Connecting the Expedition & Adventure community

ALL INCLUSIVE EXCEPT FLIGHTS & LIFT PASS

• Price per person based on 6 participants: £3350
• Price per person based on 4 participants: £3896

*****Extra Option to Tandem Parapent of the summit of Mt Blanc******

This course is a great experience in its own right to learn the basics for alpine climbing, but particularity in respect to the bigger Himalaya Giants. I personally am looking to take a team up Baruntse (7200m) & Mera Peak in Oct this year with a view at tackling Everest or another 8000m in 2010.

Described as ‘the firm first footing to climbing Mt Everest’, the course is packed with information and details of all that climbing on Everest involves. Ideal for those with no previous climbing experience as well as those with basic skills. For some it acts a ‘clearing house’ for many of the unknowns, as well as focusing aspirations, imparting first hand knowledge, skills and experience.

If you are interested in taking part, there are currently 6 participants and just 2 places left.
Contact Henry Cookson Adventures on 07785297399 or follow the facebook page.

Here are further details about the course.

All provided by some of the world’s top Everest mountaineers, expedition specialists and guides who have personal experience of the Great Mountain. The course is an adventure in its own right, exciting, exhilarating and fulfilling with an ascent of the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc (15781ft.)

• Arrive Geneva Airport. Met on arrival. Transfer to Chamonix.
• Settle into Everest Skills accommodation at Chalet Maverik, the centre of learning and operations for the next 9 days.
• Clothing and equipment check; and local area familiarisation.
• Early evening cocktails with your tutors and mountain guides. Relax in the chalet facilities.

• Breakfast with today’s tutors at the Chalet
• AM – Tutorials
  • Presentation, with video and stills, on climbing Mt Everest by Kenton Cool or Victor Saunders.
  • Followed by ~ An overview of climbing history of Mt Everest. Mountain lore and ethics. Threats, deaths and injury. High altitude “mind games” and physiological challenges. Acute Mountain Sickness and common medical conditions exacerbated by altitude. Frostbite awareness and prevention. Medical and accident evacuation procedures.
  • Local lunch.
• PM.
  • Trek to Orney Hut. Overnight and supper in Hut

• Breakfast at hut and” Alpine start” to return to Chamonix.
• AM – Tutorials
  • How to live at high altitude and maximise rest and energy. Training for High Altitude, and other preparation techniques. Discussion of cardiovascular stamina training and techniques. Supper at your discretion. Rest and Relax
• PM – Tutorials
  • Nepali and Sherpa culture. Spiritual beliefs, understanding their impacts and limitations. Nepali Government permits and permissions, liaison officers and officialdom. High altitude nutrition. Eating for success and high altitude. Cooking equipment and methods. Personal and mountain hygiene, viral infections and prevention.
• Supper at your discretion. Rest and Relax

• Full Day of instruction on the Mere De Glace, or similar
• Learning simple knots for Basic Mountain craft and HA use. Using ice axe and crampons. Practice ice axe and crampons, fixed rope skills with ascenders and brakes. Crevasse crossing and fixing sectional ladders. Mountaineering clothing and equipment systems and introduction to High Altitude clothing and equipment.
• Evening at the Chalet
• Risk assessment ~formal and informal, liabilities and insurance. Disaster management
• Dealing the International Press. Meeting sponsors demands and requirements.

• Tutorials AM
  • High altitude medical and first aid skills, Use of Gamow bags, benefits of hyperbaric masks and tents in acclimatisation, Medicinal and supplementary climbing oxygen (cannular or mask?)
• Tutorials PM
  • Everest climbing tactics. Routines on the mountain. The importance of “critical time objectives”. Meteorology and Everest weather patterns. Dealing the International Press. Mountain communications. External communications. Satellite Broadcasting and equipment. Meeting sponsors demands and requirements.
• Final discussions and confirmation of knowledge, questions and answers.

• Transfers to Geneva airport for onwards travel

• Kenton Cool (Everest summiteer and Guide)
• Victor Saunders (Everest summiteer and Guide)
• Stu McDonald (Everest summiteer and Guide)
• Rob Caserley Everest summiteer and Guide)
• Sean Hudson (Everest summiteer and Guide)
• Matt Helliker (technical assistance)

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• Dr Guy Willet (Summiteer Cho Oyo; High Altitude medicine)
• Ted Atkins HA Everest summiteer and oxygen specialist
• Nigel Gifford OBE Everest climber and expedition specialist

Chalet Maverick (base of operations)

Chalet Maverick has been recently renovated and located just outside Chamonix centre (Les Bossons). With 4 spacious twin / double bedrooms, the chalet is in a peaceful spot with beautiful views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. The staff is there to make sure your stay is perfect. A driver service means you’re never more than a phone call away from where you want to be. The chalet has a hot tub, sauna, SKY TV, and wireless internet.

• Transfers as required throughout.
• All accommodation and breakfast at chalet.
• Tutorials covering topics mentioned
• Guiding by IFMGA qualified guides throughout.
• Equipment for bivouacking
• All training equipment and ropes
• Accommodation in alpine huts, as required

• International airfares
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Telepherique lift passes
• Lunch and supper
• Any drinks of an alcoholic nature
• Laundry
• Any expenditure of a personal nature
• Telephone calls