How to get ready for a mountaineering stage
Everything you need to know
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Arranging travel by using the smallest number of cars will decrease our environmental impact and save us money on travel costs.
You will be able to organise yourself with the other participants on a WhatsApp group that will be set up by us about a week before the start of the course, where in addition to announcing the place and time, we will put you in touch with the other participants.
You will find all information by clicking on the link for each venue.
Not all locations of our events are listed below. In the event of a different location, you can independently assess the choice of accommodation.
We always recommend opting for accommodation with cancellation, as the event programme may change depending on weather conditions. In addition, on the participants’ whatsapp group* (created about a week beforehand) you can make your own arrangements to share accommodation.
WARNING: read the title of each chapter carefully to find the event you are referring to!
STAGE 4000: CAPANNA MARGHERITA (5-day stage only)
Valtournenche: The appointment for the first day is in Cervinia. Those who do not live nearby can look for accommodation for the evening before in the base valley, where the value for money is certainly better. Accommodation for all needs can be found on Booking and AirBnB.
All other accommodation has already been booked by Adventure Dreamers.
On the last day, the stage will end in the early afternoon. You will then have plenty of time to leave and return home.
Please remember to pay for your accommodation within one month of the start of the event. You can do it HERE
STAGE 4000: CASTOR POLLUCE AND NOSE OF THE LYSKAMM | CASTOR-POLLUCE | SINGLE ASCENT TO CASTOR | POLLUCE
Val D’Ayas: The appointment for the first day is in Brusson. Those who do not live nearby can look for accommodation for the evening before either in Brusson or in the lower valley, where value for money is certainly better. Verrès is also recommended. Accommodation for all needs can be found on Booking and AirBnB
All other accommodation has already been booked by Adventure Dreamers.
We remind you to pay for the shelters within one month of the start of the event. You can do it HERE
STAGE PUNTA DUFOUR | SINGLE ASCENT CAPANNA MARGHERITA | THREE PEAKS: CAPANNA MARGHERITA, PYRAMIDE VINCENT AND BALMENHORN | PUNTA DUFOUR | PUNTA ZUMSTEIN | SOLDIER RIDGE
Gressoney Valley: The first day’s appointment is in Staffal. We recommend the Hotel Ellex, right in Staffal, as accommodation. Otherwise the Hotel Valverde, in Gressoney La Trinité. Accommodation for all needs can also be found on Booking and AirBnB.
All other accommodation has already been booked by Adventure Dreamers.
We remind you to pay for the huts within one month of the start of the event. You can do it HERE
STAGE MONTE CERVINO | SINGLE CLIMB MONTE CERVINO
Valtournenche: The appointment for the first day is in Cervinia. Those who do not live nearby can look for accommodation for the evening before in the base valley, where the price-quality ratio is certainly better. Accommodation for all needs can be found on Booking and AirBnB.
All other accommodation has already been booked by Adventure Dreamers.
Please remember to pay for the lodgings within one month of the start of the event. You can do it HERE
STAGE MONT BLANC | SINGLE CLIMB MONT BLANC
Courmayeur is the most convenient place to find accommodation. Prices are not within reach of all pockets. We therefore advise you to find accommodation in any village in the valley between Aosta and Courmayeur. You can find accommodation for all needs on Booking and on AirBnB
All other accommodation has already been booked by Adventure Dreamers.
We remind you to pay for the shelters within a month of the start of the event. You can do it HERE
GRAN PARADISO
First day meeting late in the morning (at Pont in the case of an overnight stay at the Vittorio Emanuele, at the Chabod car park if not), then assess the overnight accommodation according to where you are coming from.
We recommend seeking accommodation in the lower valley, from Aosta to Arvier.
On the last day, the return to the cars will take place in the late morning/early afternoon (depending on glacier conditions and the speed of progression of the group), making it possible to return home the same day.
The hut has already been booked by Adventure Dreamers.
Payment will be made on site.
Winter mountain clothing (recommended ‘onion’ clothing, i.e. with several layers to be adjusted to the temperature:
● thermal underwear
● fleece or soft shell type layer
● waterproof GoreTex membrane jacket or similar
● warm down-type jacket or similar
● semi-waterproof trousers in soft-shell membrane or similar
● waterproof trousers in Gore-Tex or similar (not essential)
● hat or headband
● two pairs of snow gloves (one lighter and one heavier)
● ski mask with clear (fog) lenses + sunglasses (at least cat. 3)
● UV protection cream
● waterproof ankle-high mountaineering boots (ankle-high trekking boots for universal crampons, i.e. without an insert for semi- or automatic crampons, are also fine)
● telescopic trekking poles (not essential)
● gaiters (not essential)
● hat or headband
● two pairs of snow gloves (one warm and one lighter and more sensitive)
● fog mask and sunglasses
● UV protection cream
● waterproof mountaineering boots (stiff ankle-high mountain boots for universal crampons, i.e. without an insert for semi- or automatic crampons, are also fine)
● Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid (active ingredient of aspirin) for possible altitude sickness
● Headlamp
● 30/40 litre rucksack
Sheet bag
● Telescopic walking sticks (optional but very useful)
● Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid (active ingredient in aspirin) for altitude sickness
● thermos flask
● bars / dried fruit / gel for the ascent
● harness, ice axe, crampons and helmet
Common equipment such as ropes, webbing, carabiners etc. available from the mountain guide.
Useful link for choosing equipment and clothing to buy
You can book all technical rental equipment HERE.
If you need boots, on the other hand, we advise you to contact the Montura Store in Aosta.
We do not provide boot hire
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
BAD WEATHER: The decision as to whether to cancel an outing lies with the mountain guide. The mountain guide will assess the feasibility of the climb on a case-by-case basis. In the event of cancellation, there is no refund but a lesson will be given in a sheltered environment. Sunrise is usually stable in the mountains. In order to ensure the success of the stage, the timetable may be varied.
FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE: if you are unable to participate due to personal reasons, there will be no refund.
FAILURE TO REACH MINIMUM NUMBER: if the group of participants does not reach the minimum number, you will be entitled to a refund or you can use the fee for any other event. It’s your choice!
FAILURE TO REACH A TOP: in case of failure to reach a summit scheduled in the programme, there is no refund.
INAPPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT: no refund is possible if you are not in possession of the obligatory technical equipment and/or unsuitable clothing. In this case the guide may decide not to let you participate in the climb
OTHER CAUSES: for any other cause of cancellation on our part, you are entitled to a refund.
COVID OR OTHER ILLNESSES/INJURIES: there is no refund due to COVID, various injuries or other illnesses.
No refunds will be made if a member of the group is unable to reach the summit or if the guide decides to descend due to the group’s ability or the weather.
The group agrees to respect the unquestionable judgement of the mountain guide and that nothing is owed by the organisation.
If there is more than one group with more than one guide on the same dates, the groups will be formed according to the experience and level of the participants. Participants without minimum requirements will not be admitted to the event in any case. When forming the groups, the origin of the participants will also be taken into account, in order to facilitate shared travel and give the opportunity to meet members close to home.
Adventure Dreamers is not responsible and liable for complaints towards other group members, especially in case of failure to reach a summit scheduled in the programme.
The mountains are never a place where safety is 100 per cent guaranteed. One relies on a mountain guide to learn and to reduce risks. Cases are rare, but for a little extra financial effort you pay for any unintended future expenses or rescue interventions (especially if in border land).
We therefore advise all participants to take out an insurance contract.
Click HERE for more information
