ICE2006: L’Argentière la Bessée

If ice falls are your bag then you most probably already know about this event and have your place booked right? If not or you are a noob wanting to explore the icy side of climbing then read on.

In brief this event, now in its 16th year takes place in the small village of L’Argentière la Bessée in the French Ecrin mountains. It brings together both amateurs and professionals for the same reason: to share their passion for ice climbing. The style of the meet is always convivial and uncompetitive in a multi national atmosphere (24 nationalities in 2005).

Why here of all places? Simply because it is acknowledged as one of the grandest ice climbing venues in the world. The valleys of Fournel and Freissinières contain a huge quantity and variety of quality climbs at all grades. Every morning (early) the free shuttle bus speeds between L’Argentière and the valleys depositing sleepy climbers close to the bottom of the routes.

But that’s not all, this is after all a festival. During the 5 days Petzl-Charlet and Millet will have knowledgeable advisors on hand to answer technical questions, whilst the organisers will be running introductory courses for both adults and children, a dry tooling contest, safety workshops, cultural films and selected films from the Banff festival. Phew..

When not pecking away at the icefalls we will be in the IceExpo zone showing off some of our goodies. If you are curious about ice climbing why not pop along?

For information about the festival visit the official festival site which includes the complete programme, contact details and accomodation options.