.uk/ More about Mountains gear list .