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Once again I am offering private guiding in the French Alps during the winter season. I work primarily at La Grave, but also in the Chamonix valley. If you want to book a particular date but find that I am already booked, I should be able to arrange another Guide for you. All guiding is led by UIAGM/IFMGA Guides, guaranteeing the highest level of qualification and expertise. By booking your own Guide for yourself or your small group, you have lots of input into the content of your days out and the routes undertaken. If you have a particular ambition but don't have the experience or expertise to tackle it yourself, private guiding is the answer. Ratios and Routes Some of the best ice climbing areas in the world are to be found at La Grave, with numerous vertical icefalls from 40m to 600m long. Ski lifts provide access to 3550m, with limitless variety of skiing terrain. There are classic climbs of all grades, although most are Grade IV and above, and many climbs are reached after very short walks. The size of your group will determine the kind of challenges you can undertake - the smaller the ratio, the more adventurous the climbs. The maximum ratio is 1:3. Guiding Fees The fees are £250 per day. In addition, you must pay for my tickets on any telepheriques used.

Accommodation Check out the Accommodation in Europe page for ideas. Preparation The fitter you are, the more you will get out of your time with us, as all ice climbing requires considerable physical effort. Swimming, cycling, and hill-walking are all good preparation. Equipment List See the Equipment for Icefall Climbing page. Insurance Insurance is absolutely essential when climbing abroad. You must ensure you are covered for rescue from the mountain environment, medical treatment, and cancellation, as well as all the normal things such as personal belongings. Standard holiday insurance does not cover for adventurous activities. We recommend either: British Mountaineering Council offer a range of levels of cover to members, depending on exactly what activities you will be undertaking. Tel 0161 445 4747. Foundry Travel Services also offer a range of cover. Tel 0114 275 5806.

Booking Conditions
Please send a non-refundable deposit cheque with your booking form: £250 per booking for up to 6 days, £500 per booking for 7 days or more. The balance of the fee will be due 14 days before the start of the course. If the booking is made within 14 days of the guiding start date, please send the full fee with the booking form. If you cancel for any reason and we cannot fill your date, we will expect you to pay the full fee as arranged and claim from the insurance company as appropriate. If we fill your date, we will refund your fee less the deposit. If we cancel, we will refund any money paid in full.