Page 13 - 2002 AMA Winter

along a spine of mountains, with ridges and glaciers on each side. The area is a designated National Park and in the high season (July/August) access by private car is restricted, with a shuttle bust service in place to reach the road head. We were able to drive and park at the road end, from whence we made our way up to the Refugio d’Aneto, In the process of being expanded, this mountain hut offers standard sleeping platform accommodation and meals if required. The evening meal was good, very substantial with a far higher ‘fresh’ content that you come across in huts in the Alps. Using he hut also enabled the novices to learn 'hut etiquette’ which is the same all over Europe. The next morning saw an alpine start complete with obligatory head torches as we negotiated the rocky lower slopes. The route follows one side of a ridgeline, which it then crosses to drop down for a long traverse over the glacier. The final steep snow ascent leads to an airy traverse along a ridge of rock slabs and ledges, where great sport is to be had in watching the variety of rope work being practiced and the sheer ill manners of many European mountaineers! The route is reversed to regain the Regugio and walk out to the road head.
Having bagged one peak and had a good mountaineering experi­ ence on the other, the trip was deemed a success by all concerned. Whilst the mountains are less spectacular than the Alps, the greater remoteness, lack of mechanical uplift and lack of crowds give a far greater perception of being reliant on the team rather than external factors, thus assisting in achieving the aims of adventurous training. The area is highly recommended for intro­ ducing novices to the alpine environment, with numerous high- level treks as well as mountaineering and also offers great scope for paddling, if a multi-activity expedition is required. The cost of living is substantially cheaper than elsewhere in Europe and afford­ able accommodation is readily available
Ardenbeg
Bunkhouse and Outdoor Centre
Excellent SJC or catered accommodation for up to 24. Family or group rooms at £8.60 pppn. Drying room. TV etc. Located In Grantown on Spey. Just north
of Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountains.
Great for experts and beginners
Equipment hire and/or instruction available. Discounts for Military vlstors and their families and friends.
Visit - www.ardenbeg.co.uk
01479 872824 Rebecca and Tim Bird
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