For a more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ experience on Mont Blanc, the Italian Route via the Gonella Hut takes some beating, says IFMGA Guide Ben Tibbetts
Preparing for glacial crossing
Preparation for glacier crossing should be meticulously prepared and rehearsed, so that no time is wasted either setting up the basic moving-together system or any of the techniques that may subseqently follow…
Testing the snow pack
There are a number of tests that can be done to assess the state of the snow. None of these should be taken in isolation, but used to help build up a picture of what the snow conditions in that immediate area are likely to be…
Clove hitch
This is an extremely useful knot, and it is used throughout all areas of mountaineering. Its simplicity of tying, allied with its ease of adjustment, make it ideal to secure yourself to an anchor system. It can also be tied with one hand, a useful property when needing to arrange an anchor whilst holding on to the rock or an ice axe for security…
Kingsley Jones: Alpine Diary, part 7 – Land of Rock and Fire
You’d be excused for thinking this was a blog about Iceland, with a title of ‘Land of Rock and Fire’, but no, it’s a Chamonix and alpine conditions update!
Mountain Kingdoms
Mountain Kingdoms is an independent, UK based, small group adventure holiday specialist with over 30 years’ experience. Primarily offering worldwide walking holidays, pioneering and classic treks, and trekking peak expeditions.
Ueli Steck 1976-2017
We take a look back on the life of Ueli Steck, one of the greatest alpinists of his era and a much-loved character among mountaineering communities around the world…