A big thank you to everyone who has supported us

The Hard Way Up Club would like to thank everyone who has supported them - thanks to your very generous donations we were able to present a cheque for £29, 639.00 to NCH. This is a phenomenal amount which will really make a difference to the work of the charity.

Day 6, Cabane des Vignettes to Zermatt - The weather closes in

With Zermatt just one long day away and completing the final stage of our Haute Route adventure within reach, the hut was abuzz with equal measures of excitement and trepidation. The final stage to Zermatt comprises 750 m of ascent in aggregate over three high cols (de l’Eveque 3392 m, Mont Brulé 3213 m and Valpelline 3568 m) and 2400 m of descent crossing seven glaciers including navigating around deep crevasses. At 24 km, it is also the longest stage in distance by far and although all the descent sounds like a dream, good visibility is helpful to safe negotiation around the many hazards. As we studied our maps the howling winds and heavy snow outside the Cabane des Vignettes (3000 m) appeared set to work against us. The forecast for the final day was far from ideal with heavy cloud, snow and wind threatening to make the final high altitude climbs and glacier crossings difficult at best. We retired to bed early Thursday evening preparing mentally for the final push to Zermatt but knowing that tough decisions may need to be made.

The alarm clock went off at 5.15 am. The previous night‘s howling winds had calmed and the sky appeared clear. With headlamps ablaze we packed our rucksacks quickly and gulped down bread and jam preparing to depart asap to take advantage of the window of good weather we were being presented. As the sunlight gradually rose across the mountain peaks, an ominous bank of dark clouds crept steadily up the valley and over the Col de l’Eveque, our first climb of the day. We waited impatiently to see if the clouds would subside but they were determined and we soon faced the prospect of a long day in whiteout conditions. With route finding hazardous we had to face the inevitable decision of our guides to abort the day and ski out via another valley to the village of Arolla. Leaving in disappointment we descended quickly and effectively ended our attempt to reach Zermatt the hard way, on this occasion at least.

From Arolla, we caught a bus to Sion and then continued to Zermatt by train. We decided to explore the resort and while the valleys were warm in spring sunshine once reaching the higher elevations on the ski slopes it was windy, snowing hard with whiteout conditions. With practically zero visibility it was evident that our decision early in the day was a safe one.

We obviously feel a great sense of disappointment that we did not complete all stages of the Haute Route, for ourselves and for everyone who has sponsored us so generously, with the expectation that we would achieve our goal. However, it was not for want of trying. We had had several debates with our guides, Gianni and Jimmy, pushing to continue through adverse conditions but do feel a sense of accomplishment for what we have achieved. For most of us it involved several new challenges and, for all of us, it was a fantastic experience. Taking things into perspective and understanding that the primary objective of trek was to raise money for the NCH, the Hard Way Up Club was a great success, raising a substantial sum to support this worthy cause. Perhaps someone on the receiving end of these funds will take some encouragement from our efforts and achieve their future goals!

More bulletins may be posted on this site, and we will shortly put up many photographs from the week. In the meantime we would like to thank everyone for their support and help in raising such a fantastic sum for NCH. Look at the Justgiving site to see just how much. With additional funding from Balfour Beatty and the tax reclaimable by NCH, is £20,000 a possibility now?

The Hard Way Up Club 18 April 2008

Short skiing, long climbs and a bit of abesiling!

We've had another great, but hard, day starting from Cabane de Dix at 0730 and arriving at Cabane les Vignettes at 1430. The weather was fine to start with but we finished in white out conditions and strong wind as we climbed up the final hour to the hut on the steep sided Col des Vignettes. Because of the forecast, Gianni decided we should not attempt Pigne d'Arolla (3790 m) because the visibility was likely to be too poor. Instead we started by heading down towards the Arolla valley - but that was not so simple as it sounds as after a very short ski down the Glacier de Cheilon we had to fix our skis to our already massively heavy back packs, fix crampons to our boots and climb a steep slope to the foot of a cliff. There an old iron ladder is fixed to the rock for a 30 m sheer climb, roped up, to the Pas de Chevres - a new experience for most of us. Then it was skis on again for a gentle ski down towards Arolla until we had to put our skins on, starting the climb at 10 am in warm sun, crossing two moraine ridges to reach the Glacier Piece. An unexpected part of that was having to take our skis off again, fit crampons and abseil down a very steep and deep snow slope onto the glacier. From there it was a long continuous climb, getting steadily cloudier, windier and colder as we approached the Col des Vignettes (and the hut) at 3160 m.

Naturally there was some disappointment at not bagging a significant peak (particularly on Ion's part) but the consensus is that we have had an great and exciting day (with a climb and an abseil on crampons that we wouldn't otherwise have had). That view was confirmed when another party arrived an hour after us having had to navigate down from Pigne d'Arolla by GPS in white out conditions unable to see the seracs and crevasses. We are now warming ourselves up with a few litres of hot tea...

We don't have a forecast for tomorrow yet but are very much hoping that it will be clear enough for the very long, mostly high level leg to Zermatt, crossing 3 cols each at well over 3000 m.

Philip, Ion, Stewart, Cyril, Rachel, Sean and Gary.

A test of strength and nerve

We're in Cabane de Dix at 3000 m rather remote and hard to get reception. We've had a really hard day starting from Mont Fort hut at 0645 arriving here 1730 after 3 long climbs totalling 1250 m with the highlight being an ascent of Rosa Blanche at 3325m (about 11,100 ft) around mid day - it was a hard climb taking about 3 hours of steep, non stop slog . The weather and visibility on top, and indeed all day, was superb with stunning views all around and of many peaks including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Then we had to get off the top and needed to be roped up to ski/abseil down an incredibly steep and narrow slope bounded by sheer rocky cliffs....definitely a tough test of nerve.

But that was only the first half of the day.....after a couple of hours of hard traversing, including across nearly a dozen remains of big avalanches, and some great powder skiing we had the pleasure of starting our second major climb of the day to get us up to the refuge for the night. We were told it would take us about 1.5 hrs and be about 300m. But it wasn't - it turned out to be about 2.5 hours hard slog for some and 3.5 hrs for others, and was 660m of ascent. Each of us, and perhaps especially Gary, would be challenged to describe the feeling after rounding each bend or topping constant false summits to see the path continuing up and up. But each description would include lots of unprintable words. It was seriously hard. Anyway, we're all here having a well earned dinner and looking forward to sleep.

Weather for tomorrow is not promising. Lots of mares' tails cloud formations this afternoon - so we may get stuck!

Back on track

Tuesday…
The team took a taxi from Chamonix to Verbier to re-join the Haute Route. Once they had ascended to Mont Fort, the team skied to the Mont Fort hut, where they would be staying that evening, to leave some of their overnight equipment. Unfortunately the poor weather continues with very hard snow fall all day, creating very poor visibility for the team. Mainly skiing off-piste in very deep powder, the team covered a lot of terrain through the day, including a 200m climb on skins to Col de Chaux.

The team are also now nursing a few injuries…Cyril was hit on the back of his leg by a ski and Gary slipped off the edge of a trail in a white-out, wrenching his knee. Both are using ice packs and ibuprofen gel to ease the pain and swelling and are determined to be skiing today.

Now back on track, the group are hopeful that the weather will improve and allow them to continue their challenge.

The adventure begins!

The team travelled out to Chamonix on Friday and spent Saturday collecting and testing the various equipment they will be using over the next week to take on the Haute Route

Awakening to beautiful weather on Sunday morning, Philip, Ion, Stewart, Gary, Cyril, Sean and Rachel set off to Grandes Montet using the telepherique. Each carrying rucksacks of 20KG, the team skied down the Argentière glacier and climbed for 2 hours to the Argentière Hut, completing various exercises along the way to ensure they were comfortable using the skins and doing kick turns. Now at a height of 2,770m above sea level, the team stayed overnight at Argentière Hut.

Sleeping was very difficult as the team spent the night in a dormitory with 10 other people.

Unfortunately, the weather turned this morning (Monday) and the team were faced with cloud, poor visibility and snow.(30cm has fallen over night). The team skied down to the start of the 700m climb, to the Col Du Chardonnet. After putting on skins and special skiing crampons the team started the ascent to the Col this involved zigzagging uphill with numerous kick turns and a number of falls. At about 11.15 am the team reached the Col at 3,200m. Unfortunately the guide decided that it would not be possible to continue due to the adverse weather and the associated avalanche risk. The team therefore skied down from the Col in fresh powder to the Argentière glacier and then on down to Argentière.

This minor set-back has not deterred them. Tomorrow, the team will re-route to the Mont Fort Hut above Verbier. All being well the team will be back on schedule tomorrow evening. The forecast for the rest of the week is lots more snow!

Thank you for your continued support

The Hard Way Up Club would like to thank everyone that attended the auction at Bar Blanca last night and for the enthusiastic bidding which helped raise £4,650. It was a very successful evening indeed!

We will follow up shortly with the winning bidders with collection and payment details.

The winner of our raffle draw was Claire Rowe of BB Capital.

We would like to thank everyone who has already sponsored us and we are now only £500 off our target. For those that could not make it or who have not sponsored, you can still show your support by sponsoring on line on the just giving website http://www.justgiving.com/thehardwayupclub08

Many thanks for your support!

Intensive Training

The team have been training hard for the toughest 180 kilometre trek in Europe with one member even practising in snow! Over the weekend Philip completed a 40 kilometre walk in the South Downs with an aggregate ascent of about 925 metres.

Charity Auction

We have organised an evening of alpine merriment, inlcuding a charity auction to raise money for NCH, the children's charity.

The Auction will take place on Tuesday 8th April at Bar Blanca at the Jewel, Covent Garden.

http://www.jewelbarlondon.co.uk/
Complimentary drinks and Canapés: From 6:30pm, Auction and cash bar to follow.

Auction lots will comprise a fantastic range of unique items and experiences from deep sea fishing, first class travel tickets, a luxury weekend on the coast of Wales and many more!

We are currently taking email/telephone bids for all lots. Bidding will close at 12.00 noon on Tuesday 8th April.

Please email your maximum bid to Linh.Lam@bbcap.co.uk

Telephone biddings, please call
Philip Pascall - 07711023919
Ion Appuhamy - 07730822035
Sean McLachlan - 07855809912

Auction Lots

Lot 1:Sea Fishing
A great day of fishing on the Solent coast. The day includes lunch, drinks and fishing instructions. Starting price £50

Lot 2: Flying Day
A once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy a flying experience in the private plane of John Spooner, the MD of Exeter Airport. John is a very experienced pilot and his plane is a superb racing machine. Taking off from the Exeter airport, John will get you aboard and will let you take control for a spectacular flight along the Devon and Cornish coastline.
Also included is first class rail ticket to Exeter and lunch at very nice venue in Exeter. You can even have a tour of the airport if you wish. The plane will also take another person, so if you want to bring your friend along at your expense, you can. The flight will be free! The date for this once in a lifetime experience is to be agreed between the parties and to take into account the weather forecast (he doesn’t fly in the fog! Starting price £150

Lot 3: East Coast Line Two 1st class rail tickets
First class return train ticket for 2 on the east coast line including restaurant meal London to York, Newcastle (pictured),Edinburgh, Aberdeen etc Can be used anytime and can normally get the train time you want if booked in advance. Starting Price £100

Lot 4: Virgin 1st class rail pass
First class weekends pass to travel on virgin rail (Friday to Sunday) for a year. Starting price £100

Lot 5: Sailing Day - RS200
The chance to gain some sailing skills, to relax and have a great time on the waves. Feel controlling on a ocean going yacht, with the wind in your hair and billowing white sails powering you along. Also includes lunch and tea break at the sailing Club. No extra charge for swimming! Starting price £70

Lot 6: Champagne magnum Brut Imperial Moet & Chandon 1990 Vintage, 1500ml. Starting price £100

Lot 7: Wales Weekend - 3 Pen Cei Guest House
A 2 night stay at a luxury 5 star boutique guest house on the beautiful coast of Wales. Located on the harbour front in Aberaeron the guest house is ideally situated close to breathtaking beaches, river valleys, woods and mountains. A perfect luxury base for exploring the rugged Welsh coast and countryside or for just getting away from it all.
Aberaeron is also home to fine dining and local specialties including the award winning Harbourmaster Restauranthttp://www.pen-cei-guest-house.co.uk/ Starting price £125

Lot 8: Swiss army knife
Genuine Victorinox – “the Hunter” is a handy all purpose friend, which includes a knife, can opener, corkscrew and saw amongst other useful tools. The retail value is £32. Starting price £30

Lot 9: French wines
Three bottles of 2003 Chardonnay and three bottles of 2004 Merlot, sourced by Stewart Orrell during his last summer holiday in France. Stewart highly recommends after finishing two bottles sitting in the sun overlooking the Charentais countryside. Starting price £30

Lot 10: Canadian ice wine
A bottle of 2002 Inniskillin Vidal icewine. A specialty dessert wine from grapes harvested in the early Canadian winter. Grapes are naturally frozen on the vine and picked when the temperature drops below -10°C. Starting price £25

Lot 11: Fine reserve port
Fonseca Bin No.27 from Portugal. Starting price £15

Lot 12: Enthusiast wine tasting night
A wine tasting evening for 10 at your offices presented by Balfour Beatty Capital wine enthusiast Nigel Lelew. Wines and cheese included. Starting price £150

Lot 13: Mountain bike weekend in the Peak District
For up to 2 people, a fantastic weekend in and around the Peak District with access to a stunning scenery and a wide range of mountain biking trails for all abilities.
Includes two days guided cycling, one in Dark Peak, one in White Peak and your guide is none other than Chris Whitehead of Balfour Beatty Capital. Distances, routes and cafe stops will be tailored to personal tasteEvening meal on Saturday and overnight stay if required in Sheffield. Starting price £125

Lot 14: Half a case (3 bottles) of Old Pulteney
Courtesy of of Britannia Corporate Events
12 year old single malt whisky. Starting price £75

Lot 15: A Henri Lloyd TP1 Breeze jacket
Courtesy of Britannia Corporate Events
Carbon colour and size large. Starting price £65

Lot 16: Spa evening at the Sanctury
Entitles the winner to an evening at the Sanctuary including supper and a treatment of your choice. Starting price £100

The Challenge

The Route
The Haute Route is arguably the most famous ski mountaineering tour in the world, passing some of the highest and most dramatic peaks of the Alps from Mont Blanc in the west to the Matterhorn in the east. Established by members of the Alpine Club in the 1850's, the route was first traversed on skis in 1911. Skiers stay in high mountain huts, mostly above 3,000 metres. Each day starts early , sometimes before dawn, in order to cover the substantial distances in the best snow conditions and to mitigate avalanche risk. The route crosses numerous cols, takes in the odd peak and follows some of the major glaciers in the Alps. With up to 6 hours climbing per day carrying heavy packs at altitude, it is an arduous and serious undertaking.
The equipment needed includes ice axe, crampons, skins (for walking uphill on skis), harness (in case of falling into a crevasse), and shovel, probe and transceiver (for avalanche rescue).

Our plan, day by day

Day 1 Sunday 13 April
Telepherique from Argentière to Grand Montet. Ski downhill and short walk uphill to Argentière Hut (2,771metres). 1½ to 2 hours (short day for acclimatisation).

Day 2 Monday 14th
Over the Col du Chardonnet 2 ½ hours; Fenetre de Saleina 1½ h; total day of 6 to 7 hours with 961 metres of ascent. A strenuous day involving steep climbing, several changes from skiing to skinning and, possibly, some abseiling. Night in Trient Hut (3,170 metres).

Day 3 Tuesday 15th
Col des Escandies, Val d'Arpette, Champex. A magnificent descent if the conditions are good. Transfer to Verbier by road and lift. Ascend to the Mont Fort Hut to stop overnight.

Day 4 Wednesday 16th
Over Col de Chaux and Rosablanche 3,336 m and up to the Dix Hut. 8 to 10 hours with 1,225 metres of ascent. This section traverses known avalanche territory.

Day 5 Thursday 17th
Over the Pigne d'Arolla 3,796 m to Vignettes Hut; 5 to 6 hours climbing, 868 metres of ascent. A magnificent ski mountaineering day and one of the best stages on the route.

Day 6 Friday 18th
From the Vignettes Hut, over Col Mont Brulè and Col Valpelline, then a long descent under the north face of the Matterhorn to Zermatt. A very long day of 8 to 10 hours regarded as the highlight of the tour, 24km long crossing four cols and seven glaciers. Arrive in Zermatt exhausted but hopefully elated. The party begins.......