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Grandes Jorasses

The most prestigious climbing tour in the Alps, the Walkerpfeiler at the Grandes-Jorasses North Face.

Desired Target: the most prestigious climbing tour in the Alps, the Walkerpfeiler at the Grandes-Jorasses North Face.
Time Frame: one year.
Factsheet: 1.200 m elevation gain, VII- Oder VI/A0, partly firn and ice up to 60°, 56 rope lengths, thereof 15 V-VI, the rest is little easier than IV, long challenging descent.

In order to get to know each other and to discuss further details, we are going to meet on a weekend with good weather forecast in June in Chamonix, France. Here, we are able to enjoy the full scope of all possible and (allegedly) impossible mountaineering activities. After an exquisite climbing tour at the Pilier Rouge de Blatière and a short ice and mixed terrain route at the Triangle du Tacul on the next day, we can be certain: climbing abilities, physical and height fitness of the participant leave nothing to be desired. At this point our training program starts. We are going to train important tasks like rope handling, motion economy in long routes, equipment management and most of all the movement on mixed and rough terrain. No sooner said than done.We are going to schedule roughly one weekend of training per month. First, we are going to focus on intermediate climbing routes (IV-V), which we are going to extend in length over time (e.g. “Fedele-Dibona” at the Pordoispitze, Dolomites, 800 m elevation gain, 28 rope lengths, IV+). Usually, we are going to schedule our upcoming target 14 days ahead and meet at Friday night to travel to the agreed destination.

Over the summer, we are stepping up to higher mountains. First, we are dedicating ourselves on securing techniques in the ice, including column salvage so we are prepared for the enter and exit of the high alpine classics (e.g. “Cordierpfeiler” at the Aiguilles de Chamonix, 600 m elevation gain, VI-).

In Autumn we use our flow to raise the bar and try ourselves on more advanced routes (e.g. “Pilastro” at the Tofana, 500 m elevation gain, VII+ or VI+/A1).

In order not to get out of practice over Winter, it is useful, to meet on 2-3 weekends to climb some frozen waterfalls and/or on mixed terrain. This would be a good training, firstly because both disciplines are good alternatives to indoor climbing and secondly because we are practicing entry and exit procedures under real conditions which is a very useful preparation for classic mixed tours.

In spring the number one goal is to regain our routine in classic rock climbing. In the beginning, it is mostly about making distances. As many and as enjoyable as possible, to reach our old autumn-level. The focus is on alpine sport climbing.

Before we are setting about our final goal in July, we are going to a climb one more alpine classic as a final rehearsal (e.g. “Cassin” in the Badile-Northeastern-Wall, 900 m elevation gain, VI).
The only thing that could possibly interfere with our legendary celebration feast at the Maison de la Filippo in Etreves (at the end of the long descent from the peak of the Grandes Jorasses), would be extraordinary bad weather conditions. Otherwise we have left nothing to chance when it comes to preparing for this very special fairytale-like granite mountain.

For independent mountaineers, we also offer this tour as a more compact version. In this package, a weekend trip to get to know each other is included and if there is nothing else to discuss we are ready to start the guided tour through the Walkerpfleiler.

Adventure Factor foolhardy
Experience / Emotion lifechanging
Fitness / Struggle suffer
Risk come back as hero
Comfort expedition style

Highlights:

  • Perfect preparation for the Walkerpfeiler
  • Individual training customized on your abilities
  • Alpine classic tours for preparation
  • IFMGA/AMGA mountain guide
  • Guided tour to the Grandes Jorasses over the Walkerpfeiler as the absolute highlight

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

The exact schedule and dates will be arranged individually.

check_circle_outline  Included:

  • Whole organization and coordination of the program
  • Review of the performance level of the participant an development of a customized development program
  • All guided preparation tours including accommodation of the mountain guide
  • Guided tour through the Walkerpfeiler
  • IFMGA/AMGA mountain guide
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  Not included:

  • Accommodation and cost of living during the preparation tours
  • Travel to/from destination during the main tour
  • Personal Insurance

info  General Infos

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) at “Europäische Reiseversicherung AG[European Travel insurance].

For this journey the insurance package “Annual-Complete+Cover” would be suitable. We’re happy to provide you with an individual offer after the booking of the trip or on request.

language Entry Requirements

Passport and Visa Regulations

For EU citizens:

Switzerland: When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 or more months.

Information on recommended vaccines and health regulations:
http://www.who.int/ith/en/

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

The required equipment will be announced by the guide.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty/ Technique

This tour is a very challenging, difficult and high alpine tour in a rock and ice terrain.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key success factor for this tour is being in good shape.

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each participant undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation.

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

The following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel:

until 30 days prior to departure…………………………. 30%
29 – 20 days prior to departure…………………….. 40%
19 -10 days prior to departure…………………….. 70%
9 – 4 days prior to departure………………………… 80%
from the 3rd day prior to departure (72 hours)………100%
on the day of departure………………………………… 100% of the tour fee.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of participants is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.