Icicle - climb | trek | ski

Intro ski touring

2012-02-03T17:26:00.001+01:00

This picture says it all. Here is our intro ski touring and backcountry skiing group on their way to the Aiguillette des Houches, on a week of amazing snow, plenty of sun, and a fair bit of fresh snow too. During the week the group skied several Chamonix classic ski tours such as the Crochues Berard, and today they enjoyed a day in the sun skiing the Toula glacier in Italy to round off the week. This course is always popular, and a great springboard for those planning a week long ski tour such as the Haute Route. The course itinerary; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/introskitour.shtml

Ski Guide + BASI

2012-01-28T17:26:00.001+01:00

This weekend sees another Chamonix Off Piste week starting, and a Zermatt Backcountry week end. There's loads of snow across the Alps, but the conditions are tricky in places, due to the effects of the wind, deep powder, and wet snow below the trees. With these conditions, we have ensured that the guides leading these courses have been dual qualified as IFMGA mountain guides who are also ski instructors too, in order to give you the best tips on how to improve in the conditions. This week Paolo is leading our Chamonix group, who is a IFMGA Guide and BASI instructor.

Toubkal winter trek

2012-01-17T19:35:00.000+01:00

Looking for winter holiday with a difference? Come and climb the highest peak in north Africa, Mount Toubkal in the Morrocan Atlas. This is a week of trekking and winter walking, to acclimatise before your main ascent to the summit at 4167m. No previous experience is required, as the ascent is non technical, so it will appeal to keen hill walkers. The next departure we have that is guaranteed to run is 11-18 February, and the price is £549. The trip involves 6 days trekking, with a night at each end of the trip spent in Marrakech. Full details at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/toubkal.htm

Vallee Blanche

2012-01-16T12:53:00.001+01:00

The snow conditions on the Vallee Blanche are getting better and better, with the avalanche risk decreasing to 1/5 today in Chamonix. Here is a photo of part of a big Icicle group guided by Stephane and Gilles on the Petit Envers variation on Saturday. One of the guys liked it so much that he came back the next day to ski it by another route! The ridge is equipped with two routes now, so it's making access to the base of the arete very quick and easy. For full details of our Vallee Blanche itinerary, prices etc, visit; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/valleeblanche.shtml

Winter trail running

2012-01-13T21:13:00.000+01:00

During the winter months you don't have to stop your trail running! We organise running days on winter tracks, and also using snowshoes, as you can see from the photo on the left, where we use lightweight snowshoes strapped onto normal trail shoes. The winter is an amazing time to run, and to consolidate your training before the summer, in glorious scenery. Winter trail running days are operated on demand for groups of 2 or more booking together. For more details, and our full range of trail running courses, please visit: http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/trailrunning.html

No Scottish ice?

2012-01-12T19:21:00.000+01:00

There's no hiding the fact that the ice conditions in Scotland at the moment are reported as awful and non-existant, but as we don't offer ice courses there precisely due to this regular uncertainty. We are happy to let you know that the Alpine ice conditions are very good now! The best ice is currently in the Val de Cogne, though the Chamonix area conditions are fast improving. Classic routes such as Cold Couloir, and the Argentiere icefalls have all been climbed. To see all our winter climbing and ice courses, please visit; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/coursesb.shtml

Snow report 3

2012-01-12T12:27:00.000+01:00

Last night we uploaded our latest Chamonix snow report. We are producing one report each week of the winter season to track the snowfalls, conditions, and avalanche risks as they change. If you haven't already seen the latest report then the latest report is always featured on the front page of the Icicle website. To see it on Youtube you can click here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKLCLrih2_s. Alternatively you can subscribe to our YouTube channel from the link above, to be automatically informed whenever an update is posted.

Otztal Tour du Vent

2012-01-07T14:50:00.003+01:00

For ski tourers who are also keen on peak bagging, the Austrian Otztal region offers a great challenge. During the week long ski tour, you could ascend up to five Alpine peaks including the infamous Wildspitze 3774m. You stay in mountain huts each night, on a half board basis, so can ski with a relatively small pack. This trip will appeal to those who have completed other similar classics such as the Monte Rosa or Gran Paradiso ski tour. Our next trip date is the 31 March - 7 April 2011, and full itinerary and details are at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/otztal.html

Lapland ski touring

2012-01-06T11:38:00.000+01:00

If you are looking for a really different ski tour, well away from the classic tours in the Alps, come and join us in Swedish Lapland for the Kebnekaise Haute Route from 21-28 April 2012. This is a brand new trip for us, but one that our IFMGA ski guide Pascal knows well. The huts and lodges are very different from the Alps, and everyone helps out with the cooking. The larger lodges have bastu (saunas), to help you relax after a great day of skiing. For full trip details of this amazing wilderness ski tour, please visit; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/kebnekaise.html

December newsletter

2011-12-22T12:23:00.002+01:00

This photo was taken a few minutes ago, as the Aiguille du Midi emerged from the clouds, plastered with fresh snow, after two weeks of almost continuous snowfall. Conditions for off piste skiing and snowshoeing are excellent, but you can get more detail from our December newsletter which was sent out today. If you haven't signed up to receive it by e-mail, you can get all the latest news and conditions reports from the Alps at this link; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/newsletter/newsletter.html

Chamonix snow report

2011-12-21T11:33:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we released our first snow report of the season, with details of the avalanche risks at different altitudes, tips for staying safe, and ideas of where to go during the next few days. Already this season, more snow has fallen across the Alps, than fell in total all last winter. After the driest Autumn on record, this winter is already epic, with the already great off piste skiing conditions improving day on day. Watch our snow report for some ideas of how to stay safe, and feel free to forward the link to others, so they can too; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zigUSA16VRw&a

Transceiver training

2011-12-19T10:00:00.002+01:00

With all the heavy snowfalls across the Alps, we are seeing a marked increase in bookings for people wanting avalanche safety training. We offer one day and weekend courses. The avalanche awareness days cost just £49 per person, and the weekends cost £149 each. The courses are run on demand from now until the end of April, and we offer a mixture of scheduled dates, and private courses for small groups. To ensure that you get the most out of the day, we limit numbers to 6 per instructor, and all safety kit is provided for free. Full details are at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/avalancheawarenesssafetycourse.htm

Snowshoeing powder

2011-12-18T10:12:00.002+01:00

Yesterday was the start of our daily snowshoeing programme, with a group enjoying deep powder after all the recent and current snowfalls across the Alps. Here they are near La Joux, in the Chamonix valley. If you want to join a group, we offer 'collectives' on Tuesday and Thursday each week for just £60 per person, including the loan of the snowshoes, poles, boots and avalanche safety kit. There are no minimum numbers, and all dates are guaranteed departures, so you can book online with confidence. Full details of these days are at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/chamonix%2Bsnowshoeing%2Bdays.html

Snow keeps falling!

2011-12-16T10:30:00.003+01:00

The avalanche risk in Chamonix has jumped up to Level 5 (the highest) today, due to all the snow that just keeps on falling. More snowfalls are expected to continue next week, and the avalanche risk is due to fall as the snow starts to stabalise. This is great news for all our groups heading out to the Alps this weekend. Our snowshoeing season starts tomorrow, with groups heading out most days from then onwards. There is deep snow now in Chamonix town, with a lot more forecast, so if you are driving out, make sure that you have winter tyres or chains as the roads higher up the valley will be snow covered.

Alps snow update

2011-12-05T20:45:00.002+01:00

Here is a photo of the Matterhorn today, as viewed from Breuil in Cervinia. As you can see, the recent snowfalls have been largely cosmetic, but they are a good start in reducing ground temperatures, and allowing a base to develop. More snowfall is due on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Alps, before a clear though cold spell. As the winter season is fast approaching, if you are keen to track the latest snowfalls, keep track of our mobile & iPhone website to see live webcams, snow forecasts, and avalanche bulletins; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/iphone/

Latest snow forecasts

2011-11-29T15:45:00.003+01:00

While looking through the Alpine weather reports, it is now looking increasingly likely to snow in the northern Alps over the weekend. The forecasts say "La neige peut s'abaisser jusque vers 1500m sous les dernières averses qui s'évacuent vers l'Est la nuit suivante. Samedi des éclaircies le matin avant que le ciel se recouvre. De nouveau plus humide dimanche avec des pluies qui devrait se renforcer en soirée". This translates as 'the snow could settle down to towards 1500m in the final showers which clear to the East over the following night. On Saturday there are clear spells in the morning, before the skies cover again, with more humidity on Sunday getting heavier in the evening'.

Competition winners!

2011-11-27T21:02:00.002+01:00

We are delighted to announce the competition winners are...
1st Prize: FREE HOLIDAY, is Josh Carpenter
2nd Prize: EXPEDITION KIT BAG, is Zackary Moss
3rd Prize: WALKING GUIDEBOOK, is Martin Howell
4th Prize: CHAMONIX CD-ROM, Steve Shackleton
The competition winners will be contacted in the next couple of days with details of how to claim their prizes. Many thanks to all those who entered. If you missed out this time, keep an eye on our Facebook page, as we advertise all the competitions and prizes here first. Just click to 'like' our page to keep informed of all the latest news.

Real snow forecasts

2011-11-25T14:58:00.004+01:00

Don't believe all the tweets and blogs about snowfalls forecast in the Alps! Honesty and integrity is essential for you, and we have revamped our webcams and snow forecasts page, so you get the real situation in the Alps. We have also provided links to avalanche forecasts and live cable car openings. As you will see at the moment, there is very little snow in the Alps, which is why the Chamonix cable car company today announced that they are delaying opening Grands Montets ski area until after the planned 3rd December. It is due to the trend of drier Decembers, that we do not operate any Alpine courses until January. http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/webcams.php3

So skiers; what's 3x3?

2011-11-21T16:25:00.003+01:00

A simple enough question on the face of it, but on the Werner Munter's 3x3 filter and reduction method if assessing avalanche risk, the answer is rarely 9, and if it was you'd be staying inside! As the winter approaches, now is a great time to brush up on your avalanche safety skills. Munter's filter is a method of decision making in which the conditions, terrain and human factors are filtered repeatedly on three levels; at the planning stage, in the area, and each specific slope. There are some great online calculators for the risk, such as; http://www.wheretoski.net/MoreMenu/reduccalc/reduccalc.aspx, but for those venturing out of WiFi signal (hopefully all of you), then get proper training on one of our revamped avalanche courses. There is a choice of a one day course, or a full weekend course. Details are at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/avalancheawarenesssafetycourse.htm

November newsletter

2011-11-19T16:44:00.003+01:00

Our monthly newsletters have just been sent out, and this month we feature on these key courses; Chamonix Ice & Alpine Gullies, Italian Snowshoeing Week, and Intro Ski Touring & Backcountry. There's also a review of the amazing Petzl Ultra headtorch, and the usual roundup of news from the Alps and further afield. If you haven't got a newsletter in your inbox, you can subscribe from the front page of our website. We send a maximum of one newsletter a month, so you aren't spammed. Alternatively you can view the latest news at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/newsletter/newsletter.html

Brochure mail done!

2011-11-11T10:22:00.004+01:00

Several thousand of the latest Icicle brochure have been mailed out over the past few days, so if you haven't got your copy by the weekend, then get in touch and we'll pop a copy in the post for you. Just a reminder, but there is just one week remaining with our competition to win a FREE holiday in Chamonix. See the brochure letter for details, and good luck to all those who enter. A big thanks to Postman Pat for collecting all the brochures! The weight of brochures almost made his van scrape along the ground as it rounded the corner from the office.

Autumn Kili season

2011-11-08T12:33:00.003+01:00

This autumn has been very busy for our groups on Kilimanjaro, and a big thanks to John for this photo of him on the summit with Mark and Chris, just a few weeks ago. Over the past years we have found that the September and October period has been some of the best weather on the mountain, with the most successful summits. For those who are at all concerned about acclimatising, we offer an ascent of Mount Meru before ascending Kili. For those who prefer to take it as easy as the bush pigs snoozing on the plains, we also organise safaris after you descend. http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/kilimanjaro.shtml

Win a FREE holiday!

2011-11-04T12:35:00.004+01:00

The 2012 brochure is out now, and it will be dropping onto your doormat at some stage in the next few days. Can't wait until then? We have a downloadable PDF format brochure you can download from the front page of the Icicle website. If you would prefer to be posted a copy, please e-mail us your postal address. In conjunction with the brochure mailout, we are offering a FREE holiday in Chamonix. To enter this competition, visit and 'like' our Facebook page. We will monitor all new 'likes' until Friday 18 November 2011, when the winner will be announced. Runner up prizes are detailed on our Facebook page; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Icicle-Mountaineering-Ski-Adventure/119214891492175

70th on Kilimanjaro

2011-10-28T18:50:00.003+02:00

If you are after inspiration of how to celebrate your 70th birthday, why not follow in the footsteps of the Bohling family, who trekked to the roof of Africa on the actual morning of the birthday! Here they are on the summit of Kilimanjaro, with birthday boy taking centre stage. It has been a very busy time for Icicle groups on the mountain, and this year again we are delighted to report a 100% summit record. This is a testament to the itinerary that is carefully designed to maximise the time consolidating acclimatisation at 4000m before pushing higher. See photos at; https://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/Kilimanjaro

Alpine interseason

2011-10-27T21:33:00.002+02:00

It's interseason in the Alps, and all the huts and cable cars (and our Alpine office) are closed for maintenance and holidays, many of you have been in contact about training for the forthcoming winter. If you have a gap in your diary, we are running an extra Lake District based Alpine Preparation & Training Weekend on the 5 & 6 November, as all our other scheduled dates are already full. These are a great way to kick start your hill training, get some tips on equipment and training schedules, and to improve your hill skills; https://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/UKtraining.shtml

Ski Show report

2011-10-23T21:54:00.002+02:00

Well that's another London Ski Show over, and it was five days of hard work, but a great opportunity to catch up with so many previous clients during the show. This year the Ski Show moved to Earls Court for the first time in its 38 year history, as Olympia is having a refurb. There was a good mixture of talks, freestyle ski jump demos, and the usual selection of flyer girls in catsuits that broke our concentration! This photo is of our stand at the show, where we launched a few NEW courses. For those of you who were unable to make it, we will be posting the new brochure out to you in the coming weeks.

Earls Court ski show

2011-10-19T07:42:00.003+02:00

The annual London ski show starts in just a few hours time, at its new home in Earls Court. We are on stand N17, so come and say hello, and chat through your winter plans. Our winter ski schedule is packed with the classics such as the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, and the Off Piste ski weeks. We are also excited to launch some new trips including ski touring in the Kebnekaise region of Sweden, and a two day Avalanche Safety course in the Alps. Our new brochure is out, so come and get your hands on a copy whilst it is literally still warm off the printing press!

Kilimanjaro summits

2011-09-27T08:24:00.002+02:00

It has been a busy time for us over the past month on Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, with groups on the mountain all the time. We are delighted to report that everyone has reached the summit, and are getting great feedback from returning clients such as David F who wrote "I am now back at work after the trip to Kili with you recently. It was brilliant! All logistics were seamless – Evans and the crew were superb, the food was great, and we all summitted. What could be better!". If you are considering a trip to the highest point in Africa, you can see all the recent trip photos and the itinerary at this link; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/kilimanjaro.shtml

Birthday Mont Blanc!

2011-09-23T14:56:00.002+02:00

This week is our final week of season, and yesterday Icicle guide Yves finished in style with his final ascent of the summer on his birthday! Here he is on the summit yesterday with Dean, with the photo taken by Frank. They reported perfect conditions after the fresh snow, though the already sharp summit ridge had an impressive razor thin cornice on it. So that's it for Mont Blanc for another season. It's been a highly successful year for us on the peak, though there were a couple of bad weather weeks randomly dotted during the summer. We are already taking bookings for next summer, and the prices are frozen at the same rate as this year.

Josh on Mont Blanc

2011-09-16T10:28:00.002+02:00

Well done Josh, from our office team, on summiting Mont Blanc yesterday. Here's his summit photo, having ascended the Gouter route to the top. This is ideal altitude preparation for him running the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges next weekend, so fingers crossed for that too. Congratulations to all the other Icicle clients for reaching the summit too in perfect conditions and weather. It is our penultimate week of season, but the late season has provided some of the best snow, good freezing levels, and most stable weather too. To see details of our Mont Blanc courses, please visit; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/mont%2Bblanc%2Bguide%2Bcourse.html

Drus rockfall photos!

2011-09-12T15:15:00.002+02:00

Sarah was at Montenvers yesterday, and got some amazing photos of a series of huge rockfalls from the Drus, amounting to 12,000m3 of granite. This follows the major rockfall in 2005, in which most of the Bonatti pillar collapsed off the mountain. It was pure luck that Sarah was walking down the moraines to Rochers des Mottets, when she spotted the rockfall, and quickly took these awesome photos. Debris fell all the way down to the glacier surface. Geologists were apparently expecting this event, but could not precicely predict exactly when it would occur. No one was climbing anywhere near this area, due to its well known instability.

UTMB weekend

2011-08-30T10:28:00.003+02:00

This weekend saw thousands of trail runners competing in the annual Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc races. The main race mainly follows the Tour du Mont Blanc hike, that normally takes people between a week and ten days to complete. The runners complete it in under 46 hours of continuous running. The route this year was 170km long, with a huge 9700m of vertical height gain, which is over twice the height of Everest from Base Camp. In this photo is Kingsley from our Chamonix team, having just finished the race on Sunday. Fortunately for him, there's no TMB trekking guiding for him this week! Congratulations to him, and to all the runners who finished the race.

Matterhorn & Eiger

2011-08-30T10:18:00.003+02:00

We've had an exceptionally busy past couple of weeks on the Matterhorn and Eiger, with people summiting almost every day. The conditions are great on both peaks, even with the light snows that fell on Friday night. In this photo is Mia from Finland, in front of the summit cross on the Matterhorn. Today we have another group of four on their way up the Lion ridge of the peak, so good luck to that team for their summit bid tomorrow. To view course details, please visit;
Matterhorn: http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/matterhorn.shtml
Eiger: http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/eiger.shtml

Eiger Mittileggi

2011-08-23T09:54:00.002+02:00

Here's a photo we received today of Rachel on her descent from the summit of the Eiger, having climbed it via the Mittileggi ridge last week. She made a very quick ascent of the route, passing almost everyone else on the mountain. The conditions were perfect, with the snow on the summit ridge well frozen, and yet the rock sections clear. This season has been our most successful ever on the Eiger, and this weekend we have more people heading over, so fingers crossed for them. You can see the photos from this route, and the course itinerary at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/eiger.shtml

Mont Blanc success

2011-08-22T11:12:00.002+02:00

The past few weeks have seen almost all our clients summit Mont Blanc, and in this photo is Christian from last weeks group celebrating on the top after ascending from Aiguille du Midi via the traverse. We have only five places on our Mont Blanc trips until the end of season, so move quickly if you would like a place; 28 Aug - 3 Sept = 1 place, 4 - 10 Sept = 1 place, 11 - 17 Sept = 2 places, 18 - 24 Sept = 1 place. Don't worry if this year is too soon, as we've already released the dates for next year, and the price is the same as this year if you book soon. The full course details and itinerary are at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/mont%2Bblanc%2Bguide%2Bcourse.html

Monte Rosa 4000ers

2011-08-22T11:06:00.003+02:00

Last week the group of the Monte Rosa course managed to ascend seven 4000m peaks during the week, so well done for all your efforts! The weather was perfect in the region until the Friday, when they scuttled across to Gran Paradiso to bag another 4000m peak in another region as well. Congratulations must go to Alex for finding the free WiFi in the Mantova hut to update his progress on Facebook ;-) during the week. You can see photos of the week that are on the gallery on the course page at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/monterosa4000ers.htm

Mont Blanc in a day!

2011-08-18T10:09:00.002+02:00

Yesterday we had two teams who climbed Mont Blanc by one route, and descended another, all in one day! They caught the first cable car to Aiguille du Midi, so set off at 07:00. They climbed the Trois Mont Blancs route, over the shoulder of Tacul and Breche Maudit, to reach the summit at 12:45. The weather was perfect and they enjoyed over 15 minutes on the top, before descending to the Gouter, and all the way down past the Tete Rousse to Nid d'Aigle, and the train and cable car down to Les Houches. They were back in Chamonix by 19:00 in time for beers to celebrate their day climb. Good efforts! Today we have other teams in the Gouter making a traditional two day ascent.

Saas course photos

2011-08-15T16:35:00.002+02:00

Last week we had a small group heading over to climb in the Saas range in Switzerland, and they had a week of perfect weather in which to make a series of good ascents. This is a popular course, as it is based in mountain huts each night, to allow you to benefit from the best snow conditions, with a series of early Alpine starts. You can view the photos from last weeks group, as well as other groups this season, on our Saas photo album, the direct link to which is; https://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/Saas4000mPeaks

Icicle top trips

2011-07-29T15:04:00.002+02:00

Over the past weeks you will have noticed a series of updates of our website, to make it more interactive and dynamic. Our course availability is all displayed live in real time, so you can track any remaining spaces, and the online booking system has been upgraded to make it even easier to use. The use of social media such as Twitter and Facebook enables you to share photos and to keep in touch. We have also added a 'top trip' button to all our key courses, with links from the font page of the website, so you can jump directly to see our most popular courses. We really hope you like the changes. Visit us at: http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk

Techniques Course

2011-07-26T16:18:00.003+02:00

Thanks to Sev for this great photo of one of the Alpine Autonomy & Techniques clients on Pointe des Amethystes in the Argentiere glacier basin. This course is fast becoming one of our most popular summer courses, and it's the fact that the aim is to teach you the key skills to become more autonomous that is attracting people to this course. Each course runs slightly differently to cater for different previous climbing experience, and also your ambitions for what you want to get out of the week. To see more photos of this course, visit the photo gallery at; https://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/AlpineAutonomyCourse

Eiger summits x 6

2011-07-20T11:25:00.002+02:00

Matt who climbed the Matterhorn last Tuesday, decided to round off his trip to the Alps by strolling up the Eiger on Friday, via the Mitelleggi Arete! He took this fantastic photo of our other teams reaching the summit, with a sea of clouds below. Out of the eight people in the hut, six were Icicle guides and clients, and this route was a first for the clients and the guides too! Well done all for your efforts and for taking advantage of this weather window. If you would like further information on our Eiger ascent courses, please visit; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/eiger.shtml

Alpine Conditions

2011-07-20T11:12:00.002+02:00

Thanks to Mark from one last weeks five successful Mont Blanc groups for this photo of him re-ascending the arete to the Aiguille du Midi. Last week there was plenty of snow that fell on Wednesday, but it didn't stop our teams summiting on both Thursday and Friday. Since the weekend however, it hasn't stopped snowing at altitude, and now the snowline has dropped right down to 2100m! This isn't good news for this weeks groups on Mont Blanc, but they are praying for a weather window. It is great for the glaciers though, as some areas were getting very dry and prone to rockfall, so this snow is much needed.

Matterhorn Matt!

2011-07-14T17:50:00.002+02:00

Here is a photo of Matt and Remi on the summit of the Matterhorn, taken on Tuesday, after their ascent via the Hornli Arete. The route conditions were perfect, and they took the perfect weather window, before the storms of yesterday blanketed the mountain in snow. After an easier day to recover (and a couple of beers), Matt and Remi, with two other Icicle teams, have headed over to the Mittelleggi hut on the Eiger to attempt the ridge to the summit early tomorrow morning. Good luck to you all. Routes of this nature always have to be guided on a 1:1 ratio for safety and to be able to efficiently over steep ground.

Tour du Mont Blanc's

2011-07-12T12:10:00.002+02:00

Over the past month, we have seen 12 groups completing the Tour du Mont Blanc trek, and another 2 groups are currently mid-circuit. Everyone has successfully finished the loop, and the weather has been amazingly kind, with only a couple of cloudy days. A huge thanks to all the UIMLA trekking guides who have made this happen; Rob F, Julia, Lindsay, Alison, Rob G, Jean-Michel, Christine, Kingsley, Marc and Helene. The early season conditions have been perfect, with warm weather to soften the snow patches on the high passes. We still have some final spaces this season, on the 7 day Highlights trek or the 10 day Classic route.

Client discount parner

2011-07-12T10:46:00.002+02:00

We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with leading UK outdoor and equipment retailer Snow+Rock to offer our clients discounts on equipment they are buying for their Icicle course. The details of the discount are as follows. 10% off* in Snow+Rock stores for all Icicle Mountaineering participants on production of relevant booking confirmation. To find your nearest store go to: http://www.snowandrock.com/store/content/fcp-content.
*Terms & Conditions. Booking confirmation must be original copy showing date of booking and date of travel. 10% off only between date of booking and date of travel. 10% off on Outdoor products only, excludes ski & snowboard ranges. Ask staff in store for details. Discount only available in Snow+Rock stores - excludes Cycle Surgery, Runners Need and online.

Summit of Mont Blanc

2011-07-02T09:07:00.002+02:00

Here is a great photo of Katherine and Alison on the summit of Mont Blanc yesterday. All our clients successfully reached the top this week, and enjoyed great conditions. Despite the very hot weather at the start of the week, the temperatures had dropped to enable good re-freezes over the nights on Wednesday and Thursday. Conditions on the peak are very good, but as ever at this time of year great care has to be taken when crossing the Gouter couloir. Groups need to respect the timings on this part of the mountain, to try and cross when it is still well frozen and the risk of rockfall is at its minimum.

Mont Blanc Running

2011-06-29T10:02:00.003+02:00

The trail running season in the Alps has started in ernest, with the Mont Blanc Marathon weekend. Running for Icicle were Josh and Sarah from our Chamonix office team, who both ran the Mont Blanc Cross (23km, 1500m vertical). They are pictured here at the finish with Kingsley who ran the Mont Blanc Marathon (42km, 2500m vertical). For those of you keen on getting into trail running, we offer Alpine Trail Running Camps at only £599, for a full week of coaching and great trail runs in the Mont Blanc massif. Learn skills such as race tactics, descent techniques, what kit to select, using poles for mountain races, and diet & hydration. For details; http://tinyurl.com/43x7ssr.

Goulotte Cosmiques

2011-06-18T13:28:00.003+02:00

Yesterday Matts was guided by Francois to make a very rare summer ascent of the Goulotte Cosmiques on the Aiguille du Midi. This is usually climbed in the winter months, but it was in good condition, with the ice pitches being well formed. This was a great end to the week after climbing a series of classic routes in the Zermatt region. Whilst suspended from one of the hanging belay, Matts (in photo) managed to shoot a good video clip, which you can see by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnUrucL8svY

Mont Blanc success

2011-06-17T10:55:00.002+02:00

Our second week of season has seen several more Icicle groups reach the summit of Mont Blanc 4810m. The best weather days this week were the Wednesday and Thursday, but the guides are still reporting perfect conditions. The snow is nice and compact, so you are not wasting energy by sinking in too deep, and there is a very good track up to the Vallot, and onto the Bosses Arete. Here the track is thin but good, as it leads up the narrow ridge to the summit. Training is very important for all those considering this challenge, as there is a 3000m ascent from Bellevue to the top. We recommend clients are at least 1/2 marathon fit, and ideally are of marathon fitness level.

Alpine conditions

2011-06-16T11:34:00.002+02:00

Here is a photo from last weeks groups on Mont Blanc, of Francis guiding Jim to the summit. We have received a lot of e-mails from clients eager to get an update of early season conditions, and the reports are very good. There is plenty of snow up high above 3500m, but not too much. Good re-freezes are making rockfall very rare, and the glacier conditions are safe. We have had groups summit eight of the Alpine 4000m peaks already this season, and the reports across the Alps are similar. The early season conditions are very good, and it is a relief that this is the case after a low snowfall winter season.

100% on Mont Blanc

2011-06-11T10:28:00.003+02:00

A perfect start to the summer Alpine season on Mont Blanc, with all our groups summiting this week. Thursday provided the best weather window of the week, as you can see from the clear blue skies behind them in this summit photo. With the Bellvue cable car not opening until today, our groups ascended via a 4x4 convoy up the steep jeep tracks, to save their legs for the climb itself. The plan paid off, and by spending a couple of nights at the Tete Rousse hut, one before and one after the climb, they all reached the summit. Conditions are looking great for the start of season on Mont Blanc, with good snow cover, no rockfall, and safe glaciers too.

Haute Route film

2011-05-31T11:52:00.005+02:00

It is coming to the end of the interseason in the Alps, with our summer season starting in the next few days, but for those who live for the winter and ski season, we thought we would treat you to a great video that we are putting up on the website. It was made by Tracey who was on the last Haute Route ski tour of this year, and it gives a great insight into what touring is all about, and the landscapes that you travel through. What we really liked was the genuine emotion and honest feedback it gives to anyone considering this ski tour. To see the film, please visit; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smI_iviWsFg.

Last 2011 Haute Route

2011-04-28T10:51:00.004+02:00

Here is a photo from one of our Haute Route groups a couple of weeks ago, as they traversed over the Tete Blanche before the great ski descent past the north face of the Matterhorn to reach Zermatt. This week we have our final group of this season on this ski tour, and today they are ascending to the Bertol hut far above Arolla. Even though the season has been hotter and drier than usual, the Haute Route has been largely unaffected. This final group marks not only the final week of the Haute Route ski tour for 2011, but also it is our first ever Haute Route that is 100% women too! You can see photos of this years trips at; https://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/HauteRouteSkiTour

Cham April Off Piste

2011-04-06T13:40:00.003+02:00

Many thanks to Phil for this photo of him getting air time on his recent Chamonix off piste week. It's already April, and next week is our final off piste course of the season, so if any of you want to escape to the Alps to avoid the increasing royal wedding hype on the media, it is your last chance to discover the best off piste! The week has five days of guiding, and you also have the option of trying ski touring for one of the days if that appeals. There are just 2 remaining spaces on the course that starts this Sunday, so get a move. The week costs just £599 with Chamonix accommodation, or £499 if you have your own.

Haute Route reports

2011-03-21T11:59:00.003+01:00

We have just seen our third Haute Route of the season set off today. The guides are reporting good conditions on the route, though the Col du Chardonnet is a little icy, so all our groups have passed over the Col du Passon instead. This week the foehn winds of last week have been replaced by six days of forecast sunshine, so the snow is expected to tranform fairly rapidly. All the route has good snow cover, as usual for this time of year, but the heat of the midday sun, is generating Spring snow conditions. If you are still looking to book, we have 3 spaces on the week of 3-9 April, and 1 final space on the 24-30 April, then all our Haute Route trips are completely full for the year.

Winter Intro report

2011-03-20T10:44:00.003+01:00

This week saw another full Winter Intro course, and despite a couple of days of foehn wind, they all had a really successful week. On the first couple of days they ascended to a hut in Italy, and ascended the Tete Entre Deux Sauts, then practiced glacier travel and ice climbing on the Mer de Glace on the Wednesday. The final two days saw the three groups splitting to climb ice at Deferlante and Mini Couloir, mixed on Brevent, Pointe Lachenal, Arete Laurence (see photo), and also Petite Aiguille Verte. If you are keen on a Winter Intro course, there is still a space on the course running 3-9 April.

Val de Cogne ice

2011-03-10T10:50:00.002+01:00

Here is a photo from last weekend of Jatta on Cascade Lillaz in Val de Cogne in northern Italy. Other teams ascended Lillaz Gully, and both routes were reported in good condition, though the pools in between the icefalls on the cascade are opening up, so it's time for paddling soon! The past week has been warmer, which won't have done the routes any favours, but some colder weather and possible some snow is due in Italy over the weekend and during next week. The winter is clearly not over yet for ice climbing, and we have a few remaining spaces on courses; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/latestavailability.php.

Off piste ski analysis

2011-03-07T13:26:00.003+01:00

For the Alpine snow-doubters out there, here is a photo from last weeks off piste course in Chamonix, skiing at La Tour. They found good snow each day and also skied at Grands Montets, Val Ferret and Courmayeur. On the last day in Italy they were rewarded with 25cm of fresh snow. The guides use video analysis for groups, when it would help them to improve by seeing how they ski, and the film clips from this last week have been uploaded to our YouTube channel. The video can be viewed at; http://www.youtube.com/user/icicleUK.

Icicle on Foursquare

2011-03-07T13:15:00.002+01:00

For those of you who love your social media, we're happy to say that our Icicle Guides office in Chamonix had just been listed on Foursquare, so you can check-in and unlock managers special offers which are updated each week. If you are in the area, drop by the office and check in to find out what the weekly offers are. They range from discounted guiding to free instruction sessions and hire equipment. There's nothing to lose, so check in soon! You can check out our venue listing on Fourquare at http://foursquare.com/venue/16983913.

Alpine Snowshoeing

2011-03-03T15:55:00.002+01:00

Our popular Best of Mont Blanc Snowshoeing courses have been busy this year, and this photo is from last weeks group descending from the Col du Berard. Over the week they snowshoed in France, Italy and Switzerland, which is always appreciated by clients, to experience the different landscapes and cultures, and also to hunt the nest snow. This group found some great powder stashes, but where they are can remain a secret for us to know! There are a couple of spaces left on the next course starting on 27 March, so move quickly if you'd like a space. Itinerary and photo galleries are at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/chamonix%2Bsnowshoeing%2Bcourse.html

Snow returns to Alps

2011-02-18T14:21:00.002+01:00

This week has seen one decent snowfall, but next week looks forecast for plenty of snow, especially on the Italian side of Mont Blanc on Tuesday. This photo was taken by Julien when guiding a group on the Vallee Blanche recently, and it shows the sparse conditions up there, so the recent and forecast snows are great news. In Courmayeur at the moment there is 20cm of fresh at 2500m, so it's the pace to go for off piste skiing at the moment. You can check out our latest off piste photos at; https://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/IcicleChamonixOffPisteLevel1

Toubkal Summits

2011-02-15T11:58:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Linda for sending us her summit photo from our Toubkal trip in Morocco last week. She reports "the local guys were great - they really went out of their way to ensure everything ran smoothly. We ate really well and we were amazed at the amount, quality and variety of fresh food which was on offer, particularly given the basic facilities". Winter ascents of Mount Toubkal are a great way for trekkers to venture into basic easy mountaineering, and you can see our trip itinerary and photos at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/toubkal.htm

Cham Off Piste

2011-02-15T11:28:00.002+01:00

This is a photo of last weeks off piste group at the Grands Montets, with Mont Blanc and Les Drus in the background. During the week they skied the Argentiere glacier, Le Tour, Val Grisanche, and Courmayeur, so really explored the region. The north facing slopes are holding the snow well, and with a bit of ingenuity, there's plenty of good places to ski, though the snow cover on the glaciers is poor across the Alps. This morning we had a dusting of snow on the Aiguille du Midi, so here's hoping! You can check out the course itinerary at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/chamonix%2Boff%2Bpiste.html

Mini Couloir Ice

2011-02-13T10:23:00.004+01:00

Here is Stefano guiding on Mini Couloir on the Col des Montets. As the name suggests, he is an Italian guide, and one of the guests, Mano, is Italian too. Obviously they focused on ice climbing over the weekend rather than watching the 6 Nations rugby! Anyway, here they are on the first steep pitch, and they reported good ice conditions. On the first day they had climbed at the Cremerie icefalls above Argentiere. If you are keen on booking a similar weekend; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/wintericeweekend.shtml, and photos at; http://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/IceClimbingInChamonix.

Zermatt Off Piste

2011-02-13T10:06:00.002+01:00

Whilst the conditions for off piste have been challenging this year, our recent Zermatt Off Piste course showed that with a bit of ingenuity you can still have a great week of skiing in the Alps! On the forst day they enjoyed freeride skiing at Gornergrat, then the Pfulwe Pass with the ski descent to Tasch. In the middle of the week they made a ski tour ascent of the Breithorn, then the Theoldule glacier towards the Hornlihutte, with a ski descent of the lower slopes of the North Face of the Matterhorn! You can check out the photos sent in by Jenny and Tracey at; https://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/ZermattOffPiste.

Off Piste Level 1

2011-02-08T14:58:00.002+01:00

This photo was taken yesterday by Filippo, who is guiding the Off Piste Level 1 group in Chamonix this week. It's on the back of La Tour and shows that, whilst not knee deep by any stretch of the imagination, there's still some good snow out there to be skied. The cover on the glaciers remains very thin, but this level of course is more to instruct on ski technique, and video analysis is used at the end of each day to help clients develop their skiing. Today the group is on the Grands Montets, and the plan for tomorrow is a day over in Courmayeur in Italy. Our off piste courses are listed at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/offpiste.shtml

Cremerie ice report

2011-02-08T14:35:00.004+01:00

It's nearly a month since the last snowfall in Chamonix, but for some sports it's great news, so here's a photo of ice climbing at the Cremerie today. It's warm in the valley, so an early start was needed before the ice started to melt. There is no overlying snow on any of the routes, and the melt-freeze cycles have increased the ice thickness in some of the sections to amazing levels. For any of you who have flung your skis or snowshoes into a dark corner, and are sulking until the flakes fall again, get in touch to book on one of our popular ice or Alpine climbing courses!

Snowshoe feedback

2011-02-03T10:21:00.003+01:00

"I have just arrived back in Dublin, and would like to thank you for a fantastic week. It definitely exceeded my expectations, and my limitations. I did not realise I could walk so much and so high in such remote areas (mainly due to Kingsley's skill and style of motivation in such a positive way), and to trek in three countries in one week was amazing (France, Switzerland, Italy). I was interested to see what it would be like to go alone on a trip, and met with a great and interesting group of people, the week passed very quickly. It was excellent to learn about avalanches and such a vast amount about general mountaineering. Kingsley's knowledge is endless. The organisation and communication was excellent, even down to simple things, restaurants etc. I look forward to going back to Mont Blanc again. Once again thank you for a fantastic week". Niall, Chamonix Snowshoe Course, January 2011. http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/snowshoe.htm

Great ice in the Alps

2011-02-03T10:07:00.002+01:00

The recent dry and cold conditions in the Alps have been perfect for ice conditions, as you can see from Andy's photo from his Winter Intro course. The long range forecast is looking settled and cold for at least the next ten days to two weeks, so if you are planning a last minute trip to the Alps, then now's the time to come! We have had groups on many of the Val de Cogne, Chamonix and Val Savaranches icefalls in the last few days. Classics such as Cold Couloir are very safe due to thin snow cover higher up, and have seen many ascents. Check out the ice courses live current availability at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/latestavailability.php.

January newsletter!

2011-01-28T12:50:00.002+01:00

The e-newsletter for January should now have arrived in your inbox, with the latest updates from the Alps. In this months news we review the current skiing and climbing conditions, with a focus on the Vallee Blanche and ice in the Italian Val de Cogne. There's information on the world cup ski competitions in Chamonix, and a course report on the recent snowshoe course. Our newsletters are sent out once monthly, and you can unsubscribe at any time with the click of a button. If you haven't received the newsletter, and want a sneeky peek, the link is; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/newsletter/newsletter.html

Couloir en 'S'

2011-01-25T12:27:00.003+01:00

Here is Graham from last weeks Winter Intro course topping out on the Couloir en 'S' variant on the Cosmiques Arete. The weather during the week was perfect for mountaineering, becoming progressively colder, and so bringing in the ice routes into condition again. During the week the group learnt about avalanche awareness, ice climbing, and Alpine mountaineering skills. You can view the photos from the Winter Intro course groups at; http://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/WinterIntroIceAlpine, or the detailed course itinerary at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/winteralpineinto.shtml

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T09:50:00.003+01:00

A very Happy New Year to you all for 2011! Today we have clients welcoming in the new year by skiing the Vallee Blanche, and this photo shows the celebrations in the town square of Chamonix at midnight last night with big crowds welcoming in the new year in style. Team Icicle was there and can vouch that any 'champagne' called Cafe de Paris is well worth steering clear of! The celebrations were extra special because our new online booking system went live, so you can check availability and book online with real time course availability. Whilst a quite geeky step forward, this will make a real difference to everyone booking in 2011, so cheers to Pete and Martin, our web team who made it all happen!

Winter Intro report

2010-12-22T10:59:00.003+01:00

Last week saw our first Winter Intro course of the season. Here is the group on the first day, constructing a Rutschblock to test the snow stability, before ascending further up the mountain. During the week the group spent enjoyed two days of ice climbing on icefalls in the Chamonix valley and also one day on a glacier too. The weather was cold and fairly stable throughout the week. This has led to good early season ice climbing conditions, and we have also had groups ascending Patrie and Lillaz in the Val de Cogne. For details of the Winter Intro; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/winteralpineintro.shtml

1st Aid in Chamonix

2010-12-09T08:34:00.002+01:00

If you pass by the Icicle office in Chamonix today, don't be alarmed by the sight of ten people bandaging each other! We are hosting a First Aid course run by the British Association of Ski Patrollers (BASP) over the next couple of days. The course is being attended by a mixture of guides and ski instructors, and the key attraction of this style of course is that it is tailored to the common types of incidents encountered in the mountains, rather than the paper cuts and paper clip incidents encountered in the office jungles! Full course details are on the BASP website at; http://www.basp.org.uk/course-descriptions.asp?id=3

Eight Up Mont Blanc

2010-11-24T22:34:00.002+01:00

Colin climbed Mont Blanc with Icicle in June, and he's recently written an article about his experience on his website www.eightup.co.uk. His motivation was more "than just a sense of achievement... the real prize of the mountains is a sense of something else: detachment - the climber's perspective of the place from which he's come". Read the article written by Colin at; http://tinyurl.com/2b3t5nq, or if you are keen to read more articles about Mont Blanc then look at the articles page at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/articles.shtml, or the Icicle course itinerary at; http://tinyurl.com/27rhusk.

Vote now for this kit

2010-11-24T18:28:00.002+01:00

Here is a photo of Alain, a mountain guide who works with Icicle and runs a lot of our paragliding courses. He has designed a very inovative new style of trekking pole. They are featured in this photo, and have a ribbed handle and no wrist straps, so are safer for use in the mountains, whether trail running, walking or snow shoeing. The handle extends over half the shaft to allow a multitude of grip positions. We've tested them, and cannot endorse them higher. If you like the idea, or have seen our guiding team use them, please vote for Alain's design in this online competition. Just visit; http://www.ispo-brandnew.com/CompanyPortrait.aspx?ID=1852, and click on 'Like'.

Alpine Trilogy Course

2010-11-22T20:42:00.003+01:00

If you really fancy a challenge, how about our NEW Alpine Trilogy course? Over a fortnight you ascend Mont Blanc, the Eiger and the Matterhorn. We have offered scheduled courses on these three peaks for over a decade, but due to popular demand are offering them as a bundle. If you'd like to see what's involved, and slideshows of each of the ascents then please visit the course page at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/trilogy.html

Haute Route Tour

2010-11-22T13:11:00.002+01:00

Fancy tackling the most famous ski tour in the world? The Haute Route links Chamonix and Zermatt, and is completed over five days, with the nights spent in mountain huts. The skiing is varied, and there is also the opportunity to take in a few peaks along the way. We are running this course every week from mid March until the end of April, and some dates are starting to fill, so this blog post is to encourage any of you who are thinking about doing this tour, to get in touch as soon as possible to guarantee your spaces. You can read the full itinerary, and see slideshows at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/hauteroute.shtml

Icicle FREE podcasts

2010-11-15T10:31:00.002+01:00

Icicle has released a series of podcasts on iTunes, and you can download them for free. Topics range from how to train for an ascent of Mont Blanc, to getting into snowshoeing or trail running, and some key equipment issues such as whether to select a B2 or B3 boot for use in the Alps. You can download the podcasts now, and listen to them on your computer, phone or MP3 player. The key advantage is the portability, so that you can listen when and when you want. http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/podcasts.html

November Newsletter

2010-11-12T11:53:00.003+01:00

Today we have sent out the November e-newsletter, so if you haven't received a copy, let us know. Features in this months news are the snowfalls in the Alps, that are creating good Autumn climbing conditions, and a great start to the ski areas. We review ski kit, and have the usual roundup of news from the Alps, new courses such as the Swiss Snowshoeing week, and also a competition to win a FREE Icicle t-shirt. To read the latest newsletter, please click on the following link to read it online; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/newsletter/newsletter.html

Lake District training

2010-11-10T11:12:00.004+01:00

Here is a great photo from this weekend of the training weekend in the Lake District, on the Difficult Step of the Crinkle Crags. The weekend weather couldn't have been better, with two days of glorious sunshine. The aim of the weekends is for groups to improve their confidence and movement on steep ground, to improve navigation, and to provide the opportunity for kit questions for future trips. You can view photos of these weekends at; http://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/LakeDistrictTraining. The link to the course page for these weekends and training is; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/UKtraining.shtml.

Leave No Trace

2010-11-10T10:19:00.003+01:00

We are delighted to announce that Icicle has become a partner of the Leave No Trace organisation. Each year we take a good look at our environmental credentials, and make plans for the following season. We chose to become a Leave No Trace partner, as their ethos is very focused on teaching and enjoying minimum impact outdoor recreation. Everyone is involved from Icicle guides and leaders, right through to all the groups that we take out into the mountains. In areas as popular as the Alps, it is essential that we do everything possible to safeguard the environment in the same state as we found it.

Ski show, The Feeling

2010-10-21T19:11:00.005+02:00

Icicle is exhibiting at the London Ski Show this week in Olympia, and so far it's been very busy. The show has the usual mix of events from freestyle jumps and retail offers, and we are joining in giving a series of talks about skiing the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. The next talk is on Saturday at 12:30 in the Off Piste theatre. Yesterday the highlight of the show was a performance by indie pop band The Feeling, pictured here at the show by our team. They sang their top hits including 'Fill My Little World', and were at the show as they had started their career playing the bars of Meribel. Come and see us at stand 104 on the ground floor, and pick up our NEW brochure.

2011 brochure out !

2010-10-11T23:54:00.003+02:00

The brand NEW Icicle brochure for 2011 is back from the printers in a few days, but whilst the ink is still drying, you might want to take a sneaky peek on what's on offer for next year. There are a couple of new courses featured, as well as improved itineraries for others. If you would like to be posted a copy of the brochure, and aren't on our mailing list, please e-mail us your postal address. For those who can't wait for the post, don't worry as you can download am advance copy of the 2011 brochure at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/icicle%2Bbrochure%2Bdownload.html

September Newsletter

2010-09-30T20:05:00.002+02:00

Our latest newsletter has just been e-mailed out. If you would like a copy please contact us. There are features on the Rochefort Arete, Winter Intro Course, Mount Toubkal, and the Icicle stand at the London Olympia Ski Show with a chance to get your hands on some FREE show tickets. If you can't wait to receive the newsletter, you can read it online at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/newsletter/newsletter.html, or you can easily subscribe to our RSS news feed at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/feed.xml to see the latest news in your RSS reader on your computer desktop.

Last Mont Blanc 2010

2010-09-25T12:10:00.005+02:00

Here is one of the final summit photos from Mont Blanc, of the group guided by Gilles. Eight clients from Icicle summited on Thursday, and these were our final summit teams from the Summer 2010 season. This week was an international affair, with clients from the UK, Iran, Australia, USA and Ireland, and well done all for your efforts. As if to announce that this is the end of the season, snows fell last night down to the treeline in Chamonix, thus effectively closing the mountain until next year. The Gouter hut has already closed, and the Tête Rousse hut has its last night open on Monday, though the snowfalls render the mountain prone to avalanche risk for several days now.

Tour Ronde summit

2010-09-24T16:13:00.002+02:00

Here are Ross and John on Tuesday on the summit of the Tour Ronde, on the Franco-Italian border. They were guided by Francois on their Alpine Classics course, and ascended the Rebuffat route on the south face of Aiguille du Midi on Monday, the Tour Ronde on Tuesday by a hard rock route, then the Rochefort Arete on Wednesday, Eperon Cosmiques on Thursday, and technical rock at Le Fayet today as it was raining / snowing in Chamonix. You can see the photo album of their ascent of the Tour Ronde at; http://picasaweb.google.fr/IcicleUK/TourRonde, and the course itinerary at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/classics.shtml

PGHM Chamonix

2010-09-23T17:01:00.002+02:00

We took this photo the other day of the PGHM Chamonix Mountain Rescue team doing a stretcher winching training exercise near Le Bois. The PGHM in Chamonix have two Eurocopter EC145 helicopters that have a 1300kg payload (up to 9 passengers), and an empty weight of 2200kg, with a maximum flight speed of 245km/h. When winching, the cable has a extent of 90m, and a maximum payload of 270kg. You can find all the contact numbers for Alpine mountain rescue at http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/webcams.php3, or visit the website of the Chamonix PGHM rescue team at; http://www.pghm-chamonix.com/index.php

Gran Paradiso 4061m

2010-09-18T10:34:00.003+02:00

This is a colour photo, believe it or not, on the summit of Gran Paradiso yesterday. This 4061m peak is the final objective of the Alpine Intro course, and as you can see, the weather was decidedly cold! The poor old summit madonna is encrusted in rime frost. This group was guided by Stephane, and they had to move fairly quickly to keep warm. Obviously there weren't great summit views, but well done all for your efforts. At the end of this weekend, the Victor Emmanuel refuge closes for a few weeks. You can see the photos at; http://picasaweb.google.fr/IcicleUK/GranParadisoTheIcicleAlpineIntroCourse

Snowy Mont Blanc

2010-09-18T09:31:00.002+02:00

Autumn has clearly arrived, as you can see from this photo of Tom and Gavin as they ascended to the Gouter hut on Wednesday. There is a good covering of snow in the Gouter couloir, which is excellent for holding the loose rocks in place, and for hugely reducing the risk of any stonefall. Looking forward to next week, the weather forecasts are looking good for some of the last Mont Blanc ascents of the season. The huts and cable cars around the Chamonix valley are mainly closed from next Sunday, so this is why we schedule our courses to end then. Check out the Mont Blanc course itinerary at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/mont%2Bblanc%2Bguide%2Bcourse.html

Highland cow guide!

2010-09-17T16:21:00.003+02:00

The look of delight on Paolo's face is evident, when he found a toy Scottish Highland Cow in a hut whilst guiding an Icicle group on the Monte Rosa course last week (look closely on his shoulder on the left of the photo, to see the cow emerging from his beard). The effects of several nights at altitude were clearly taking their toll! The groups were all guided by 'Team Italia'; Filippo, Paolo 1 and Paolo 2. This course includes a night in the Margherita hut, which is the highest hut in the Alps at 4500m. You can see the groups photos of the week at; http://picasaweb.google.fr/IcicleUK/MontRosa4000mPeaksCourse

Mont Blanc films

2010-09-17T15:52:00.003+02:00

On the roof of the Alps, on the summit of Mont Blanc 4810m, are Karen and Rhys who ascended via the Gouter route less than a week ago. All the Icicle groups reached the summit, so well done all, but only Rhys took a video at the top! The guides reported great conditions on the mountain. You can see the summit film on the Icicle YouTube channel at; http://www.youtube.com/user/icicleUK. All our Mont Blanc course spaces for this year are now full, and we are taking bookings for summer 2011 already. You can see the updated Mont Blanc website page at; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/mont%2Bblanc%2Bguide%2Bcourse.html

Saas summits week

2010-09-17T15:40:00.001+02:00

Thanks to Emma, pictured here on the right with Filippo who guided her, for sending through her photos from the Saas 4000m peaks course last week. They dodged bad weather, and darted up the peaks in the weather windows in between. The course is based in mountain huts throughout, so you minimise the approach times to the peaks, and so you acclimatise well to ascend as many summits as possible during the week. You can see the photos from some of our Saas groups at; http://picasaweb.google.fr/IcicleUK/Saas4000mPeaks

Irish on Mont Blanc

2010-09-07T15:41:00.003+02:00

Thanks to Eoin for sending in this summit photo from last week. Here are the Irish team on the summit of Mont Blanc, guided by Francis. They climbed to the summit in three and a half hours from the Gouter hut. The conditions were perfect for them, with low wind and not too cold. If you are keen on a last minute holiday this season, we have just two spaces left on the Mont Blanc running 19-25 September. To check if you have the pre-requisite skills and fitness, have a look at the course itinerary linked here; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/mont%2Bblanc%2Bguide%2Bcourse.html

Lots of MB summits!

2010-09-06T11:10:00.002+02:00

The weather conditions at the end of last week were excellent on Mont Blanc, and we had groups summiting on Thursday and Friday from the Gouter route. In this photo a group is negotiating the Bosses arete at sunrise. Our Mont Blanc course is exceptional in that it has 4 days of 1:2 guiding in which to make summit attempts, after a group glacier and crampon skills training day. This maximises your summit chances. There is one space on the course running 12-18 Sept, and two spaces on the week of 19-25 Sept. Get in touch to book these final spaces for this summer. For the course itinerary, please visit; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/mont%2Bblanc%2Bguide%2Bcourse.html

Ultra-trail CCC video

2010-09-06T11:02:00.003+02:00

For those who were out in Chamonix last week, here's a video to explain all the hype about the North Face Ultra-Trail, and how it dominated the news in the town. Kingsley from our UIMLA guiding team ran the 100km CCC race from Courmayeur (Italy) to Champex (Switzerland) and Chamonix (France) in just over 20 hours. He put this video up on our YouTube channel, and it gives a great insight into the scale of the event, as well as a small glimpse of the effort included, and how much it means to those who take part. Click to see the film: http://www.youtube.com/user/icicleUK#p/a/u/0/7rWtbhHFdz8

Avoid getting AMS!

2010-09-01T11:37:00.003+02:00

Here is a photo from last weekends acclimatisation group on the summit of Mont Buet, guided by Lindsay. For those planning an ascent of Mont Blanc, a good acclimatisation program is essential, as there is 50% less available oxygen at that altitude. Ascending successively higher peaks stimulates the production of red blood cells, and these are essential for carrying the oxygen platelets around the body. All our IFMGA and UIMLA guiding team are highly qualified in advising about acclimatisation, and spotting the symptons of mountain sickness. Read more about our guiding team by visiting; http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/iciclestaff.shtml

Rochefort Arête

2010-09-01T11:16:00.003+02:00

Thanks to Pete from last weeks Matterhorn group, for sending us this stunning photo of the Rochefort Arête which he traversed guided by Alain. This amazing route follows the knife edge snow ridge between the Dent du Geant and Aiguille du Rochefort, and it forms the frontier between France and Italy. The exposure is huge, and the views are unforgettable. In the background of this photo is Mont Blanc and its Brenva face. Other courses that ascend this route are the Alpine Classics course, and the Eiger course as a 'warm up' before the Mittileggi ridge later in the week. You can views photos at; http://picasaweb.google.com/IcicleUK/ChamonixAlpineClassicsCourse

Mont Blanc Ultra Trail

2010-09-01T11:00:00.002+02:00

This weekend saw Chamonix invaded by thousands of trail runners from all over the world, who were there to participate in what has grown to be the most popular mountain ultra marathon event in the world; the North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. There are four routes ranging from 100 to 240km, that circumnavigate the Mont Blanc. This year was plagued by bad weather, fog, storms and heavy rains, and many people abandonned, and two races were halted by the weather. Kingsley from our Chamonix guiding team completed the CCC race from Courmayeur (Italy) to Champex (Switzerland) and Chamonix (France). He finished a very respectable 361st out of 2000.

Alps summer returns

2010-08-18T10:55:00.004+02:00

Here is a very cold looking Madonna on the summit of Gran Paradiso, all covered in rime frost with the recent wintery weather in the Alps. The photo was taken by Dan and Oscar on the 3 Countries, 3x 4000m summits course, and you can see their other great photos at; http://tinyurl.com/28sxet9. The unsettled weather over the past couple of weeks has even seen people skiing at the Grands Montets and Aiguille du Midi, and it's the middle of August! Yesterday our guides reported 60cm of fresh snow at the Midi, but todays high winds should soon strip that off the mountain. At last we are seeing a return of good weather in the Alps!