The High Altitude Expedition Preparation course is held in the Pyrenees (French / Spanish border near Andorre). It lasts 5 days.
The area is a perfect location for preparation courses for expeditions to polar regions or the greater ranges. Led by high altitude mountaineer, Sean James this course is 5 days long with the possibility of a night spent out in the mountains.
A week long course with 5 days practical teaching whilst climbing the high mountains of the Pyrenees such as Pedraforca, Canigou, Carlit, Aneto, Pedrocomosa and many more.
Sean imparts his experiences of guiding over 15 – 8000m expeditions, including 4 times on Everest.
The courses run from December to April depending on the length of the season and conditions.
Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to climb your first 8000m or even 5000m trekking peak and want tips on training and high altitude techniques this course will provide you with ideal preparation for your own future expeditions and adventures.
Personal equipment such as harness, boots, crampons, helmet can be rented.
In the evenings Sean will also be sharing his experiences from trips including Aconcagua, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Everest, Damavand, Ama Dablam, Broad Peak, Manaslu, Gasherbrum, Patagonia, New Zealand, the Yukon, Cho Oyu, Baruntse, Ojos del Salado….
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TYPICAL COURSE CONTENT
Equipment and gear selection
Food and drink – choices and alternatives
Snowholing and survival techniques
Putting up a tent in a blizzard
Snowshoeing
Snow and Ice Techniques
Ice axe use and braking
Correct use of crampons
Roping up for glacier travel
Crevasse rescue
Snow belays
Ascending and descending fixed ropes
Self sufficiency and moving together on a rope
The principles of acclimatisation – schedules and rotations
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See FAQ for further information

• What is included in the price

  Included
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  Transport to and from Puigcerda. There is a direct bus and train service from Barcelona and takes approx 2 1/2 hours.
  Invitation letter for visa if required. We send this to you as soon as we get your payment and passport copy.
  All instruction and guiding during the week.
  
  Quotation for private transfers from Barcelona can be provided

• What is not included

  Excluded
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  International flight
  Personal climbing gear but that can be rented
  Accommodation and meals during the course. Suggested places to stay can be provided.

• Who will be my leader

  Sean is your western guide for Elbrus.
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  He has lived in Dubai for 12 years and splits his time between here and the Pyrenees.
  He has led 4 expeditions to the summit of Everest and 15 expeditions to mountains over 8000m as well as many around the globe.
  If we employ further western guides they will be qualified and experienced mountain guides or mountaineering instructors.
  We also ensure that all of our local porters have a good track record of mountaineering at high altitudes.
  Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our porters have the right temperament to lead an expedition comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations. To that end, we aim to provide a staff (and clients ) who will make the expedition both successful and enjoyable throughout.

• What equipment do I need

  When you sign up we go through everything that you will need.
  Our connections with retailers will give you a discount and ensure you look good and are safe.
  • Walking poles
  • 3 or 4 season sleeping bag if you like to be warm and we plan an outdoor bivi
  • Day rucksack
  • Duvet jacket
  • Warm walking boots that are capable of taking a crampon
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Gloves Buff, hat
  • Prussik loop, selection of karabiners
  • Ice axe
  • Water proof outer clothes
  • High altitude Cat 4 Glasses
  
  
  We can provide assistance with obtaining equipment not normally stocked by retail outlets. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us but, for this expedition, we strongly recommend that you purchase your own personal equipment and test it before departure.
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  We will also check any equipment you have before you depart each morning.

• What level of experience do I need

  Participants vary and we try to steer similar abilities to the same course.
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  No prior climbing or trekking experience is needed for most of the groups just a basic level of fitness.
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  However once you sign up we expect you to take regular exercise and treks in the build up.
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  This not only helps you but gives the team deeper strength.

• What are your contact details

  Sean lives in Dubai and the Pyrenees and as he is guiding the trips he is frequently travelling.
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  All messages will be responded to as quickly as possible.
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  Try these different options
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  Whatsapp +447507886417
  UAE +971585528611
  FR +33645518199
  SP +34605128807
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  [email protected]
  
  Zoom is also available

• What does the rental equipment package include?

  • Walking poles
  • Day rucksack
  • Walking boots that are capable of taking a crampon
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Prussik loop, selection of karabiners
  • Ice axe
  • Snow shoes (raquettes)

• What does the clothing rental package include?

  • Duvet jacket
  • Fleece
  • Gloves, Buff, Hat
  • Water proof outer trousers / jacket
  • High altitude Cat 4 Glasses