3 – 18 July 2010

Ailfroide, Dauphine Alps, France

Download the Summer Meet booking form here

Download the Summer Meet Information Pack here 

Summer Alpine Meet gear list here

*Booking deadline has been extended*

****UPDATE ON PRICING****

MI are keen to ensure that as many people can take advantage of the alpine meet and have therefore reduced the price of the following courses:

Introduction to rock climbing €80 minimum 4 people
Improvers rock climbing €80 minimum of 4 people
Multi pitch €180 minimum 2 people

5 day walking tour €400 minimum of 4 people needed
5 day adventure tour €500 minimum of 4 people needed
Alpine introduction € 600 minimum of 3 people needed
Alpine advanced € €950 minimum 2 people needed
For the 3 days for the over 50's and Alpine intermediate there is no change.

The location for the 2010 Alpine Meet from July 3 to 18 is Ailefroide, in the High Dauphiné Alps. Nestled at the foot of the Mont Pelvoux (3946 m) this beautiful, small and rather quiet village is located in the 2nd largest French mountaineering area after Chamonix. The Dauphine Alps (meaning Dolphin) is one of France's foremost areas for all mountain activities with three of France’s highest mountains outside of the Mont Blanc massif and many other fabulous peaks and glaciers. With spectacular, high walking passes, more than 100 peaks over 3,000m and steep rock walls, it is hardly surprising that walkers and mountaineers have been attracted to this region for more than a century. 

Walking - The area is a haven for walkers wanting to explore some spectacular scenery in France’s largest national park, with hundreds of kilometres of well-maintained mountain paths. You can, without having to use a car, take paths leading to refuges, traverse tracks made by chamois and marmots lined with orange lily and martagon flowers, and perhaps if you’re lucky spot the Isabelle butterfly, a very rare species.

Rock climbing - In the climbing world, Ailefroide is renowned as one of the most beautiful natural climbing spots in the world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, whether you prefer long routes or boulders, you’ll find something to suit you. In 2003 Ailefroide played host to, the first ‘International Bouldering Meet’, a few days before the 2003 world cup.

The campsite at Ailefroide nestles amongst towering rock walls. If cragging is your thing then this is the place to be. There are 300m rock walls five minutes from the campsite, 600m walls just down the road and beautiful rock ridges in the higher mountains. Easily accessible rock routes abound in the area whilst the surrounding areas of the Briançonnais, Cerces, Vercors and Devoluy contain numerous multi pitch and single pitch routes, usually on limestone.

Alpinism - The area has some of the finest challenges in the Alps with classic routes to all the major summits: From Ailefroide you can rejoin one of the refuges (Glacier Blanc, Ecrins, Pelvoux or Sele), spend the night and get an early start on one of the prestigious surrounding summits: the Pelvoux traverse and the descent by the Violettes glacier, la Barre des Ecrins, Roche Forio, the Neige Cordier pic, etc.

Via Ferrata - Originating in Italy, these routes are a mixture of hiking and climbing, secured with cables, steps and ladders, they enable you to climb to great heights.

Camp Ailefroide 2006 from one|media prod on Vimeo.

Who is the meet for?

That’s simple – the Meet is for everyone - walkers, rock climbers, and alpinists of all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity for all members new and old to meet old friends and make new ones, go walking, mountaineering and climbing in some of France’s most beautiful scenery. The purpose is to gather like minded people together in an alpine area where they can walk, rock climb, boulder and climb snow covered and rocky alpine peaks.

The Meet is a wonderful opportunity to share information, learn techniques and develop skills, discover new climbing partners, join walking groups and generally share in the exploration of an alpine area. Many people return to the ‘meet’ every year whilst others may be visiting the Alps for the first time, joining more experienced friends or taking part in one of the Mountaineering Ireland courses that supplement the meet. The Meet has a huge, informal, social aspect and musicians, dancers and singers are encouraged to bring their voices, legs and musical instruments to the legendary parties.

The formal courses are designed to introduce you to the skills required for walking and climbing, but with the long-term aim of enabling you to walk and climb independently in alpine areas. There are also courses for people who want to refresh or upgrade the skills learnt on previous meets. A natural progression is for people to participate in a course in the first few years and then return to the ‘meet’ as an independent walker/climber.

The qualified Mountain Guides and Walking Leaders are at the Meet not only to run training courses, but also to share information with everyone on mountain conditions and recommended routes in the area. The main emphasis of the meet is to have fun, make contact with fellow MI members, and develop skills through getting out in the mountains independently or on one of the Mountaineering Ireland, climbing or walking courses.

Summer Alpine Meet 2010 Information Evening

Are you considering attending the 2010 event?  If so join us at the Summer Meet information evening at Great Outdoors shop (Chatham St, Dublin 2) on Wednesday 7 April 2010 at 7.30pm.  This will be an opportunity to meet the new training officer see a presentation of what Ailefroide has to offer and ask questions.  Staff from the shop will be present to give an insight into the gear you will need for the meet.  

Logistics

Getting there

Ailefroide is easily accessed by plane, train, bus and car. Grenoble is the gateway to the area and the French high-speed train (TGV) gets there in less than 3 hours from Paris.

Coming by car from Briancon, take the RN94 in the direction of Gap. In Argentière La Bessée, turn right on the D994 in the direction of Vallouise (turn left if you come from the direction of Gap/Aix en Provence). After Vallouise and Pelvoux you'll reach the village of Ailefroide.

The closest train station is located in l'Argentière La Bessée, 18 km from Ailefroide. In Argentière you can take the bus to reach Ailefroide.

Camping

Camping municipal d’Ailefroide

05340 Pelvoux

Téléphone: 04 92 23 32 00 or 04 92 23 31 07

Fax: 04 92 23 46 43

At an altitude of 1515m, it is a vast natural campsite with great views and quiet camping places. Facilities include hot and cold water, showers, WC, sinks, electric hook-ups, telephone box, volleyball court and children’s games.

The small charming village has a few bars/restaurants and three small shops with limited choice. In general the climate during summer is very nice and sunny with warm days and sometimes-cold nights.

There are shops in town where you can buy or rent climbing gear, maps, climbing and bouldering topo-guides of the area.

Maps and Guidebooks

The area is covered by Didier and Richards 1:50,000 map sheet number 6 – Ecrins Haut Dauphine. The general mountaineering guidebook for the area is the ‘Alpine Club’ - Ecrins Massif - by John Brailsford. The definitive walking guide is ‘The Ecrins National Park’ by Kev Reynolds. Another walking guide is the Tour of the Oisan: GR54 by Andrew Harper. There are many topo like guide books and these are best acquired in the valley.

How to apply

Information packs on the MI Summer Meet 2010 and booking forms are available from download from the web site.  Closing date for receipt of completed application forms and non-refundable deposits is 30 April 2010.

If you are just booking a place on the campsite only and you are not doing a course please complete the form and send the booking deposit of €20 per person.  This deposit also entitles you to discounted camp fees at the camp-site.

Summer Alpine Meet 2010: Workshops & Courses

The workshops and courses have been designed to suit all tastes, budgets and interests. If you are more interested in independent walking, mountaineering or climbing you can also join us at the meet on a camping only option.  If you are just booking a place on the campsite only and you are not doing a course please complete the form and send the booking deposit of €20 per person.  This covers the discounted camp fees at the campsite.

The below course fees cover tuition only and do not include insurance, food, cable car costs, camp fees, accommodation or local travel costs. Course dates are provisional and may be adjusted to meet demand. These will be finalised during May based on bookings received and participants will be advised of any changes.

Mountaineering Ireland reserves the rights to cancel any course should there be insufficient numbers. The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 April 2010.

Terms and conditions apply: see the Summer Meet booking form.

·       Half day workshops (also bookable at the meet)

€ 30/person. Minimum ratio 1:4 - Maximum ratio 1:10.

Start time: TBA at the meet

This year the MI training officer (IFMGA Mountain Guide Alun Richardson) will be offering a series of half-day workshops (weather permitting), based in the camp site, to refresh some of the skills needed to mountaineer safely. These are not meant to replace the full courses and will require previous knowledge and experience. Timings for these will be flexible but will last approximately 3 hours

·  Glacier crossing & crevasse rescue. 4 & 11 July (morning session)

·  Multi pitch climbing techniques. 5 & 12 July (morning session)

·  Simple rescues for rock climbing level 1. 6 & 13 July (morning session)

·  Simple rescues for rock climbing level 2. 6 & 13 July (afternoon session)

·  Movement skills for rock climbing level 1. 7 & 14 July (morning session)

·  Movement skills for rock climbing level 2. 7 & 14 July (afternoon session)

·       Private guiding/tuition

If there is a group of you, private half or full day sessions can also be booked at €170 for a half day and €280 for a full day.

·       Short duration rock climbing courses

Each week there will the following rock climbing courses on offer

Minimum ratio 1:2

·  One day introduction to rock climbing      €100 6:1 ratio. 4/5/11/12 July

·  One day improvers rock climbing             €100 6:1 ratio. 6/7/13/14 July

·  One day multi pitch rock climbing            €200 2:1 ratio. 8/9/15/16 July

·       Longer 3 to 5 day courses

The following courses are three to five days duration, commencing at 18:00hrs on Saturday 3 or Saturday 10 July, run over a six-day period with one rest day.  The rest day will depend on the weather conditions.

5 day Walking tour (to be confirmed: contact the office if you are interested in this option)

€500, maximum ratio 1:6. Dates: 3-9 and 10-16 July

This multi day circular walk will be led by an International Mountain Leader, and will take you through truly spectacular terrain in the Ecrins Massif.  

5 day Alpine Adventure Walking

€600, ratio 1:6 or 2:8. Dates: 3-9 and 10-16 July

Designed for fit walkers who want to learn how to tackle more technical alpine walks. Such walks might require negotiating ladders, steep tracks, snow slopes, high passes and glacial terrain. You will learn to use an ice axe and basic rope work techniques. Mountain huts will be used for some of the course. A good level of fitness and sense of adventure are essential.  

5 day Introduction to Alpine Mountaineering

€700, ratio 1:4. Dates: 3-9 and 10-16 July

The aim is to introduce the basics of Alpine mountaineering. By the end of the week you will be familiar with how to safely travel through glaciers, rocky ridges, rock faces and steep snow slopes. Weather permitting you will climb several Alpine peaks and spend at least one night in a Mountain Hut. All those booking on to this course must be have a good level of fitness. Some climbing experience is helpful, but not essential. 

5 day Intermediate Alpine Mountaineering

€800, ratio 1:2. Dates: 3-9 and 10-16 July

This course is run at a ratio of 1:2 to allow participants undertake more technical routes. The aim is to improve your existing mountaineering skills, focusing on safety, efficiency and independence in the mountains. The course will include; efficient rope work, quick movement on alpine terrain and navigation. All participants must have experience with crampons, ice-axe and a basic knowledge of rope work. Some rock climbing experience and a high level of fitness level are essential. 

5 day Advanced Alpine Mountaineering

€1,100, ratio 1:2. Dates: 3-9 and 10-16 July

This course is run at a ratio of 1:2 to allow participants undertake more technical routes. It is essential that participants have previous Alpine experience and sound knowledge of rope work and belays. Scottish winter mountaineering experience would also be an advantage. We would hope to progress onto multi-pitch climbs on snow and ice at grades of AD to TD. 

3 day climbing for the over 50s

€300 ratio 1: Dates: 4-7 July and 11-14 July

An opportunity for those of us who are chronologically challenged to share some time in the mountains together with a mountain guide, walking climbing and mountaineering. You need some fitness but the pace and objectives will be decided amongst the participants. Whatever you do in the alps the fitter you are the more enjoyment you will have. You should aim to do some cardiovascular exercise 2/3 times per week.

Further Information

Contact the training administrator on (+353 1) 625 1117 or Alun on Alun@mountaineering.ie

If you are just booking a place on the campsite only and you are not doing a course please complete the form and send the booking deposit of €20 per person.  This covers the discounted camp fees at the campsite.