Ice Climbing Skills Weekend

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Anna Porta

  ICE CLIMBING SKILLS WEEKEND

  

  Written January 2013

  An exciting 2 days of ice climbing, and 2 half days of shopping/sightseeing/relaxing in the beautiful Briancon. Ideal for beginners but you must have a head for heights and a 'can do' attitude to really enjoy it, you'll be left wanting more!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to the top of a real 250m high frozen waterfall was definitely the highlight of the trip, if you are a beginner you are left feeling really proud of yourself as you stroll back down to base through the woods!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Philippe the instructor was so patient and helpful, which is exactly what you need generally, and even more so if you are at your first experience on ice!  I felt safe and well looked after at all times, which is also very important when you are doing winter activities.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you haven't got your own, don't be afraid to try out different boots at the hire shop until you find the ones that are just right for you as you'll be spending a lot of time in them! Also, trust the rope!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I absolutely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to try something different.  You get to enjoy a totally different side of the mountains in winter, away from the crowds and doing something that you would not have thought you were able to do! 

  The old part of Briancon is also very beautiful with lots of nice restaurants where to tell your tales at the end of the day and lots of little artisan shops to spend your free half day before departure.   

   
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  Gabi D

  ICE CLIMBING SKILLS WEEKEND

  

  Written January 2013

  For me, as a rock climber, this was the perfect introduction to ice-climbing. I enjoyed it so much, that I will definitely go ice climbing again.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Philippe has got 30 years of rock climbing experience and 20 years of ice climbing experience. Climbing alongside him really inspired me and this ice climbing weekend made me a more confident climber. The amount of skill I learned just from watching him climbing is priceless. He is one of those athletes who make their sport look easy.

  The most exciting moment for me was when we reached the top of a 250m waterfall. My adrenalin was high, my jaw ached from constant smiling and the sense of achievement was like nothing I have ever experienced. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Philippe is in his late 40’s, great guy, genuine, friendly and a very strong climber. He is full of energy, incredibly fit and always in a good mood. He never failed to encourage us and gave us all the “you can do it” feeling.

  Philippe is extremely safety conscience, very professional, always keeping an eye on everyone. At no point he left his guard, constantly checking the ropes, knots, karabiners. Probably his biggest strength though was how he judged our abilities and according to that picked the climbing sites and routes. He took the time to drive around the area to find the most appropriate place for us beginners to climb on. He found waterfalls where the ice was not too hard and climbs not too long. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Ice climbing is a different skill to rock climbing so you do not need any experience on the rock. If you however do want get a head start, do an hour’s tuition at Ellis Bringham outdoor shop (Covent Garden in London, or Manchester) – they call it Vertical Chill and it is basically real indoor ice wall and you can try it out.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Go for it. You will have so much fun!