Page 31 - 1998-99 AMA Winter
P. 31
Reference: H eilbronner Weg (Gd II/III) Kleiner Führer by Heinz Groth.
In summary, alpine mountaineering dur ing the winter months is no light under taking, but I hope that this article gives the ‘experienced summer alpinist’ a few ideas and the confidence to venture into the Alps in winter. The commitment is without question much greater but the challenge of planning, weather watching and learning about snow conditions makes the achieve ment very satisfying indeed. The accessi bility of the German Alps has been high lighted for the AMA Germany members. The importance ofskis to the winter alpin ist cannot be emphasised enough and it is definitely the way to get around in winter. So, if you do not ski, a few weeks this win ter learning will be time well spent. It will open new horizons to you and let you enjoy the Alps in winter to the full.
Useful references
Ski Mountaineering : Peter Cliff
Avalanche Safety for skiers and climbers:
D affern
Handbook of Climbing : Fyffe and Peter. Alpinism: Peter Cliff.
The Alpine 4000m Peaks: Goedeke
Alps 4000 : Video
Book Review
ALPINISM’
A n Introduction to Safe Alpine Mountaineering!’
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By Peter Cliff
The move from British mountaineering to Alpinism can be a daunting experi ence. The routes are longer, the moun tains are higher, there are glaciers, crevasses, thunderstorm s and rockfalls. How many AMA members started, as this reviewer did, from a position of rank amateurism, if not down right ignorance as to the realities? This book addresses the crucial issues which are essential to safe Alpinism, whether walking or climb ing. It does not claim to be the authori tative work on all issues - rather, it reflects Peter Cliff’s long experience as a guide and as Director of Training for the Jonathan Colville Trust, which provides subsidised courses in the Alps and in Scotland.
Those who are familiar with Peter Cliffs other publications - ‘M ountain Naviga tion, ‘Ski M ountaineering’ and his excel lent guide to the Haute Route - will know what to expect: clear and unambiguous advice on all aspects of Alpine moun taineering, from abseiling, acclim atisa tion, areas to go, through to rescue, safety
and weather. The diagrams and illustra tions are easy to follow and anyone fortu nate enough to have skied or climbed with Peter will have experienced much of the instructional content at first hand. This is an essentially practical book and as such, it is an ideal introduction to Alpinism. At £10 it provides excellent value and is strongly recom m ended for those AMA members who might be about to embark on their first Alpine season. 1998 - ISBN 1-871890-09-8 H ighland Printers. Review by Lt Col David Bernest
Footnote byCaptDJPlantAMASouthWestRep:
As a relative Alpine novice 1found this book an excellent familiarisation with all the basic skills. Unlike other books that can be off- putting by their detail and complexity, Peter Cliff’ s ‘introduction’ is very much that. It does assume a degree o f prior knowledge, but nothing beyond the capabilities o f a competent UK climber.
mountaintreks A feast for the senses this winter
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