Page 25 - 2002 AMA Summer

de Gilland, this is an outstanding crag
just to the South of Chamonix, with well-bolted routes, belay boulders and abseil chains in place. Mark Stevenson made the most of these venues in his time down in the valley doing some horribly high French grades. On some days the rocks were too hot to climb on by 1330hrs.
Paul Vokes, Jude Duffus and Andy Stevens had a spell over at the Torino Hut on the Italian side (as many of the FtAF element of the JSAM did). On the way over Paul Vokes and Jude Duffus climbed the classic Cosmiques Arête, a truly splendid climb finishing on the viewing platform of the Aiguille du Midi. The team had one day storm bound in Torino Hut before embarking on La Tour Ronde. This was an interesting excursion that proved difficult in the route finding department. There was some delicate climbing and on the descent the adjacent couloir avalanched
(very exciting). Paul and Jude conquered the Dent Du Geant this proved a long route due to
number of other parties on it.
Mont Blanc de Tacul (PD) as well as Mont Blanc itself (Gouter Route PD-) were climbed
during the meet. Chamonix is the most popular location in the Alps for Alpine climbing, with plenty of routes of all types, having the highest mountain in Western Europe is an obvious draw, along with several other accessible 4000m peaks. The rock routes on the lower valley crags and on the Aiguille
Rouge presented a popular attraction. The climbing repre­ sents real challenges and risk
management in
glaciated Alpine mountains.
The exercise was due to take place over the period 27 Jul -11 Aug 01, however very poor and unstable weather conditions caused the exercise to be called off on Wed 8 Aug 01 with most personnel starting return journeys on 9/10 Aug 01. The JSAM remains an excellent opportunity to develop Alpine mountaineering skills, foster team spirit, physical fitness and enhance leadership skills. The joint nature of the exercise was much more evident in 2001 with mixed teams in various huts and a mixed campsite.
JSAM is a
very enjoyable,
demanding and
positive exercise
drawing participants from across the Army and repre­ sents real training value. It is important that all AMA members consider attending. The Alps are for everyone and not just Officers! 1 Major Andy Stevens is the POC for JSAM 2002 and is the Regt 2IC at 8 Tpt Regt RLC, Marne Bks, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire DL10 7NP Tel 94731 5701. It's never too late to get your JSAM application in.
Roger Knox and Nick momas.
ARMY MOUNTAINEER