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brent_e
Apr 12, 2008, 11:05 PM
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Looks like my girlfriend and I are heading to europe in june. I want to get on some ice but have no idea where to go. Where other than chamonix (PITA to get to) can you get any??? I realize that this question might be a bit absurd as i am absolutely uneducated regarding what there is to do in europe.
put it this way, from this map where should i go???
Anywhere, though. just let me know. we will probably have a week to climb and need to travel within that timeframe, as well.
Brent
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marde
Apr 13, 2008, 8:51 PM
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when you think Chamonix is hard to get to
what do you expect?
Ryanair does not land on glaciers in the alps.
It shouldn't be too hard to catch a train from grenoble or torino to chamonix.
And if you have limited timeframe it might be the best choice: no long aproaches, lots of routes in all difficulties close together, even a lot of routes you can do in only one day.
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brent_e
Apr 14, 2008, 10:01 PM
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thanks for the reply.
I'll look into trains. we might end up doing a tour of the UK and climb there instead but I would still like to see chamonix.
any other ideas???
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booger
Apr 15, 2008, 11:04 AM
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Hey Brent,
Chamonix is the only place you're going to find ice in June, but I seriously doubt you'll find much to climb. So, no suggestions for ice, really - sorry  - but June is June.
I would not recommend the UK for several reasons - cost, primarily (!) but also the hassle of getting around (expensive trains, or right-hand drive cars with heavy traffic).
Want some multi-pitch ideas? Trad/sport? 
T
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chrtur
Apr 15, 2008, 3:54 PM
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If you have a timeframe of a week, the best option (for Chamonix) is if you can fly directly to Geneva. Still, June is a terrible month for climbing in Chamonix if conditions are good = millions of people on the popular routes.
Regarding ice it depends on the conditions as always? For sure Chamonix is not the only place where you can find ice, but what do you exactly mean by ice in June? Ice and mixed gin tonic, north-faces, icefalls, etc?
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brent_e
Apr 15, 2008, 7:20 PM
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booger wrote: Hey Brent, Chamonix is the only place you're going to find ice in June, but I seriously doubt you'll find much to climb. So, no suggestions for ice, really - sorry - but June is June. I would not recommend the UK for several reasons - cost, primarily (!) but also the hassle of getting around (expensive trains, or right-hand drive cars with heavy traffic). Want some multi-pitch ideas? Trad/sport? T
Taz,
thanks for the reply. I'll simply abondon that idea, then! I'm never sated for ice!!!
my girlfriend is from the UK, so cars and places to stay (tent/friends/family) isn't too expensive....other than fuel, which is twice the cost....glad the beer is cheap!!!
and yes, i want some multipitch ideas!!!! fire away!
Brent
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brent_e
Apr 15, 2008, 7:26 PM
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chrtur wrote: If you have a timeframe of a week, the best option (for Chamonix) is if you can fly directly to Geneva. Still, June is a terrible month for climbing in Chamonix if conditions are good = millions of people on the popular routes. Regarding ice it depends on the conditions as always? For sure Chamonix is not the only place where you can find ice, but what do you exactly mean by ice in June? Ice and mixed gin tonic, north-faces, icefalls, etc?
thanks for the response.
i'm not picky with types of ice. G+T is good, though.
I can fly to geneva, yes. from there is a train and a bus, no? any ideas???
brent
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gritstoner
Apr 16, 2008, 6:34 PM
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if you do head to the uk, get yourself up to the peak for the gritstone. ok so its only single pitch but its like no other rock.
if its multi-pitch you want, you cannot go far wrong by heading to the lakes. lots of good solid high stuff and you are never too far from a pub either...
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booger
Apr 17, 2008, 10:07 AM
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My top three areas for that timing (to get a bit of altitude so you don't roast yourselves) would be:
- The Dolomites (limestone), in Italy - plenty of routes at all levels, unsurpassed beauty. Fly into Milan and rent a car. Plenty of cheap camping or rifugios.
- Val di Mello (granite) - because it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Also fly into Milan and rent a car
-Val del Orco (granite) ... that is, if you like cracks. Once again, Milan and rent a car.
All three are within 2.5 hrs driving from Milan.
Chamonix is kind of like Boulder, Colorado or Jackson Hole... it's beautiful, but in that season you get the Patagucci crowd. And I do mean CROWD!
I've got routes and pictures in my profile and trip reports if you want to see specifics on my 3 favorites. If you want even more specific info (like campsites, costs, routes), drop me an email and let's take it up offline... there's just too much!  Really, though - for food, cost and beauty without too much heat you'll want North Italy in the summer.
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brent_e
Apr 24, 2008, 2:38 AM
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Thanks Taz, thanks gritstoner!
appreciate the info.
Brent
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