24 April, 2009

Expedition Training Weekend

Last weekend we ran an Expedition Training weekend in Chamonix for people heading off to the Himalaya and other mountain ranges. These 2 days, lead by Jonny Baird and David Vallet, teach the essential skills required for a high altitude trek, expedition or ascent of a non-technical climb in the great mountain ranges.

Covering basic rope work, belaying and rappelling; navigation skills, route choice and planning along with personal fitness, endurance and stamina; safety in the high mountains and understanding the acclimatization process.

The group enjoyed their first day on the Mer du Glace doing rope work and crevasse rescue and ice climbing; the sun was shining and the mountains looking spectacular after a fresh fall of snow. The second day gave way to some snow and wind at altitude, never the less the team descended the ArĂȘte on the Aiguille du Midi and snow shoed to the Cosmique Hut, testing their navigation skills in the cloudy conditions.



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