What do the three faces above exude, in their chilly Mont Blanc summit photo from two weeks ago? Elation, experience, and drive. There's three words you'll never hear on the news, so in these uncertain times, it's perhaps no surprise that so many people are turning to the mountains for their motivation, and both physical and mental solace. If the sight of Theresa May dancing makes you hurriedly reach for the sick bucket (link if you dare), or further mentions of Trump, Bo-jo or Brexit make you dry heave, then read on, as we take your mind off the mad world we live in. It's saner in the mountains!
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Real summit of Europe
A cynic might think that the French tourist board have done a good job saying Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Europe, but it's not! Mount Elbrus in the Russian Caucasus is 5642m, and the official 7-Summits European peak. We offer ascents via both the south and north routes, and in winter by ski. Itinerary.
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Winter Toubkal 4167m
Escape the barrage of winter storms hitting the UK, grab an easyJet flight to Morocco, and make a winter ascent of the highest peak in North Africa. We use the comfortable Mouflon refuge, and you can ascend a second 4000m during the week. Ascents every week from December 2018 to April 2019. Just £525; link.
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Chamonix lift fire
It's been a torrid season for the cable cars in Chamonix, with multiple break downs, cable changes, and a fire two weeks ago that destroyed the Lognan station of the Grands Montets. Whilst no one will miss the Lidl inspired architecture, it's a great opportunity to ski tour up for the rare chance of GM freshies this winter!
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Skyrunning & UTMB
The end of our summer trail running season saw another great Alpine Skyrunning week (video), and a great number of former Icicle clients running across Ultra Trail Mont Blanc finish lines. Well done Paul, Hannah, Sophie, Tim, John, Austin. Wear your finisher jackets with pride! 2019 trail running dates are live; link.
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Get in the buff for FREE
Everyone who joined us on a guided trip this summer in the Alps, was offered a free Icicle buff, and we've since seen them on many 4000m summits, crossing the UTMB finish line, and on endurance challenges. They've proved so popular that we're making more, to keep you all in the buff this winter ;-)
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Mont Blanc permits?
No, it's not true! As per this season, all mountain guides will have to provide documentary proof of the hut bookings in the Gouter hut, before passing the Tete Rousse. We already have a majority of bookings in place for next summer, so when we sell a course space, it already has our hut spaces confirmed; link.
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UK mountain running
We've got two upcoming dates where you have the opportunity to learn about mountain running in the Lake District. These weekends are led by award-winning author and UIMLA running guide Kingsley. Next dates are; 29 - 30 Sep 2018, and 10 - 11 Nov 2018, and they cost just £99 for two days guiding; link.
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Scottish weekend £325
The highlands have already got their first dusting of snow, and it's prompted a flurry (pun intended) of Scottish Winter interest. We offer a choice of a long weekend or full week courses, based out of Fort William, to give you easy access to the Ben Nevis range and Glencoe. Here's our Scottish Winter link.
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Latest mountain news
K2 descended on skis by Andrzej Bargiel; link. Italian-Swiss team climb all 4 ridges of the Matterhorn in just 16h; link. Kilian Jornet drops out of UTMB due to a bee sting, then dominates Glencoe skyraces; link. Cosmiques Arete suffers a huge rockfall; link. BMC launches Mend our Mountains campaign; link.
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Icicle Windermere store & online shopping
Shop online for all your mountain essentials, from avalanche transceivers to trail running shoes and harnesses. DISCOUNT -15% off all items by applying this code at checkout; ICLWMS17, before the end of the month; shop online.
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