News

American Alpine Club Yosemite meet

American Alpine Club 2016 International Climbers' Meet

The American Alpine Club Is now taking applications for the 2016 International Climbers’ Meet to be held In Yosemite Valley

The American Alpine Club is hosting its 9th annual International Climbers’ Meet (ICM), to be held the week of September 25 - October 2, 2016 in Yosemite Valley. Experience with placement and removal of protection, multi - pitch rope management, at least two years of technical rock climbing, and the ability to follow sustained 5 - 8 granite is mandatory. The goal is to host a diverse group of climbing abilities from a multitude of countries. American Alpine Club members from the USA will be participating again this year.

For more information and to apply online, go to their website: https://americanalpineclub.org/international-climbers-meet/

Jim Curran

It is with sadness that we report the death of Jim Curran on 5th April, following a long illness. Many will know Jim was a freelance mountain cameraman, writer and artist. He joined the Club in 1985 and exhibited some of his paintings at the AC London Clubhouse in 2004.

Alan Rouse, Dave Wilkinson, Brian Hall, Jim Curran and Al Burgess, K2 Expedition, 1986

J. M. C. Evans

In memorandum - Chuck Evans

Chuck Evans kindly contributed a short story to my book The Pen y Gwryd Hotel: Tales from the Smoke Room (Gomer Press, pending).

I have reproduced this below; it is a reflection of the happy times Chuck and his extended family had at the Gwryd. I trust it makes a small but fitting contribution to his memorial.

Kind regards,

Dr Rob Goodfellow   (New South Wales)

‘Whatever Mr Briggs says is true’ - Chuck Evans

Living in Bangor and then Capel Curig, my brothers Robin and Peter and I were often taken to the Pen y Gwryd when we were boys and, later on with my father (Sir Robert Charles Evans, deputy leader on the 1953 British Everest Expedition and leader of the expedition which first climbed Kangchenjunga in 1955) and mother, Lady Denise Evans (the first female President of the Alpine Club) for the regular Everest and Kangchenjunga reunions. Later still, many times, it was after completing the Snowdon Horseshoe for a well merited pint.

The PyG was, and still is, a magical place. As children, we were often installed in the snug behind the bar and Blodwen, the ‘maid of maids’ (dressed in traditional Welsh black), would look after us by serving hot buttered toast, forever after known in our family as ‘Pen y Gwryd toast’. And I recall that there were funny napkins with a few choice phrases written in both Welsh and English. (Probably this is still the limit of my Welsh.)

As a boy, I was fascinated by the oxygen cylinder and other holy relics of the 1953 British Everest Expedition in the glass case in the Smoke Room. And every member of the expedition had a silver pint beer tankard; and, when my father was not there, I got to drink from it too.

One story I like to recall is about the Police visiting the Hotel, questioning Blodwen about after-hours or Sunday opening. Blodwen gave the policeman a stern look and despite persistent interrogation all she would say was, ‘Whatever Mr Briggs says is true.’

I also remember Jane Pullee organising Hallowe’en parties where the staff were dressed up as ghosts. Such happy times!

In the year that my father died (1995), we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ascent of Kangchenjunga and my two year old daughter, Natasha, made the first cut in the cake, whilst my then six month old boy, Charlie, lay asleep on a blanket on the floor in the PyG dining room as we drank champagne opposite the ‘captain’s table’, where for many years Chris Briggs would host, amongst others, the likes of David Cox and Kevin Fitzgerald, two real gentlemen!

Wonderful memories!

Chuck Evans (1959-2016) was the eldest son of Sir Charles and Lady Denise Evans. He also did some Himalayan exploration in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including Jaonli in India, Churen Himal in mid-west Nepal and Saipal in far west Nepal, as well as a visit to Khumbu. When not enjoying the mountains or sailing, Evans advised French companies in difficulties with their respective banks.

The AC and the Piolets d’Or

The AC and the Piolets d’Or

The Alpine Club and the Piolets d’Or are together again in April 2016! You can join the party – details below – and it would be great to see lots of Alpine Club members there.

Four AC members will be honoured at the celebration of the spirit of modern alpinism, most of whom have been on the Piolets d’Or stage before:

- The Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Honorary Member Voytek Kurtyka. AC members Sandy Allan and John Porter will be amongst those giving speeches in tribute to Voytek’s achievements.

Voytek Kurtyka, AC Honorary Member, (photo M. Slowarczek)

- Nominated for a Piolet d’Or: the north face route of Paul Ramsden and Mick Fowler on Gave Ding

Mick Fowler and Paul Ramsden (l-r)

- Nominated for a Piolet d’Or as part of a four-man team: the east face route on Cerro Kishtwar by Honorary Member Marko Prezelj and team

Marko Prezelj, AC Honorary Member, and Liv Sansoz (photo L. Griffin)

The celebration will be in La Grave, at the foot of the Meije this year – find more detail here http://www.pioletsdor.net/index.php/en/

 

 

Norway Ice Fest Meet Report 19 – 28 Feb 2016

Norway Ice Fest Meet Report 19- 28 Feb 2016 

A mixed team of attendees from several UK Climbing Clubs finally got under way on February 19th. 

Condition on the ice routes were superb. Plenty of fat ice. The track in the Rjukan Gorge was good and direct to many lines, thankfully without much deep snow, and no sign of the river below it. Almost all of the usual routes were in great condition, sometimes a little brittle ice was encountered but in general, no-one could or did complain.

One of the main venues was the Vemork Bridge routes. The usually snowed-up and icy road down to and getting out of the Vemork Bridge car park was no trouble this season even without  4-wheel drive cars. With the excellent conditions, we all got stuck in to some great ice climbing. 

Read the whole article here: 7th Joint AC/CC Rjukan Norway Ice Fest Meet Report 19 – 28 Feb 2016

Roger Chorley

Roger (Lord) Chorley, Alpine Club President 1983-1985, AC President’s Portrait, by John Cleare

Some Memories of Roger Chorley         

I got to know Roger Chorley well when I became the Club Hon. Secretary in 1972. By then he was already distinguished in mountaineering circles as a member of the Alpine Climbing Group, an experienced Himalayan and Alpine climber, a member of the management committee of the MEF, and a former President of the CUMC and Hon Secretary of the CC. He was also an established Partner – soon to become Senior Partner - of the prestigious London Accountants, Cooper Brothers (as they then were). To me, a callow youth still in his twenties, Roger was the embodiment of urbanity and sophistication though, on reflection and making a quick calculation, he was only a decade or so older than me. His friendship and support, however, were extended unconditionally and unstintingly as was his wise advice and assistance.


Two memories of Roger spring to mind from those days. The first, illustrative of the negotiating skills his obituarists have noted, was the anxiety and the wholly benevolent and careful scheming which preceded his bearding of the Club’s housekeeper, the formidable and cantankerous but fiercely loyal Mrs Lewis, with a view to getting her to accept retirement. To the surprise of all involved – perhaps not least herself – she accepted it like a lamb after an interview with Roger. The second memory is of his disarming wit. For some reason some sections of the Club always wanted their sixpenny-worth at the Annual meeting. At the AGM one year Roger’s Hon Treasurer’s report to the assembled members consisted simply of the words ‘In the last twelve months we have made a profit. Are there any questions?’ That silenced even the ‘Tribal Chieftains’, the likes of the late great Douglas Milner.


Of course, Roger’s career became increasingly distinguished in later life when he succeeded his father as an hereditary and later an elected member of the House of Lords. He was Chairman of the National Trust and President of the RGS and he graced many committees, boards and commissions. By no means least was the leadership he gave as President of our own Club. Over the years his contributions to the Alpine Club have been manifold. He played a major role in the reintegration of the ACG into the main body of the Club; he led the move to merge the Club with the LAC when the issue of admitting women was raised; and, perhaps his greatest legacy, it was he who spearheaded the move to form the library into a charitable trust, a move which has enabled us to preserve and nurture our greatest treasures.


Roger’s love of mountains, and especially of the Lakeland hills could be seen in the pictures throughout the Hawkshead house which he and Ann cherished. Understated as he was, he ended his President’s valedictory address with a quotation which reflects exactly that love, and which has a particular poignancy given his disability following polio when he was in his twenties. He said ‘Perhaps the last word should be indeed on our own hills, from Geoffrey Young, in reflective mood at the end of a unique Alpine career, ‘For me, too, our own hills, within the measure of my walking, are as lovely and as full of surprises as they ever were.’


Mike Baker
8th March 2016

As President, in 1985, Roger went out of his way to help us take up Harish Kapadia's suggestion of a joint Bombay Mountaineers-Alpine Club expedition to the disputed Siachen region in the East Karakoram.  We needed money and Roger had the clout to help us get it.  First he generously provided us with a long list of likely names in the City who might – and did – contribute towards our organising and travel costs.  Second he gave us a tipoff that Grindlays Bank might be favourably disposed.  The very day they received my letter – with a covering note from Roger –  Harish was summoned to the Grindlays head office in Bombay to be told that our entire expenses in India were covered.  What was impressive was the way Roger, even though he was no longer able himself to do serious mountaineering, put himself out to help younger climbers set off on a great adventure.  Our expedition to the Rimo massif was a huge and enjoyable success, with many miles of glacier explored and many ascents made, including the first ascent of Rimo III by Jim Fotheringham and Dave Wilkinson.  It was also the start of a long and still fruitful association between Harish Kapadia and the Alpine Club.  And it was all made possible by Roger.

Stephen Venables

5th April 2016

Montane Alpine Club Climbing Fund partnership

Bristish brand Montane partners with the Alpine Club to sponsor the Montane Alpine Club Climbing Fund.

The award is offered bi-annually in March and November to support members of the Alpine Club.

Awards will be given to teams attempting first ascents or new routes in remote areas, or exploring little known alpine terrain.

Montane's Terry Stephenson said: "The Alpine Club Climbing Fund has made possible some incredible feats of mountaineering. We're delighted to be involved to help climbers and mountaineers explore the world's mountains regions."

Malcolm Bass, AC Vice President and Chair of the Climbing Fund Sub-Committee, said: 'Montane is a natural partner for the Alpine Club Climbing Fund. They have a long history of involvement in supporting adventurous alpine and big wall climbing through focused clothing design and manufacture and also by supporting individual alpine and big wall climbers. Together we can further the exploration of mountainous regions of the world by AC members. It's an exciting new phase for the Alpin Club'.

Press release on the Montane Alpine Club Climbing Fund partnership  images/events/files/20160304MontaneandTheAlpineClub.pdf

About the Alpine Club Climbing Fund http://www.alpine-club.org.uk/index.php/climbing-fund

 

 

Death of member Roger [Lord] Chorley

A long standing member Roger Choley died peacefully on 21st February, aged 85. Roger joined the AC in 1951. He became AC president in 1983.

A private cremation will be held. Family flowers only. A Memorial Service will be held at St. George’s Church, Campden Hill, London, at a date to be announced.

Our sympathy is with his family and fiends.

Report 22nd February

Some updates following the weekend:

The bad weather over the last few days has added about 40cms of new snow at 2300m. The strong winds at altitude have transformed the snow, (wind crust, drifting….)

The important rise in temperatures the last two days has resulted in ski conditions which vary from wind crust through to spring snow.  With this warmth, wet snow avalanches have been seen, be careful with your timing

 

The classic descents on the Italian side have been done regularly:  Marbrées, Toule, Col d’Entrèves, Brenva, (careful in the heat of the day).

 

The Vallée Blanche is also very popular even though the conditions are not the easiest to ski.  The descent via the Mottets remains possible, however it is necessary to walk some sections before the Planards.
The Pas de Chèvre is not recommended due to a very awkward exit.  

Ski touring: Cols du Tour Noir, d’Argentière and the Aiguille d’Argentière by the Glacier du Milieu (some weak snow bridges) have been done as well as the classics in the Aiguilles Rouges. Difficult snow conditions on the N side though the Bérard valley is in good condition. .

Concerning the gullies: A reasonable amount of ice in the Pelissier, (Pointes Lachenal,) exit dry but goes without problems,

Star Académixte was climbed on 18/02, conditions dry, foresee large friends up to No.4

M6 Solar : First pitch difficult. (A party had to back off.)
Ice is Nice : bergschrund difficult but goes if one has very good technique or makes a detour to the left via an abseil.
Pépite climbed on 18/02, bergschrund delicate but goes, followed by snow more or less firm, except for the corner,  Deep, soft snow at the exit to the summit.

 

Concerning the ice falls: Déferlante, EMHM, Mini Couloir, Mini Goulotte and Noix de Samba have been climbed.
Nuit Blanche and the ice falls on the right bank are to be avoided for the moment.

The forecast is for very changeable weather this coming week, so conditions are likely to evolve as a result..

Concerning snow shoeing:  this remains popular, though snowshoes are not always necessary on the marked trails which have been used regularly,

Saving natural wonders in the realm of Kangchenjunga:

 A “vertical university” and an appeal to mountaineers

By Stephen Goodwin -

Road construction in the hitherto remote hill country between Makalu and Kangchenjunga in eastern Nepal is adding urgency to an innovative conservation project that last October received the backing of the UIAA.

The government’s aim is to extend Nepal’s road network north from Num, on the eastern edge of the Makalu Barun National Park, and create another overland link to China. But the route cuts through the forest and mountain habits of rare species such as red panda, wild yak and snow leopard.

Nepal lost a quarter of its forest coverage between 1990 and 2005 and the devastation continues. Loss of biodiversity has been compounded by an impoverishment of farming communities as young people have left the hill villages, often for low-wage and hazardous jobs abroad.

In an attempt to counter this decline, a project is underway to harness indigenous knowledge as the basis of environmental education, promote alternative income generation and conserve the kind of natural abundance that, albeit incidentally, has delighted trekkers and climbers on the trails south of Kangchenjunga.

The architects of this ambitious plan call it a “Vertical University”, though it is one without a settled campus or superannuated professors, and its “teachers” are without diplomas or qualifications of a kind any conventional university would recognise. Some cannot read or write.

A fisherman in Majhitaar, Kurule-Tenupa demonstrates traditional netting techniques as he explains how biodiversity in the Koshi River has declined due to over-fishing, the practice of 'blast' fishing, adverse impacts of climate change and other factors. The damage to aquatic ecosystems in eastern Nepal is harming rare birds that nest and feed in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve downstream. - Photo credit: Rajeev Goyal

Yet inspirational teachers there are; farmers for the most part, men and women whose open air classrooms might one day extend in a corridor from the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve on Nepal’s southern border with India to the permanent snows of Kangchenjunga.

The project, which secured the UIAA’s Mountain Protection Award in 2015, begins its title - KTK BELT - with the initials from those two contrasting natural wonders. In full: the Koshi Tappu Kangchenjunga Biodiversity Education Livelihood Terra-Studio. KTK-BELT was chosen from 22 projects from mountainous regions worldwide nominated to receive the US$5,000 award sponsored by Western University and Golden Rock. The money has been invested in mapping existing vegetation, wildlife habitats, hazards in the Sikti conservation area.

Currently, KTK-BELT is working in a Village Development Council (VDC) called Yangshila, where  “learning grounds” have been established at altitudes ranging from 180m to 1950m. Each plot responds to a different conservation need. For example, one in the village of Rangcha is devoted to the conservation of tropical fruit diversity; in Dahar the focus is on its rich bird life, including the great Indian hornbill and Himalayan vulture; and at a plot in Chiuri Bhanjhyang ornamental plants are the priority.

Encouraged by the positive response of local villagers and international conservation bodies, the team behind KTK-BELT now plans to extend its classrooms higher into the mountains. The objective is that one day, a Nepali student could walk from Koshi Tappu to Kangchenjunga, across many different forest types, and learn from local farmers about the deep physical and biological diversity of the landscape through place-based education.

“Farmers are a society’s greatest teachers,” said Rajeev Goyal, co-director of KTK-BELT. “Nepal is a paradoxical country. Everywhere there are shortages of energy, water, fuel, and supplies. Yet few places in the world are endowed with more natural resources, physical diversity, and diversity of culture and languages.”

Eastern Nepal comprises one of the world’s recognised 34 global “biodiversity hotspots” with more than 6,500 plant species,180 mammals and 800 bird species, many found nowhere else on earth. Yet it is also a region changing rapidly under economic pressures, haphazard urbanisation and the increasingly severe impacts of climate change. In the middle hills, natural springs have dried up and even the celebrated wetlands of Koshi Tappu, a birders’ paradise, are under threat because of impacts on the Arun and Tamur river basins upstream.

“With much of the attention focused on the April 2015 earthquake, it is easy to overlook that there is a silent crisis occurring with the Nepal’s habitats and biological diversity,” said Goyal, a lawyer who co-founded KTK-BELT with Canadian architect and planner Priyanka Bista and Kumar Bishwakarma, a medicinal plant expert and teacher in Yangshila.

To meet challenge of funding their Vertical University, Goyal and his colleagues launched a Kickstarter crowd funding campaign with the aim of raising US$100,000 in 30 days. By 21 February, with just a few days to spare, they had succeeded; raising a total of $102,594 from 246 backers in more than 20 countries. An additional US$22,000 was generated in two big offline donations, plus a grant from the Living Earth Institute.

The link will take you to the website

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/verticaluniversity/creating-an-8000-meter-vertical-university-in-nepa

Llanberis Mountain Film Festival (LLAMFF) 4 - 6 March 2016

Last March saw the Llanberis Mountain Film Festival (LLAMFF) being relaunched and it was a huge success, selling nearly 1000 tickets.  

With over 40 different films shown at 3 local venues over 3 fantastic festival evenings, and all run by an energetic team of local volunteers.  

This year the festival is back and kicking it all off on Friday 4th March is key guest speaker Kenton Cool, British Mountain Guide and 11 times Everest summiteer, will tell of his experiences in the majestic country of Nepal and further a field.  

This is followed by the UK Adventure Festival Premiere of the Discovery UK film ‘Sherpa’  -  a tale of the the Himalayan guides that have supported numerous foreign mountaineering teams for years, all filmed during the year of the  tragic earthquake.

There are a number of other excellent speakers, from a range of backgrounds, to complment our films for 2016 with John Cleare, Neil Gresham, Ian Parnell, Sophie Radcliffe, Heather Geluk,  Simon Harmer and Shirin Shabestari and many more.  With films including Operation Moffat, All Roads Lead to Scotland, Damavand, Transition to name but a few.  

This is all wrapped up with the festivals ‘gritty charm’ and a great party atmosphere every evening at our after party base in Llanberis.  

Tickets start from £5 and range to £40 for the vIP opening event including buffet, speaker, film & VIP treatment.  

Details and tickets can be found at http://www.llamff.co.uk/”