Alpine Ice - La Grave

Overview

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Introduction

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. From La Grave, 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.

Whatever the level of climbing, we are looking at safety on ice, including:

• Avalanche awareness
• Placing ice protection
• Organisation of belays
• Rope techniques
• Abseiling off ice anchors
• Steep ice techniques
• Leading (for those ready for it)

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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.

Typical Programme

Day 1:	Sunday. Course participants meet at the course base 7pm. Discuss the week's activities in the evening.
Day 2 - 6:	Monday - Friday. High altitude ice at Alpe D'Huez. Climbing in the Vallon du Diable.
Day 7:	Saturday. Dispersal. Breakfast will be provided on the last morning before you leave the course.

Equipment

Technical ice tools (Charlet Moser Quarks) and rigid crampons are included in the price of the Alpine Ice course.

Guides

The Alpine Ice courses are directed by Andy Owen, who has many years' experience of climbing ice in these areas. Andy is joined each winter by a core of Guides, including Jim Kerr, Tomaz Jakofcic, Paul Moores and Neil Brodie... read more

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the course or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

What the price includes

• 6 nights' hotel accommodation in La Grave on a twin-sharing, half-board basis
• 5 days guiding with a qualified IFMGA Mountain Guide. Ratio 1:2 maximum
• Transport (by public means, private hire vehicle, minibus or guides' cars) to fulfil the course programme
• Group mountaineering equipment such as ropes and other technical equipment
• Ice axes & crampons, when booked in advance

What the price does not include

• Travel to/from La Grave
• Lunch
• Personal climbing equipment and clothing (including harness, helmets and boots)
• Mountaineering and travel Insurance

Photos & Videos

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• La Grave ice climbing

Reviews

Have you been on this trip? If you'd like to contribute a trip report then we'll post it up on the site.

Team Member Reviews

• ‘The quality of the guiding was outstanding. This, for me, is the prime requisite for a successful course.’ MB, 2001
• ‘The Guides made you feel totally safe but at the same time do not “nanny” you, so you feel that you are climbing and not just being led along – excellent tuition and always fun.’ EJ, 2001

Leader Reports

• La Grave 2008
  “Just back from a superb week climbing around La Grave. It had been fairly warm the week before we arrived and this theme continued througout our week, with daytime temps hovering around freezing. A number of icefalls (Grande Clot...”
  report added 31/Jan/08

Travel & Venue

Fly to Lyon. Transfer by coach to La Grave (Check times on-line at Linkbus).

Valley accommodation is in the 2-star Hotel Castillan in the village of La Grave.