Winter mountaineering

What exactly pushes people towards winter mountaineering?
Is it the incredible atmosphere?
Having the mountains all to themselves?
Combing everything that makes mountaineering so inticing – snow, ice, rock?
Curiosity?

The mountains in winter are amazing, it just requires a bit of daring and knowledge to fully enjoy them and to transform a simple outing into what feels like a faraway adventure.

If you already have experience climbing in summer, or even ice climbing, why not try a mountaineering adventure in winter at your own pace:

Gullies
Ridge traverses
Long routes

RATES/ LEVEL / NUMBER of participants: contact us and we will plan your project together.

Technical gear

A 35 liter (approximate) backpack
A mountaineering/climbing helmet*
Telescopic hiking poles that fit into your pack (3 sections) or ski poles
A pair of ice axes for ice climbing
Twelve-point steel crampons that are sharpened and fit your boots
Harness*
Three locking carabiners*
A belay device (Reverso, ATC-Guide or other device with a guide mode for belaying a second)
Accessory cord for a friction hitch (150cm of 7mm accessory cord)*
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Transceiver, shovel, and probe*

*Gear we can provide if necessary. Please let us know before the outing what gear you need.

Personal gear

Mountaineering boots with a rigid (shank) sole, and with both toe and heel welts for automatic crampons. Your boots should be suited for winter weather.
Note: spending the day in worn-out boots that are not warm enough can ruin the outing. You should be able to move your toes inside your boots to avoid cold feet. You are better off selecting a boot that is a half or full size bigger than usual. If you do not have winter mountaineering boots, backcountry ski touring boots will also work.
Warm hiking socks (no cotton!)
Waterproof mountaineering or ski pants
Base layers – expedition weight – top and bottom
Gaiters (essential, make sure they are big enough to fit over your boots)
Waterproof hard shell jacket (Gore-Tex or other)
Down/synthetic parka
Fleece jacket or warm insulated jacket
Fast-wicking t-shirt base layer
Three pairs of gloves (2 lightweight pair and 1 warm pair or even mittens)
Fleece/wool hat (which ideally covers your ears)
Neck warmer/balaclava
High altitude sunglasses (Level 4 UV protection)
Ski goggles
Sunscreen and lip balm
1 liter thermos
Lunch and high-energy snack
In a Ziploc bag: cash, credit/debit card, 2 or 3 checks (huts rarely take debit/credit cards), health insurance card, proper identification
Lightweight survival blanket
Compact camera