We thought we'd get the lowdown on the trip, with the first installment concentrating on Katie's experience and the second on Craig's. With it being Katie's first foray into the climbing world, it was pretty interesting to see how she got on and most importantly if she enjoyed it or not!
So here's a Q&A with Katie.
What was the purpose of your trip to Chamonix?
Katie: The trip was designed to give us an insight into moutaineering and to get some hands on experience so we're more confident and 'in the know' when it comes to dealing with customers on the phone.
What kind of activities did you take part in? Which was your favourite?
Katie: I was in the beginners group and we started with some training, getting used to using crampons and ice axes and the different techniques and styles of using them on an ice glacier. We then mountaineered up to a refuge hut on the mountain. On the 2nd day we went back down the mountain and spent the rest of the day rock climbing.
What was the hardest part of the trip?
Katie: Mountaineering - especially getting used to using crampons. When we went out on the mountain we had to trek on a ridge which was only about a meter wide and had a sheer drop on either side. It was incredibly scary, even just trekking across the mountain was hard work with altitude sickness and bad fitness.
Where did you sleep? What were your sleeping quarters like?
Katie: We stayed in a hotel called Pointe Isabelle for two nights, but on the 2nd night we stayed in a refuge hut on the mountain which was good, but a little weird due to the altitude sickness.
On the subject of the hotel, here's a few breathtaking views from Katie's balconey!
Were you effecting by altitude sickness? How did you overcome it?
Katie: I had the feeling of slight nausea, tiredness and didn't feel like eating. I went to bed at 8pm and slept through most of it. We trekked fairly slowly so it didn't effect us too much, I think mine was more nerves than altitude sickness if anything.
What did you get out of the trip, what did you learn?
Katie: I got a brillant opportunity to do something that I probably wouldn't normally have done. I got to see some beautiful landscapes, especially on the cable car, on the mountain and when rock climbing. I learnt that I'm not as scared of heights as I thought and I've now improved on my rock climbing skills.
Would you do a similar kind of trip again?
Katie: Yes, but nothing too hard as walking along the ridge was scary enough when we first went up the mountain! Loads of thanks goes to Berghaus and Mountrain tracks though for such a great experience!
We'll be bringing you the Q&A session with Craig shortly!
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