Climbing icefalls

An icefall forms as winter sets in and really takes its time. Whereas in summer there is a trickle of water flowing over the rock, from November onwards, the cold traps the water as it trickles down and patches of ice form at the top of the waterfall, known as the terrace. Then the ice forms on the ledge and the water flows a little more, with much less flow, along the rock, and several other patches of ice gradually form. The last drops of water that fall along the ice cascade turn into stalactites as they freeze in place and eventually hit the ground.

There are two essentials for ice climbing:

• mountaineering crampons
• technical ice axes

Equipment generally provided:

• a harness
• helmet
• ice axes
• avalanche transceiver
• shovel
• probe
• crampons, but not always
• ropes

What isnot provided and what you need to bring:

• a rucksack
• mountaineering boots (you can hire them from specialist shops)
• mountain trousers with tights in case of extreme cold
• a fleece
• a warm, waterproof, breathable jacket
• 2 pairs of gloves (warm and lightweight)
• a thin hat
• something to drink in a thermos flask (bottled water can freeze)
• something to eat
• depending on the location, sun protection

Who is this activity for?

Ice climbing is for adults and children aged 10 and over. For an introduction to ice climbing in Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon, you can start with the "ruisseling" activity, which involves climbing up an icy torrent. A good way to start having fun with ice without venturing onto vertical walls straight away. You'll be working on terrain with a much shallower gradient. This will also give you the chance to get to know the equipment, try out possible climbing techniques and learn more about this specific environment.

Climbing an icefall is more like mountaineering than simply climbing, so it's essential to be accompanied by a guide for the first time. Even if you are used to climbing, there are conditions to evolve that require the advice of an expert, such as weather conditions, ice conditions (risk of avalanche, quality of soft or icy ice, etc.), which can be changeable.

What position should I adopt?

Your feet should be hip-width apart and your heels angled downwards.

Your pelvis should be as close to the ice as possible while your shoulders are back.

Keep your arms straight when using the ice axes.

Serre Chevalier Sensation

For ice climbing:

They offer outings from beginner to expert level from the age of 10.

For beginners: 380€ per person

Advanced outings: €400 per person

Performance outings: from €400 per person

Climbing will take place on semi-artificial or natural sites depending on level.

For gullies:

From the age of 18, you'll be climbing on mixed terrain with ice, snow and rock. This is not open to beginners, and you should expect to pay between €400 and €700 for an outing.

The guides' office

The guides' office offers 4 types of outings for those aged 14 and over and accompanied by a parent:

• Group ice-climbing school: first steps on a rung and top-roping activity as for rock climbing on school sites.
• Introduction to ice climbing: a fun outing on ice suitable for beginners, with scrambling and an introduction to waterfalls with passages at 75°.
• Ice climbing: the great classics of the Briançonnais: a variety of itineraries between the Formes du Chaos, Muretouse, Caturgeas, le Croupe, les Bellons and le Fournel waterfalls, chosen according to weather conditions and ice quality.
• Advanced ice climbing: more difficult climbs that require a lot more technique. You can try your hand at a tube with the Cigare from "Sombre Héros" in Ceillac but also "Hiroshima" and the "Géant des Tempêtes" at Fournel or the "Colosse de Rhodes".

👛Rates

Between €105 and €400 per person.