Advance Winter Climb in Gredos (3 days)

This Winter Climbing Course in Gredos goal it’s to provide participants with the necessary technical and logistical acknowledgement so they can, independently and safely, tackle ascents in winter conditions in which basic rock, mixed and ice climbing techniques are required. As well as a correct planning of activities and good management of the risks inherent in the High Mountains.

Our way of teaching is eminently practical and based on the real experience of many years. We will ask you about your previous experience and your expectations in order to design the best possible course. Small groups (maximum 4 people) and the personalised attention you deserve, will make this course open up a whole new world of possibilities for you.

  • 1 participant: 680 €
  • 2 participants: 360 €
  • 3 to 4 participants: 250 €
  • English speaking AEGM certified Mountain Guide.
  • Guiding Fee.
  • Liability and accidents insurance.
  • All gear needed for the course.
  • Advice before the course directly with the guide.
  • Mountain hut bookings.
  • Transportation. We can help you arrange transport to/from Madrid.
  • Meals and drinks.
  • Accommodation.
  • Personal climbing gear.
  • Anything not listed in the “Includes” section.
  • Maximum 6 participants per guide.
  • We will try to make the group as homogeneous as possible in terms of technical level and physical condition.

COURSE DETAILS

CONTENTS

  • Planning and strategy in winter mountaineering.
  • Use and interpretation of information: Guides, reviews, topos. difficulty grades.
  • Gear and equipment for winter mountaineering of moderate difficulty.
  • Basic snow study concepts. If conditions are right, rescue Avalanche victims with ARVA.
  • The bivouac: Tips for spending the night in high winter mountains.
  • Use of crampons. Progression techniques for different inclinations terrain.
  • Use of the ice axe in steep snow and ice and use of two ice axes.
  • Self-arrest techniques will not be seen. They are supposed to be covered in introductory courses and usually practices by students.
  • Tying up. Modification of party distance.
  • Climbing pitches vs. simul climbing
  • Snow anchors. Types according to the consistency of the snow.
  • Anchors on ice. Ice screws placing and Abalakov. Ice belays.
  • Rock anchors and belays.
  • Fast progression through little difficulty terrain.
  • Abseiling review. Abseiling with broken ropes.
  • Principles of self-rescue on the wall (rope ascent).
  • Progression and self-rescue on glaciers.These are the maximum goals. Reaching all of them will only be possible if the conditions of the mountain and the previous knowledge of the students allow it.If the conditions are good, and the group has met the expectations, last day could consist of a supervised ascent to a representative peak in the area.

  • 3 days, with 2 nights in the Laguna Grande refuge
  • The appointment will be the first day at 9 AM in Hoyos del Espino
  • When the group is formed, we will try to organise ourselves to share vehicles.

  • Sierra de Gredos. Usually in the Circo de Gredos, spending the night in the Laguna Grande Refuge, but depending on conditions we can do it in other areas of the massif.

  • Good physical condition.
  • Have attend at least one introductory winter mountaineering course.
  • At least 10 winter activities with crampons and ice axe experience.
  • At least 5 ascents in which the use of the rope is necessary.
  • Eager to learn.

Personal Gear

  • Semi-rigid mountain boots. This requirement is mandatory. When in doubt, send us a photo of your boots.
  • Warm socks and spare pairs.
  • Gaiters.
  • 35/45 litres mountain backpack.
  • Clothing suitable for winter conditions.
  • Beanie, Buff, and two pairs of gloves, at least one waterproof.
  • Sunglasses, googles and sunscreen.
  • Canteen or thermos flask.
  • Food for the day (sandwich, nuts, bars, fruit, etc.).
  • Headlamp.
  • Thermal blanket.
  • Bed linen for the refuge.

Technical Gear:

  • Mountaineering ice axe (1 or 2, consult)
  • Correctly adjust crampons with antiboot (available for rent)
  • Mountaineering helmet
  • Climbing harness
  • PAS with locking carabiner
  • 6 locking carabiners (4 of them HMS type)
  • 1 reverse type belay device.
  • 1 120 cm sling.
  • 2 x 6 mm 125 cm cord.
  • 1 cord of 7 mm and 5 meters long.
  • 1 Microtraxion, Tibloc or Roll & Lock, rope clamp.
  • Some friends, stoppers, pitons and ice screws.
  • Some quickdraws (normal and extendable, with 60 cm slings)If you do not have some of the technical gear, we provide it for free (except crampons and ice axe, which we have for rent at € 7 each)

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY

MEDIUM-HIGH

PHYSICAL CONDITION

MEDIUM-HIGH

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