Who is it for?

Amateur mountaineers who have already completed an arête-type mountain climb as a second in a rope party and who want to learn how to climb in the lead. To know the basic equipment, belays, rings, use of the reverso, abseiling. Know the classic knots (eight, capstan…). Know how to put on your crampons, harness, and the use of basic equipment.
This is not an initiation to ridge running but an improvement.

Number of seats

6 people per guide

Equipment to bring (in addition to the equipment for the night in the tent)

Hat, sunglasses, ski mask, sun cream, first layer such as a technical tee shirt, fleece, down jacket, gore tex windproof jacket, two pairs of gloves (one large for the descent and one small for the ascent). Ski socks. 30 liter mountain backpack. 1 liter water bottle or thermos. Semi-automatic cramponable mountain boots. Gaiters. 5 mechanical belays of different sizes.

Safety equipment provided by Petzl

Helmet, harness, walking ice axes, crampons, 120 straps, rope, 1 ice pin, 5 screw-in carabiners, single rope.

Apprenticeships

Ropes on ridge. Equipment required. Techniques for progressing on a ridge with a tight rope or by creating belays, basic knots to use, setting of belay devices and use of the terrain to evolve safely. Making a belay on a ridge. Reading and analysis of the terrain.

Itinerary (to be specified with the guide)

Descent to the cursed combe and then up to the Brenva, descent from the top of the black valley and ascent to the camp

Duration and timetable

Leave at 6.00am from the camp in the direction of the Cosmiques ridge, the start of which is located a few meters from the camp, to reach the Aiguille du Midi. Return to Chamonix by cable car at the end of the morning.