Matterhorn 6-11 July, 2009
Chamonix Experience 6 day climb Matterhorn course from the 6th to the 11th of July was guided by Swiss guide Yannick and had two keen participants, James from New Zealand and Michael from the UK.
They spent the four preparation days around the Chamonix valley. The week started with a day on Flégère to brush up on rock climbing skills followed by a two-day outing up to the Couvercle hut to climb Le Moine. Unfortunately, it got cold that night and the rocky peak was covered in snow the following morning. Not what you want for rock climbing, so they had to cancel that ascent and did a glacier trek to the Leschaux hut and back.
Day four was spent around the Aiguille du Midi for further acclimatisation. They climbed on Pointe Lachenal followed by an ascent of the Cosmiques arête to get back to the lift station. A pretty long day!
THE BIG DAY! A second Chamonix Experience guide Philippe joined the party as the Matterhorn is guided one to one. An early start in the dark is required. Climbing in the beam of a head torch is a challenge for route finding but both Philippe and Yannick have experience from several previous Matterhorn ascents so they know their way up the mountain.
The conditions were not the easiest, still a bit too icy and snowy for the Matterhorn, but both Michael and James are strong climbers with experience so they pushed on and they did make the summit. It was Michael’s birthday too; what a present!
Congratulations and well done to everyone!
James and Michael followed Chamonix Experience 6 day Matterhorn course. This course is suitable for climbers with previous mountaineering and rock climbing experience. During the first four days the aim is to brush up on rock climbing skills and get comfortable moving on exposed rocky ridges type of terrain, similar to the Matterhorn. Equally important is getting used to the altitude as a climb like the Matterhorn requires 100% concentration for every step of the route.
For more information about this course follow the link or contact the office.
photo-blog Martina Palm 29 Jul 2009 No Comments
