Ice climbing holiday in the French Alps

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Guests can reach Gap by train or coach, including connections with the overnight train from Paris. Return transfers from Gap to the accommodation and transport to the climbing venues are included, so participants do not need to hire a car during the holiday.

Ice climbing is a human-powered activity, with participants climbing frozen waterfalls using ice axes, crampons and ropes. The climbing venues are selected according to the weather, ice conditions and group's ability, with local vehicle transfers organised where necessary.

We favour independently run accommodation and work with local businesses wherever possible. The auberge used for this holiday serves locally sourced produce.

Within our office, we provide holiday information digitally wherever possible to limit printed documents. When printing is necessary, we aim to use recycled paper and reuse envelopes and packaging.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Ice climbing takes place on naturally formed frozen waterfalls and ice formations that change throughout the winter according to temperature and weather conditions.

Our local UIAGM mountain guides select climbing venues according to ice conditions, safety considerations and any applicable access restrictions. Guests are encouraged to respect the surrounding environment, take all litter away and avoid unnecessary disturbance to wildlife.

Many of our climbing venues are located within or near the Ιcrins National Park, an area home to a variety of mountain wildlife. Throughout the trip, your guide may share knowledge of local species such as chamois, wild boar and Alpine ibex, including how they adapt to winter conditions and the conservation efforts that have helped restore ibex populations in the region.

We encourage guests to follow local regulations and respect the natural habitats they encounter.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We work with independently run accommodation providers and local businesses in the Southern French Alps, helping direct part of the holiday spending towards the communities where the trip takes place.

Ice climbing provides an additional winter activity for qualified mountain guides in the region. Some of the professionals we work with offer a range of mountain activities throughout the year, allowing them to use their expertise across different seasons.

By working with local guides, we support professional activity and specialist mountain skills in the Southern French Alps.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All ice climbing activities are led by fully qualified local UIAGM mountain guides, with a maximum of three climbers per guide. We work with local professionals and pay agreed commercial rates for their expertise and services, supporting skilled employment in the region.

We are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully, from the local people we work with to the travellers who join our holidays.

Participation is based on the physical requirements, technical progression and safety considerations of the course.