Course Summary:

This 4 day program focuses on the complete progression of Alpine Ice Climbing and introduces valuable skills for the snow or ice leader to practice and apply these skills in the mountains. This is a comprehensive course introducing and refining the movement, rope and protection systems, theory and application of all facets of modern Alpine Ice Climbing. Our progression consists of a review of the fundamental snow and ice climbing skills and detailed instruction of intermediate and advanced techniques for low to moderate to vertical ice and snow. 


Our Alpine Ice Climbing course is held in the birthplace of Alpinism; Chamonix, France. Chamonix is the ultimate training ground for the Alpine Ice Climber as hundreds of routes combining the multiple facets of technical alpine mountaineering (rock, ice, snow, mixed) exist from this easily accessible mountain town. Each day will be spent on glaciers and in technical terrain, where ice exists year round, maximizing learning opportunities with light backpacks and optimal levels of wellness. Initial ice instruction or “école de glace” (ice school) is given on the spectacular mer de glace (sea of ice) glacier, and the remaining four days will be spent in the high mountains off of the Aiguille du Midi in the Mont Blanc Massif.

Skills Introduced:

Our skills and curriculum is largely decided by our participants. Low ratios (never exceeding 2 climbers to one guide/instructor) ensures that we have the flexibility to meet all of your learning and climbing goals during this course. Below is a short of ice related skills and techniques introduced during the course. Additionally, alpine rock climbing skills are very well integrated into this course.

  • Single and double rope systems for ice climbing
  • rappelling and lowering
  • footwork, including pied a plat (flatfooting)
  • ice screw placement
  • glacier travel rope systems
  • Ice Axe usage and positions
  • belaying a leader, follower, and top rope climber
  • Ice anchor building for top rope ice climbing
  • crevasse rescue techniques
  • ice evaluation
  • rock protection for ice climbing
  • alpine mixed climbing
  • introduction of abalakov threads, V threads, I threads

Dates:

July 15-18, 2013

July 26-29, 2013

Custom Dates June – Sept, 2013 for groups of two or more.

Cost:

$1000.00 USD per climber based on a (2:1) ratio.

Additional days can be added on at a rate of $275.00 per climber/per day. Our ratio for this program is never to exceed two climbers to one guide.

This includes the use of ice tools, and all ropes, and technical gear for the program. Helmet, Harness, Boots, Crampons and Clothing are the responsibility of the climber. All gear can be easily obtained in Chamonix for purchase or for rent. We recommend that climbers rent technical ice gear as this course allows ample time to develop design specific preferences.

This course works best with two climbers of similar ability and goals. Climbers with pre-established partnerships and experience tend to excel during this course.

Please visit http://www.mikebromberg.com/booking/ for more details on booking and payment and to reserve dates.

College or University Student? Contact us for special rates and to discuss for credit programs. We give discounted rates to students enrolled in outdoor leadership and education programs. This course is ideal for students looking to supplement their college curriculum with focused instruction in the high alpine.



Itinerary Example:

Our low ratios allow us to custom tailor the ice climbing experience exactly to suit preferences and goals of our climbers. Below is an example itinerary. We recommend at least one night in a nearby refuge to maximize climbing opportunities and for the quintessential Chamonix alpine experience.

Day 0 : meet in the afternoon in Chamonix for a gear check and discussion of group goals. Night in Chamonix

Day 1: Ice School on Mer de Glace Glacier

Day 2: Glacier skills and alpine mixed climbing route. Night in Chamonix or mountain refuge

Day 3: Ascent of the Mont Blanc du Tacul route Chere Couloir or similar (other examples include the Contamine Mazaud or climbs on the tour ronde) Night in Chamonix or mountain refuge

Day 4: Ascent of alpine climb chosen by participants and review and application of skills.