Katie and Craig's trip to Chamonix: Part 2

As promised here's Craig's Q&A session from Katie's and his trip to Chamonix. We've already had an insight into Katie's experiences, so here's what Outdoorkit's climbing expert thought!


What was the purpose of your trip to Chamonix?

Craig: It was a test event for retail staff from across the UK. It was sponsored by Berghaus and run by mountain guides from Mountain Tracks. The purpose was to test kit supplied by Berghaus and use it in the environment it was meant for. They provided me with the Saltoro Jacket and softhshell trousers. These should have been great for the trip but unfortunate unseasonal 'scottish winter' weather meant additional outer layers were needed and the kit couldn't be used to it's full potential.


What kind of activities did you take part in? Which was your favourite?

Craig: We were there for three days, so that meant three different activities. Day one started with a cable car ride up the Aiguille Du Midi, starting at 1035m, straight up to 3777m. We had a short walk across the Valle Blanche in less than perfect conditions and at times we could only see our guide on the other end of the rope.

We then set out to tackle the Pointe Lachenal, a short ice climb, followed by a traverse up to the mountain hut. I was a little nervous at actually climbing an ice wall. After a short wait I started my first climb, armed with crampons and a walking axe. I could feel my calves being given a pretty good work out on the way up, so I'm guessing I could do with improving my technique.

Day 2 was the ascent of the Arete Des Cosmiques, I was told this had some amazing views but the weather was against us again. It was an enjoyable route that was challenging enough for my level of experience. Back at the Aiguille Du Midi we descended back down to Chamonix to clean up. Even this has it's surprises as after a shower I found that my nose had not faired so well in the weather as several layers of skin on the tip of my nose came off, leaving a rather red and sensitive patch of raw flesh exposed (nice).


Where did you sleep? What were the sleeping quarters like?

Craig: We spent the first and last night of the trip at the Hotel Pointe Isabella. A nice hotel, although was a little disappointed that our bath was missing a shower curtain so I had to crouch in the bath to stop the floor from flooding! The Refuge Du Cosmiques at 11, 854ft (3613m) was our high altitude stop over. Although very basic, it was clean, warmer and more comfortable than I was expecting. The bedroom was interesting with 4 mattresses all in a row on a platform with another 4 above and then another 2 three tiered large bunk beds.

Were you affected by altitude sickness? How did you overcome it?

Craig: I had a slight headache, but just got on with it!


What did you get out of the trip? What did you learn?

Craig: The whole trip was a good experience and a good opportunity to further my mountaineering skills. I learnt more about alpine mountaineering and the techniques involved. I now have a better understanding on how far C2 crampons and a single walking axe will get you. On another note, I learnt the french word 'Allez' and that the price of a can of coke over there is outrageous! Many thanks to all at Berghaus and Mountain Tracks for such an awesome trip!