Olly climbing L'oeil du Faucon a classic 3 star 7a at Saut de l'Ours

Olly on the technical headwall of Mac Hulotte 7c at La Livre

Ben Hargreavse cruising Les Arche at les Arche

A busy crag in the Ariege !!

Have had a great winter break climbing in the Ariege. This little known (until now) climbing area an hour south of Tolouse is amazing. It has world class climbing, no polish, very few people and tough grades. The perfect place for a cragging holiday. I have been down here off and on for the past five weeks and have fallen for the climbing in the area, the beautiful views of the Pyrenees and chilled atmosphere. Forget Kalymnos this is better (nearly) as when your arms are pumped and fingers shredded you can do your legs and lungs with some great mountain biking and ruining.
Despite this I'm getting quite excited about this years ski season as the snow is arriving in the alps. I cant wait to get out on my planks and ski some early season powder, fingers crossed.

See you in the Winter (unless I'm climbing in the Ariege)

Olly

Climbing in Siurana, Spain

Steep 7b+ Magalef















Perfect rock sector Siurinella, Siurana













Siurinella 7b+ Siurana

Just got back from ten days cranking warm(ish) rock in Siurana Spain. Nine years have passed since I'd been there. There has been so much development over the past few years, it's very impressive with grades from 6a up to 9a! If you like steep and technical climbing on perfect rock you need look no further. Despite this I cant wait to get on my skis tomorow after Susies post. Just arrived back in Switzerland to powder. It should be an outstanding winter for off-piste skiing and touring, bring it on!

Perfect Autumn Weather and Steep Rock. Liz jones in the Mont Blanc Massif

Mountain Tracks provides thrilling mountain adventure to people of every experience level. In the winter, top ski guides such as Remy Le Cluse and Nick Parks take expert skiers to the very best steep snow in the Alps. Advanced level skiers choose Mountain Tracks because we have the most experienced guides in the business.

Summer , however is for climbing and mountaineering, and we are also the choice for top climbers. Liz Jones signed up for a week of high level climbing at the start of September. Autumn can be a great choice for Alpine climbing for three reasons. First the weather can be stable and storm-free, secondly because it is out of the main tourist season and feels less hectic and more peaceful. Thirdly, cooler temperatures can lead to better snow conditions. i.e firmer and safer underfoot.

The first face we climbed was the north face of the Aiguille du Peigne. The route we chose was the classic 'Le Ticket Le Rond le Lune'. The style of climbing is a series of 'laybacks' with feet flat on the wall.





The second route we climbed was the Michel Piola classic 'Indiana Jaune' on the limestone of the Arve Valley. The route is located on the cliff of Maladiere which is around 300m high and extremely steep. Limestone has less friction than granite, and as a general rule more finger strength is needed. Indianna Jaune is 10 pitches, and is so steep it stays dry in rain!





The third big climb of the week was the South East Face of the 'Petit Clocher de Portalet'. This lies in Switzerland, at the eastern end of the Mont Blanc massif. The Portalet is a striking tooth of granite, often admired by climbers on there way to the Orny refuge.



The route follows the lest skyline and is again very steep and sustained.

I think climbing and skiing are similar in that both sports get better and better, as ones skill level increases. It was a real pleasure to climb these difficult and beautiful climbs.

Well done Liz and see you next year.

Matt Dickinson

Tough Day On The 'Dent Du Geant'

Abseiling down the Dent du Geant from the summit after an icy ascent.

















Tjalling ascending the icy fixed ropes to the summit.













An easier yet atmospheric day rock climbing on the Index.