// Trip Reports  

Report name	Clifton College Alpine Skills
Date submitted	Sep-05

Ten pupils and their teacher, Martin Williams, arrived at Geneva airport fresh eyed and wearing their new Adventureworks fleeces ready for their Alpine Skills course.

The main aim of the twelve-day trip was to give the students a thorough grounding in Alpine climbing skills, through technical instruction and mountaineering days. A team of two Swiss climbing guides and British guide, Mac Mackay, provided the experience and knowledge to instruct the pupils. Numerous skills sessions were held to learn essential Alpine skills such as roping up, prussiking and crevasse rescue. One day was spent on the Ferpecle Glacier mastering the use of ice axes and crampons, plus practising rope techniques. Four consecutive climbing days further honed the students' skills whilst doing the real thing! Our first peak was the Pte de Vouasson, which we ascended after a night at the Aiguille Rouge Hut. We were just minutes from the summit when Mac took the decision to come down because of an electrical storm. Two days later, everyone in the group succeeded on the Pigne D’Arolla (3,790m). Getting to the top was a fine moment as the mountain was visible from the campsite and some of the pupils were composing a song in the vein of "Is this the way to Amarillo?" in dedication to the mountain.

The course also sought to build on the students' rock climbing experience by progressing to leading outdoors on bolted routes and learning the basics of 'traditional' (leader placed protection) climbing. Two days were spent on a local crag. The first saw students refreshing their climbing technique and also gave them the chance to practice abseiling. The second day, after the mountain days, saw the group grow in confidence and skill level. Everyone succeeded on harder climbs and also managed to lead a route, the first time for many. More advanced climbing skills were also practiced, such as assisted and unassisted hoists. There was also a session on traditional climbing.

There was also the chance to experience a ‘Via Ferrata’ (fixed ladders and cables) on the crag above Evolene. The first time for everyone, the pupils had to first master the technique of clipping in to the ladders and metal rope before mastering their vertigo on the steep and at times, overhanging Via Ferrata. The final full day saw everyone on mountain bikes working very hard on an ascent to 2,600 metres. The real joy came of course in the descent, but not before a useful bike skills session.

Additionally, the course aimed to educate the students about the Alpine environment; flora and fauna, environmental protection, local culture and the history and ethics of mountaineering. Besides the climbing, there was the need for students to endure, and at times enjoy, Alpine camping at nearly 2,000 metres. The group, helped by Adventureworks staff member, Thomas Chatfield, were responsible for preparing and cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday, washing up, keeping the campsite clean and being on time for activities.

The expedition was based in Arolla, Switzerland. Arolla is just a small collection of shops, chalets, a couple of hotels and one campsite at the head of a long and pretty valley, which is sparsely populated and relatively undeveloped. Its attraction is that you can access all the mountain huts and thereafter summits by foot from the village. Close by there are also some superb valley crags and bouldering venues. What you don’t find are the cable cars, bars and nightclubs of many Alpine valleys. The final night saw everyone take to the local Hotel for a marathon fondue session. Despite a belly full of cheese, a few of the talented pupils entertained the others with some piano playing and singing.

Overall, the students gained much more than just an ‘Introduction' to Alpine climbing and hopefully will have fond memories of their expedition in Arolla as they go on to build on the experience.

Thomas Chatfield, Adventureworks staff