French Alps – Chamonix Climbing

MULTI-DAY ALPINE CLIMBING EQUIPMENT LIST

Our recommended clothing system has four layers.

• Base layer: manages moisture and wicks perspiration away from your skin. (synthetic or merino wool)
• Softshell: should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well.
• Hard shell: windproof, waterproof and breathable.  (e.g. Gore-Tex, or similar)
• Insulating layer: should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard)

These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.

Climbing Gear

• Adjustable Trekking Poles
• Alpine Climbing boots Full shank crampon compatible leather, synthetic, or hybrid boot depending on climb and season.Single-weight synthetic/leather mountaineering boots are adequate for mid and late-summer climbs on Mount Baker and in the North Cascades when conditions are expected to be dry.
• Rock shoes
• Alpine climbing harness  Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing and can be put on with ski boots
• Ice Axe – Lightweight (50–70 cm)
• Crampons with anti-ball plate  Must be fit to boots prior to trip,
• Climbing helmet  Adjustable, should fit with hat on
• Belay Device
• 4 locking carabiners –  2 Large, pear-shaped carabiner is best, screw gate type recommended and 2 smaller locking screwgate
• 4 regular carabiners (e.g. small wire gate are recommended)
• 1 double length sling
• 1 single length sling
• 1 Cordelette 6 mil 18-20’(6-7 meters)
• 1 12” Prussik or Hollow Block*

Upper Body

• • Lightweight base layer T-shirt or long sleeve polypropylene shirt
  • 2 synthetic sports bras*(WOMEN)
  • 1 long sleeve Sun Hoodie  Lightweight, light colored for sunny days
  • Soft Shell
  • 1 Down/synthetic jacket with hood
  • 1 Hard shell jacket with hood Waterproof and breathable. roomy enough to fit over multiple layers.
  • 1 pair liner gloves Thin wool or polypropylene
  • Shell gloves or mitts
  • Warm hat Wool or synthetic
  • Balaclava or Buff
  • Shade hat or baseball cap

Lower Body

• 2-3 heavy wool/synthetic socks Check boot fit with liner and wool socks on
• 1-2 pair lightweight long underwear Polypropylene or Capilene
• 2 pairs of underwear boxers/briefs
• Soft shell pants
• Shell pants Waterproof/breathable with full side zips

Backpack

• Backpack 30-40 liters capacity able to carry snowboard/skis

Miscellaneous Equipment

• Sunglasses 100% UV protection with side shields or wrap around.
• Personal first aid repair kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, spare parts for bindings and batteries etc.
• Lip balm At least SPF 20
• Sunscreen At least SPF 40
• Headlamp lightweight LED
• 2  1 Liter water bottles-one should be a thermos
• Toiletry kit with Toilet Paper
• Ear plugs
• Nylon stuff sacks For Lunch and pack organization
• Bandana
• Hand wipes
• 1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional)
• Favorite snack foods (no more than 2 pounds-lunch and snacks will be provided)

Hut Kit

• Casual clothing (cotton is fine) ie sweats, yoga wear, & swimwear for sauna.
• Slippers-ightweight booties or slippers, comfortable top and bottom-cotton optional.
• for the lodge and trip to the sauna
• Prescriptions, medications
• Reading glasses

WHO WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?

We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with the AMGA in the rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?

Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $20-30 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?

No, for these trips we strongly suggest to buy your equipment due to obscenely large rental costs for trip of this length.

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?

Day trips will keep your pack between 10-15 pounds max.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?

For Scheduled Domestic Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due 60 days from trip departure. Payable by check, Credit Card with service charge or Venmo.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:

90 to 31 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost

30 days or less – 100% of trip cost

WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress, we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.