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Sunday 22nd October
Alps 2007

Summer Training (Brecon Beacons) Departs

 

As part of the redevelopment of outdoor pursuits at the school we have set about preparing a significant expedition for 2007 to celebrate our 600th birthday.  To this end a mountain-based expedition of 6 days is being offered in the grand rock and glacial terrain of the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, home to the European Alps longest glacier as well as some of its most famous peaks, such as the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch.

 

The expedition will have initial training in individual techniques and allow opportunities for team building before its actual departure for Switzerland.  This will allow the team to have a strong bond and technical capability upon its arrival, so as to create maximum opportunity for use of the time available on the actual venture.

 

Build-up A:       5 Days learning summer mountaincraft working towards the Summer Mountain Proficiency Award.

 

Build-up B:       6 Days in Scotland practising the use of ice axe, crampons and the technique of individual movement on snow. 

 

Build-up C:       Two weekends travelling over appropriate terrain in the Snowdonia area, as fitness and team preparation, prior to the venture’s departure.

 

The group have now completed their summer training which they undertook at the Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training (Wales) which is in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.  The group encountered a broad range of climatic conditions as they learnt the idiosyncrasies of navigation as well as the hazards and techniques needed to travel safely in the mountains below the snowline. 

 

The group also undertook a 2 day 1 night expedition which was in difficult conditions in an area called the Black Mountain which is very appropriately named!  The team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are now well equipped with the means to work below the snow line.

 

AO