Congratulations to the conservative Lord and former MP, Micheal Forsyth, who has just climbed the highest mountain in Antarctica, Mount Vinson.
Michael had been in training for the climb since last winter when we did some training climbs together in the Scottish Highlands. Previous rock climbing experience and ascents of two of the worlds other '7 Summits' (Acconcagua and Kilimanjiro)... more>
The lead in to Hogmenay has been chraracterised by thawing conditions across the Scottish Highlands. The impressive early season snow cover was softened to an unpleasant slush and the widespread low level ice receeded up the hill. Climbing conditions however remained good with well frozen turf and fat icefalls remaining up high.
Andy, Chris and I enjoyed some soft plastic cascade ice c... more>
Working as rangers for U.S. based company ‘Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE)’ British Guides Simon Abrahams and Rob Jarvis have just opened the summer summit season on Mount Vinson (at 4892m the highest mountain in Antarctica).
ALE provide air access to the mountain via an Illyushin-76 Jet from Southern Patagonia to their new base camp ‘Union Glacier’ in the Southern Ellswor... more>
'Australian climber and polar skier, Damien Gildea has published a new book on Antarctic mountaineering this week.'
Mountaineering in Antarctica - Climbing in the Frozen South....
Damien's book is the product of many years of personal climbing and exploration on the continent and the result of endless research and conversations with experienced Antarctic climbers. This appealing... more>
The British Alpine Ski School in Chamonix (BASS Chamonix) are running another of their extremely popular off-piste ski courses designed for mountaineers. The course is aimed at fit and confident skiers who already have a good knowledge of avalanche and mountain issues and are psyched to take their off-piste skiing to a new... more>
Yet another long period of stella autumn alpine weather in the Chamonix Valley finally passed this weekend as the Southerly Foehn winds arrived.
It has been an active period for alpine climbers in the Chamonix Valley with teams on the following routes:
Fil a Plomb, NW Face Aiguille du Plan. Many teams on this good ice climb including one team choppered off.
Carrin... more>
High Mountain Guides will be running the full compliment of mountaineering courses in the Scottish Highlands this coming winter season. From introductory training with ice-axe and crampons to technical winter climbing, we will be providing high quality bespoke courses for small groups and individuals.
All courses are based in Fort William and will be starting between Christmas a... more>
The North Face of the Eiger, a route that captures the imagination of most of the public let alone mountaineers, has been in fantastic condition for the last few weeks of the autumn. Seeing the end of an extremely stable weather window coming to an end Mike Brownlow and I decided that 'the hour was now' and made our way to Grindlewald for a 1 day ascent of the face and spectacular bivi on t... more>
React First are running a 2 day outdoor first aid course based in Chamonix on the 10th & 11th of November this year. Designed specifically for those who spend time in the outdoors whether they are involved in recreational, professional or voluntary activities this is the perfect opportunity to brush up your skills and re-validate your outdoor first aid qualification for any of the follow... more>
A month of alpine autumn weather has alternated cool showery storms with fine bright, cold & stable periods. Decent conditions for starting to build snow and ice on the North Faces of the Chamonix Valley.
Mike Brownlow and Rich Bentley found reasonable conditions on the North Face of the Aiguille du Chardonnet climbing the fine icy mixed 'Escarra Route,' (III,4) which Jean Escarra... more>
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