The Alpine Club, the world’s first mountaineering club, was founded in 1857.  For over 150 years, members have been at the leading edge of worldwide mountaineering development and exploration. 

With membership, experienced and aspiring alpinists benefit from a varied meets programme, regional lectures with notable guest speakers, reduced rates at many alpine huts, opportunity to apply for grants to support expeditions, significant discounts at many UK retailers, extensive networking contacts, access to the AC Library and maps - and more! 

Becoming a Member
 

There is not much to add to the last report, (24th April). The rope on the ridge down to the Valley Blanche will remain in place only until 10th May inclusive.

There was a build-up of windblown snow in the interior of the Mt Blanc massive following the bad weather 10 days ago.  With the return of hot weather last weekend, there is a risk of wet snow slides/avalanches, especially on the steeper slopes.

The Grands Mulets route up Mont Blanc is popular. The route up the N ridge of the Dome has 2 sections of ice, one of which is about 60m, requiring 2 axes, ice screws and “proper”, (steel) crampons.

Some people have skied the N face.

From the Cosmiques, the normal route on the Mt Blanc du Tacul has been skied.  Two parties left for the traverse of the 3 Monts on Monday morning.

The Whymper Couloir was climbed this morning (7th May).  The bergshrund on the right is technical, then snow in the couloir.

The Mallory on the N face of the Aig du Midi was skied at the weekend.

A mid altitudes the snow starts at 1800m (S facing) or 1700m (N facing).  The Grand Balcons, north and south, are not yet practical.