Mountaingirl

Ummm, Why would I want to go on an all-girl trip?

We've got nothing against climbing with guys, we promise!

All of us at Mountaingirl are climbers who also happen to be women - and we don't really think of ourselves as "women climbers".

It's pretty simple, really. We just think it's a hugely fun and friendly environment in which to learn a lot of new climbing skills and also to really challenge yourself - and the atmosphere is always encouraging and friendly. There's no competition with each other, just with yourself, and whether you are leading your first M6 or top-roping your first 5+, you'll find a welcoming environment where you can enjoy becoming a better climber, and make some cool freinds while you're at it.

How do I sign up?

Send us a booking form (either by post or e-mail) and we will get back to you right away to confirm if there is space available on the course you want. Because our courses are small and fill up quickly, please note that a space can only be held for you upon receipt of your deposit for the course... so just sending in the form won’t hold your space. You can send your deposit in (together with your form if you wish) to the Mountaingirl offices, or you can call us to get details for a bank transfer*. We’ll always confirm with you when we have received your form and deposit (as long as you give us the necessary contact info).

*Just a note, if you make a transfer, you MUST make sure the bank gives your name as reference, otherwise it appears as a nameless donation to us (which we do, in fact, appreciate... but we assume you'd rather it go to your course fee...) Thanks.

How fit do I have to be for your Courses?

You don’t need to be a super fit iron-man athlete, although the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the routes and breeze through approaches and descents. Whatever your fitness, we’ll always choose climbs suitable to your fitness and skills and there’s a wide range of routes appropriate for beginners and experts alike. (Each course has details about the level of fitness you will ideally have in order to really get the most out of it, so have a read and keep it in mind as a guide.) We recommend regular cardiovascular exercise, like running or cycling, at least a few times a week in preparation for your course.

How do you choose routes? Will they be appropriate for me?

We make sure to choose routes that you will find fun, and only as physically or mentally challenging as you want. The guides generally will choose routes for you based on: your past experience before the course and specific goals you may have, how they assess your fitness and skills on the initial first days of climbing, and according to what’s judged by the guides to be both safe and in good condition. All these factors let us choose routes that will be appropriate for you, but also challenging.

What do the Skill and Fitness ratings mean?

What the Skill and Fitness ratings all mean:

Skill:
Level 0: You are pretty much new at everything climbing-related, and are possibly unsure about belaying, but may have belayed or been taught before. You may or may not have climbed outside before or have tried climbing at a climbing wall but it feels quite foreign still!
Level 1: you know how to belay and have climbed a bit outdoors but otherwise have only a little experience in the subject area
Level 2: As above, plus… You have experience climbing outdoors in this area and some multi-pitch or longer route experience.
Level 3: As above, plus… You have a good amount of experience in this area and ideally, regularly lead in this - or a similar- environment, even if it is at a lower grade.

Fitness:
Level 0: You don't really exercise much but are in good health and willing to give it a go. You prefer routes that are less physically demanding or have short walk-ins.
Level 1: You do a bit of aerobic/cardiovascular exercise, 2 or more times a week for at least 1/2 hour.
Level 2: You do cardiovascular/aerobic exercise regularly, at least 3 or more times a week for at least 45 minutes.
Level 3: You do regular cardiovascular/aerobic exercise at least 4 or more times a week, for at least an hour
Level 4: You can outrun a professional mountain guide.

How do you choose your mountain guides? What exactly will they do on the course?

We choose our guides for the Mountaingirl courses by several criteria. Firstly, their knowledge, skills and safety. They have to be a full qualified IFMGA/UIAGM guide (not aspirant guides, mountain leaders, etc) - the UIAGM mountain guide qualification also happens to be the highest mountain leading qualification possible, and means they are fully trained experts who are experienced to take you out in the high mountain environment where you’re learning and climbing. And out of these guides, we choose those who we have found to be especially enthusiastic, encouraging, fun and patient – so whether you’re learning the basics of rock climbing or are trying your first difficult ice route, you will always have someone there who is specifically trained to watch out for you and help you along the way. Its important to us that not only you learn in a safe and encouraging environment, but that you have a lot of fun, too. We think all our guides are not only nice, but also extremely talented and inspiring.

Please note that our sister company, Mountaingirl Coaching does run a few indoor / bouldering workshops each year, which aren't run by Mountain Guides, just so you know. They are amazing coaches for learning technique, though (and world ranked boulderers too.)

Why are ‘Guide to Client ratios’ important?

We could make better profits by having fewer Guides work with more Clients, but you’d get less out of your course. For most days of the courses, we have small Guide to Client ratios so that you benefit from quality time and instruction from the guides, where you have time to ask all the questions you want, the routes chosen can be more tailored to your wishes, and the Guides can take plenty of time to show you specific techniques and skills that will better enable you to become a safer and more independent climber, and, you tend to get more climbing done in smaller groups.

What if I have a specific itinerary or want to learn things not offered on one of these courses?

We can offer you bespoke guiding for one-on-one climbs, as long as you give us enough advance notice. Some clients prefer to do this, either to learn in a more focused and intense environment, while others want to climb something of a difficulty level that requires one guide to one client. Just let us know and we’ll try to make it work out for you.

Can you guarantee good conditions on all the routes I want to climb?

We can’t control the weather but we carefully plan areas and routes that should be appropriate and in good condition. Sometimes conditions will necessitate that we be flexible, but we will always try to find you good routes, even if it means driving to another valley (or even country). For example, if there isn’t any good ice in Chamonix, we will drive to another valley for better conditions. For some courses, for example in the Peaks, occasionally we do have rain, although we will try our best to find a dry (enough) place for you to climb and still enjoy the course.

What if I need to hire/rent gear?

We can help you find something if you don’t have it and can’t borrow it from friends. Also, you can rent almost anything in Chamonix except clothing (but you can rent boots.) We usually have some demo axes and boots and crampons, that we can rent, but these are limited so they need to be booked in advance, and are available as supplies last.

It’s usually very difficult to rent clothing, so its best to borrow from friends, or buy your own. See kit lists on the website for more info, or give us a call and we’ll answer your questions and give you advice. We go over your gear on the first evening of your arrival (we meet at around 5 pm) before supper, to ensure everyone has the right kit and if you have any questions, you have time to change, rent or buy equipment in town. We recommend you try out equipment before committing to buying it, as often its only through using a product that you really get to know it and what you want from it.

Can I bring my boyfriend or partner?

We want you to have as fabulous a trip as possible, and to climb with whomever you prefer. We're happy to arrange bespoke guiding for you and your significant other, and it also costs about the same as a course.

What is reflected in the cost of a climbing course?

We work really hard to make sure you get great value for the money you spend. The fees you pay primarily reflect the guiding and administration costs. We want you to be safe above all, and we offer low Guide to Client number ratios that are appropriate for the types of climbs you’ll be doing. And, the Mountaingirl guides are some of the best in the world, and some of the most highly sought after, and they take your safety, learning and fun as the highest priority.

While it would be cheaper to have fewer guides to more clients, we believe wouldn’t necessarily be safer, nor would you necessarily learn as much. All course fees cover all guiding, tuition and workshops but do not cover your food & accommodation, nor uplift & telepherique fees. We try to lend to our clients any items they need and don;t already have, but if it's something size specific (like boots) or something we don;t have, we'll help you rent from a central store where we've negotiated a good discount for Mountaingirl clients.

The other costs are primarily insurance and adminstrative costs like phones, advertising etc... (Boring, but true.) And, lastly, we give 1% of sales (i.e. -the total money through our tills) to environmental causes each year, focusing on non-profit groups that protect the mountain environment, thanks to the support and guidance from 1% For the Planet.

You have a rest day in the middle of the week-long courses- why?

We have found that, simply put, climbing is bloody tiring sometimes when you consider you're also simultaneously putting new techniques into action day after day. Combined with early morning starts, sometimes long approaches to climbs and the general nature of high mountain climbing, after a few days many people find that just when it should all be ‘coming together’ they begin to get worse than before starting the course- simply because their bodies and minds are so tired. We’d like you to finish your course with some climbs that you feel really happy about, which requires you to feel well and strong before attempting them. If you are worn out by the end of the week, it’s much harder to put any newly learned techniques and skills into practice, especially on a longer or more technical route. In fact, we feel so strongly about having you feel good and strong as you begin to do harder climbs by the end of your course, that we even have enlisted the help of a fantastic sports massage therapist who you can book to help sort out any kinks or aches. (Sorry, you do have to pay her, though…)

What if I need to cancel a course booking?

When booking, you secure your place on the course with a 50% deposit. If you cancel MORE than 6 months in advance of a course, we refund the whole amount. If you cancel within 6 months or LESS before a course, you forfeit the deposit, but we refund any remaining money you may have paid to you. However, if you cancel within 2 months or LESS of the start date of a course, you forfeit the full amount, as we are unlikely to be able to fill your space on the course. See the Terms and Conditions for more detailed information.

Do I need to speak French in Chamonix?

Mais non! Most everyone speaks English in Chamonix, and all of our guides are fluent - although it is extremely, massively, and hugely appreciated by the locals if you make an effort in French, even if it’s somewhat mangled.

Travel and Accomodation...

We're happy to organise travel and accommodation for you if you'd like. Just give us a call. For some of the longer courses in Chamonix, we have group apartments that are central, clean and good value. (The price is not included in the guiding fee, as some prefer to stay with freinds or elsewhere.) You're always welcome to stay in other accommodation if you prefer, and we can arrange it for you or give you good reccomendations.

To get to Chamonix and places to stay:
It’s quite easy and inexpensive to get to Chamonix using one of the short haul economy airlines, like Easyjet www.easyjet.com or Swiss Air (which flies from city airport in London as well) www.swiss.com. The closest airport to Chamonix is Geneva. Of course, the further ahead you plan, the cheaper the flights will be. However, we really encourage our clients to take the train or even a good fuel economy car (its about 8 hours from Calais) as it's much better for the environment!

There are several companies that run transfers to and from the Geneva airport, like ATS www.a-t-s.net and Alpybus www.alpybus.com, that have a range of prices. The website www.chamonet.com lists several contacts for airport transfers as well as accommodation. Or you can contact the Chamonix Office of Tourism www.chamonix.com or www.chamonix.net for more information.

We have had good experiences in the past with these hotels listed below:
Hotel Le Touring (Rooms starting at £30 per night)
Hotel Touring - English site
Hotel Vallee Blanche (Rooms starting at £35 per night)
www.vallee-blanche.com
Hotel Le Chamonix (Rooms starting at £40 per night)
Hotel Le Chamonix - English site
Hotel Cretes Blanches (Rooms starting at £45 per night)
Hotel Cretes Blanches - English site

Budget options include the Vagabond Gite (loud but good fun, shared rooms, starting at £20 half-board.
The Vagabond -(Gites)- English site

Also, The Red Mountain Lodge is recommended. Although it does not have a website, the telephone number is +33 (0) 45053 9497 and email is redmountainlodge@yahoo.com.

We recommend you stay in central chamonix, as everything is essentially within walking distance. (There is a bus service however, if you need it.) We’ll cover all your other costs for transport and other fees (For example through the Mont-blanc Tunnel, or on the many telepheriques and trains you’ll be on in the valley).

Getting to the UK and where to stay:
Most people travel by car to our courses in the UK, and we recommend ride-sharing where possible. We are happy to send out details to the others on your course so you can share rides and coordinate pick-ups for anyone taking the train.

Good places to stay in the Peak District:
Polly's B&B in Hathersage
Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse, Hathersage
www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk/content.php

... in North Wales:
Gwern Gof Isaf Farm, Capel Curig

Where do we meet each morning?

IN CHAMONIX:
Upon arrival you’ll receive a welcome pack with information about our schedule, and information to help you find your way around Chamonix. We’ll usually meet centrally each morning at 7:45 am at Café Grand Central in front of the Pointe Isabelle Hotel (situated one block up from the montenvers train station) Grand Central has great bagels, smoothies and good coffee to fuel up while we meet for about 15 minutes with the guides and chat about the day ahead.

IN THE U.K.:
For courses in the Peak District, we will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Grindelford Café, situated next to the Nether Padley train station.
For courses in Wales, we'll e-mail you before the course with these details.

Meals and Group Stuff...

Whilst we tend to meet centrally at a café for a quick snack or coffee in the morning, we ask you to provide your own lunch on all courses. We’ve found everyone has different tastes, especially when up in the mountains or out at the crag, and what’s perfect fuel for one person can be pretty unappealing for another. There are several local stores in the towns where the courses are, and on the Chamonix courses, we ask that on your first arrival day you go by the shops to get some things for lunch and snacks. (Usually for mountain days, its best to bring things that you can eat quickly, and often with one hand!)

For Dinners:
For the Chamonix courses:
We want everyone to have plenty of time and space to rest and regenerate for the next day’s climbing, so we only have 2 pre-planned meals, on the first evening to get to know one another and the guides, and one on the last evening. You don’t have to go to them, but it’s a fun evening. (Everyone always pays for their own food and drink, though....)

We usually meet at MBC (aka Microbrasserie de Chamonix), which has great hamburgers, good beer and vegetarian options too, and run by some extremely fun, kind and talented people. It’s a five-minute walk towards Argentiere down the main road from the centrally located ENSA school (the round dome-shaped buildings) and you’ll receive a map in your welcome pack. On the other evenings, usually we will suggest a place and people can join if they feel like it, or arrange their own plans. We can give you recommendations of some great places to go out, and several will be listed on the welcome pack given to you at the beginning of the course. There are also several grocery stores in town if your accommodation is self-catering. (Be sure to let your hotel or chalet know your evening meal plans in advance -if you are at a place that caters in the evenings- or you might be charged for meals you don’t eat!)

For the UK Courses:
As these are shorter duration (1 to three days), we usually agree to meet somewhere for a pint or supper after the day’s climbing, and everyone pays for their own food and drink. You are always very welcome to join, or if you prefer to rest and relax on your own, that’s fine, too.