Expedition climber and Alpkit drinking partner Jerry Gore has got in touch with some seasonal ice climbing information for anyone heading out to the Southern Alps. Jerry moved to the Ecrins Massif in 2003. In between expeditions he runs his company AlpBase.com offering bespoke mountaineering courses on ice climbing, and providing apartments and chalet accommodation for climbers, walkers, skiers and snowboarders.

Every year in late July / early August a normally sleepy village at the foot of the big Ecrin mountains attracts more than 300 bronzed dudes looking for the little blocs. They shuffle around some of these blocs in the midday sun, cursing their tight shoes and dipping their hands in the little sacks around their waist. If you find yourself there and wondering what is going down, don’t worry, the chances are it is TAB time.