Winter Alpine Ice Courses

Alpine Ice - La Grave

Duration 7 Days » Grade All levels

Les formes du chaos (WI4), Ceillac. Alpine Ice - La Grave Photo: © Tom Briggs

One of the best ice climbing areas in the whole of France is La Grave, in the Oisans Region, renowned for its reliable conditions due to the altitude and aspect of many of the waterfalls. Bourg d'Oisans is the meeting point of the famous Six Valleys and is the gateway to Les Ecrins National Park. It is the main town in this region and an ideal base for us. From here, we can head out each day to climb on the numerous icefalls in the area, some of which are just minutes from the road, and others that are hidden away in high mountain valleys.

We also run Alpine Ice climbing courses in Chamonix/Cogne... [read more]

Experience Required

This course is guided at 1:2 ratio. Everyone from beginners to experienced climbers can enjoy icefall climbing. Climbers are paired according to their abilities and ambitions. You do not need to have previous ice climbing experience, you just need to be able to abseil (which can be learnt in the UK on one of our Rock Introduction Weekends.

Preparation

To climb icefalls and enjoy the experience, you need good basic level of fitness and to be reasonably determined. Indoor climbing will help to tone muscles and improve your grip strength, as well as training your balance and overall agility.

Equipment

Top of the range crampons (Charlet Moser M10) and technical ice tools (Charlet Moser Quarks), harness and helmet are included in the price of the Alpine Ice course. We will send you a detailed equipment list once you have booked.

Course Directors - Jim Blyth and Paul Farmer

The Alpine Ice courses are directed by Jim Blyth and Paul Farmer, both of whom live in the Alps and have many years' experience of climbing ice in these areas... [read more]

Accommodation, Travel, Inclusions and Exclusions

For the La Grave course, it is easiest to fly to Lyon and to take a coach to the course base in Bourg d'Oisans, via Grenoble. Comprehensive travel details are provided in the course Joining Instructions, which you receive once you have booked... [read more]

Latest Reports & Photos (Jan '08)

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Dates

Click to book a place online
Sun 13 Dec - Sat 19 Dec '09 Sun 3 Jan - Sat 9 Jan '10

Prices (choose currency)

Joining in	Bourg d'Oisans £1,150
Insurance	Course Only £48

Expeditions

If you have the skills & fitness required, then Jagged Globe offers a wide range of exciting expeditions [read more]