Page 20 - 2019 AMA Winter

EXPEDITIONNEWS
EX ALPINE
TORCH
7-15 JUN 19
By Mike Sheeran
On 7 Jun 19, 8 members of the AGC(ETS) deployed on a 9-day expedition to climb Mt Blanc
in France. The aims of the expedition were to summit Mt Blanc, develop the next generation of AGC(ETS) mountain- eers to participate in large-scale Army/ Joint mountaineering expeditions in the future, and to highlight the opportunities available in the AGC(ETS) for recruitment and retention purposes.
Supported by a 4-strong instructor group including 3 x Reserve soldiers from the RAMC (LCpl Eddie Tomkins), AGC(ETS) (Maj Al Mason), the RAF and a local- ly-based British Mountaineering Guide (BMG), the group travelled from Worthy Down to Chamonix via the Channel Tunnel and the long drive through eastern France.
Rather than staying in the Chamonix area, the expedition would acclimatise in Italy; within the Gran Paradiso National Park. Set just over the border, Gran Paradiso (4061m) is widely used by groups to prepare for its larger neighbour. Based out of the Chabod Hut (2750m), the expedition spent two days developing the rope work skills and conducting crevasse training to safely attempt the climb on Mt Blanc. The intent was to summit Gran Paradiso as well, but deep wet snow and strong winds made the attempt unachiev- able forcing the expedition to return back to the Chabod Hut and the Valsavarenche Valley.
A further failed acclimatisation attempt at the Torino Hut (3500m) due to thun- derstorms meant the expedition moved
back into France and the Chamonix valley without being properly acclimatised at altitude. Anyone with any high-altitude experience understands acclimatisation is essential to deliver success in the high mountains. However, the weather gods had conspired against the expedition meaning the attempt on Mt Blanc would be even tougher.
Despite the issues, spirits were high as the expedition arrived at the Belvedere cable car, which would take us to the Gouter
20 / ARMY MOUNTAINEER