One week training-course
One week training-course
Accross the different frozen faces of the Alps in Chamonix and in Haute Savoie
The Programm:
You will learn different techniques for ice climbing, and feel more comfortable in this ephemeral world
Day 1:
Group evaluation and its technical level with little top ropings on some easy funny waterfalls. Explanation of the security equipment and its use.
Day 2:
You will learn new techniques (with pitons, relay, cramps, ice axes)
Top roping on frozen waterfalls
Thanks to a digital camcorder, you will be able to have a personal correction about your position, techniques… You will understand and progress quickly
Day 3:
leading climbing for the most cofident. One day to enjoy and progress on easy waterfalls
Day 4 and 5:
2 days of pure climbing with different techniques according to your level.
Debriefing and personal feedback
 | Tarif :865€/pers 4 pers group This price includes :  moutain guide services technical equipment meals Accomodation This price does not includes : Personal EquipmentPossibility to take you to the Annecy or Geneva airports and train stations Book it here |
Ice climbing, as the term indicates, is the activity of ascending inclined ice formations. Usually, ice climbing refers to roped and protected climbing of features such as icefalls, frozen waterfalls, and cliffs and rock slabs covered with ice refrozen from flows of water. Ice climbing is broadly divided into two spheres, alpine ice and water ice. Alpine ice is found in a mountain environment, usually requires an approach to reach, and is often climbed in an attempt to summit a mountain. Water ice is usually found on a cliff or other outcropping beneath water flows. Alpine ice is frozen precipitation whereas water ice is a frozen liquid flow of water. Both types of ice vary greatly in consistency according to weather conditions. Ice can be soft, hard, brittle or tough.[1]
Techniques
Top-roping
A climber chooses equipment according to the slope and texture of the ice. For example, on flat ice, almost any good hiking or mountaineering boot will usually suffice, but for serious ice climbing double plastic mountaineering boots (or their older stiff leather equivalent) are usually used, which must be crampon compatible and stiff enough to support the climber and maintain ankle support. On short, low angled slopes, one can use an ice axe to chop steps. For longer and steeper slopes or glacier travel, crampons are mandatory for a safe climb. Vertical ice climbing is done with crampons and ice axes (those specific to vertical ice generally being called technical ice axes, or ice tools); climbers kick their legs to engage the front points of the crampons in the ice, and then swing the axe into the ice above their heads. This technique is known as front pointing. The strength of the ice is often surprising; even if the axe goes in only a centimeter or so it is enough to pull up on. If a climber is leading, she/he will need to place ice screws as protection on the way up (see climbing system). Most mountaineers would only consider the last scenario true ice climbing; the less steep variations are routine aspects of winter mountaineering.
Some important techniques and practices common in rock climbing that are employed in ice climbing include knowledge of rope systems, tying in, belaying, leading, abseiling, and lowering. Beginners should learn these techniques before attempting to ice climb. It is highly recommended that one acquire knowledge from experts and experienced ice climbers.
[edit] Rope systems
Single, double, and twin rope are the three main rope systems used in ice climbing. The single rope system, which is suited for straight climbing routes, is the most commonly used system in the world. Also often used in climbing is the double rope system which is a more flexible system than the single rope system. Lastly, the twin rope system, which uses two twin ropes in a single rope system, is used for longer multi-pitch routes. However, this type is not often used in climbing.
