Fournel and Gerard PAILHEIRET

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1) I'm thinking of taking a ice climbing course with Mr. Pailheiret whom I found through your homepage. Have you climbed with him or taken his class? Can you recommend this guy? Is there someone else you can recommend (english speaking) very skilled in ice climbing?

2) I was thinking of taking one of his ice stages during the december christmas holiday. Would this be the best time for ice in the fournel valley near Briancon? Or is January better? What are the alps like in winter?

3) The reason I brought up January is the annual ice climbing meet. Is this a formal competition or just a big gathering? Should I go see the IWC competition in Chamonix during December instead?

I'm based in UK so it some distance from these places. I want to be sure it's worth the trip. My primary motivation is to use this to get ready for the scottish season, which in turn helps me with my matterhorn project.

-- Raymond Chen (chenraymond@hotmail.com), November 14, 2000

Answers

Response to Fournel and GC)rard PAILHEIRET

1) Mr. Pailheiret has a good reputation and appears friendly. I haven't observed him guiding or climbing myself. I would recommend Francois Damilano and Godefroi Perroux. 2) January is better. It's likely to have more ice. December can sometimes be early. Winter is quite pleasant, with changing, but often sunny weather, and relatively moderate temperatures. 3) The Fournel meeting is an informal gathering. I've found it to be a nice event in the past. I haven't attended the IWC competition. 4) I haven't climbed in Scotland, but my understanding is you'll probably find steeper, but fatter ice in the alpine valleys. It's good stuff, but IMO more of interest by itself than as alpine preparation.

-- Q.-Tuan Luong (luong@ai.sri.com), November 14, 2000.

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