Alpine mountaineering
Descending the glacier from Roche Faurio, with the Barre des Ecrins in the background — photo © Dan Eves. Barre des Ecrins
Under the watchful eye of local guide and expert climber, François Lombard, five Paulines and two members of staff spent a week climbing and mountaineering in the southern French Alps during half-term. The Paulines were soon leading, even conquering some 6a+ routes. Some time was spent on multi-pitch routes, abseiling and acquiring many essential skills, followed by a first day at altitude, learning ice-axe and crampon skills on the Glacier Blanc, with a chance to have a go at ice-climbing an overhanging wall on the glacier.
The Pic de Neige Cordier (3614m) put the new ice- and rock-climbing techniques to the test, with an ascent of a snowy chimney to a col and an exposed scramble along a rocky ridge to the summit. The clear day gave spectacular views of all the main alpine peaks, including Mt Blanc and the Matterhorn. Joined by an additional guide for the last day, the group made an ascent of Roche Faurio (3730m).
Find out more about outdoor pursuits at St Paul’s.