Winners of the Rab/Climber Magazine competition enjoy a weekend of ice climbing in La Grave

The lucky prize winner Steve Barnard took his friend Richard Harrison on the trip to La Grave for a weekend of ice climbing along with Jon Morgan from Rab and Kate Burke from Climber magazine, all under the supervision of Rab sponsored guides Al Powell and Rich Cross.

 
 

Steve and Richard were kitted out with Rab Latok Jackets, Latok Alpine Pants and outdoordesigns ultraflexinferno gloves to test.


Rich Cross, Richard Harrison, Steve Barnard, Al Powell and Kate Burke relaxing in the sun at Ailfroide

Despite decidedly warm Spring like conditions Rich and Al used their extensive knowledge of the local area to find some well formed cascades. 

Saturday saw an early start to hike into the Cascades de Claphouse high above the Ailfroide Valley. Both Cascades were climbed whilst the guides pointed out some of the finer techniques of ice climbing.


Steve, Richard and Rich on the right hand branch of Cascades de Claphouse


Rich Cross leading pitch 2 of Cascades de Claphouse left branch


Steve enjoying the steep top pitch of Cascades de Claphouse left branch.

 Another early start on Sunday led to a quick ascent of the classic route Le Pylon followed by some experimenting with one of the areas dry tooling venues, before departing for the flights home.

A full article from the weekend will be published in the April edition of Climber Magazine.

We would like to thank Al and Rich at Alpine Guides www.alpine-guides.com and Marlon and Robin at the Hotel Edelweiss http://www.hotel-edelweiss.com.