Ice climbing holiday in the French Alps

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This holiday can be reached by public transport, with participants travelling by train or coach to Gap, where transfers are provided to the climbing venues. Once in the mountains, the trip is almost entirely human-powered, with three days of ice climbing and walking rather than using ski lifts or other motorised mountain infrastructure.

We favour family-run accommodation over large commercial chains and look for environmentally conscious proprietors wherever possible. The auberge used on this trip has an environmentally friendly heating system and serves locally sourced produce. Within our own office, we minimise paper use by communicating digitally wherever possible, using recycled paper when needed and reusing envelopes and packaging.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Ice is a temporary natural formation that changes constantly with the weather. Unlike rock climbing, ice climbing leaves no lasting trace on the landscape once the ice melts and reforms naturally.

Many of our climbing venues are located within or close to the Ιcrins National Park. Our local UIAGM mountain guides introduce clients to this fragile winter environment, explaining how to identify wildlife tracks, understand the behaviour of species such as chamois and wild boar, and appreciate the importance of conservation projects that have helped reintroduce species such as the Alpine ibex. Throughout the trip, clients are encouraged to respect wildlife, follow park regulations and leave no trace.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We favour family-run accommodation and local businesses throughout the trip, helping to support mountain communities outside the main ski resorts.

Ice climbing provides an alternative source of winter income for local mountain professionals. Several of the guides we work with combine guiding with ski instruction, allowing them to diversify their work while remaining based in the Southern French Alps.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All guiding is provided by fully qualified local UIAGM mountain guides. We employ local professionals and pay fair commercial rates for their expertise rather than bringing in guides from outside the region, helping to support sustainable year-round employment in the local mountain community.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all travellers regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Participation is determined only by the physical requirements and safety considerations of the activity.