Access to autonomy to walk on a glacier. Know how to move safely in a rope party on a glacier. Master the basic roping techniques and improve/start with cramponing. Know the techniques of crevasse rescue, dead body, pulley system, holding a fall in a crevasse. Reading the route on a glacier. Prepare your trip in advance using maps and topos.
People who are in good overall physical shape and have good experience of mountain walking on all types of terrain. Previous experience of walking with crampons on a roped glacier is desirable. You must know how to tie a rope knot and put on your crampons alone.
6 people.
Hat, sunglasses, ski mask, sun cream, first layer such as a technical tee shirt, fleece, down jacket, gore tex type windproof jacket, two pairs of gloves (one thin + one thick). Alpine type trousers. Ski socks. 30 liter mountain backpack. 1 liter water bottle or thermos. Semi-automatic cramponable mountain boots. Gaiters.
Helmet, harness, walking ice axe, crampons, sling, rope, ice pin, screw carabiners, single rope
Meet with the guide and briefing the day before. Leave camp at 6h towards Pointe Helbronner crossing the Vallée Blanche.
Mastering the evolution on a glacier. What equipment to take. Techniques for roping up on a glacier. Use of crampons and ice axe. Reading and analysing the terrain. Crevasse rescue: pulley system and getting out of a crevasse.
Departure at 06:00 am, return to the bivouac by 11:30 amDeparture at 6am, return by 11.30am to the Aiguille du Midi via the Panoramic Mont-Blanc.