Page 169 - Bugle Autumn 2014

The group on Top of the Hochwilde 11100 ft - Climb for Rob
Wycliffe College CCF
Exercise Alpine Challenge
The aim of Exercise Alpine Challenge 2014 was to introduce seven fairly inexperienced cadets to Alpine Climbing, with
the view of tackling three
of highest and most
interesting peaks in the
Austrian Otztaler. This is one
of the many mountain ranges
in the Tyrol District and whilst it
is not the highest area in the Alps, there
is little doubt that these impressive peaks did provide a demanding challenge for our cadets. We also did this as a sponsored climb for Rob Camm. He was on the 2010 expedition. Tragically last year Rob broke his neck in a car accident. So climbing these peaks was also dedicated to him.
We were based at Camping Solden. There was pre training on the Rattenbach Glacier, this was to introduce the team to glacier and ice work. All were given the opportunity to become familiar with their crampons, ice axes, and glacier travel and rope systems. The cadets were now ready for our three climbing challenges.
The Group:
Staff: Paul Rothwell. Mike Heylings. Cadets: James Woodrow. Kyran Young. Emma Bastin. Alex Schranz.
James Garrett. James Leach
Emma Bastin on Top of the Similaun
11600 ft
The Similaun at 11699 ft, our first objective is the second highest peak of the three. Although
technically the easiest, the knife-edge ridge at the top certainly gave us a
sense of insecurity. For a first climb at
altitude most found it tiring. The pace to the top was slow and methodical
and this coupled with the intense heat on the glacier made it a very energy sapping first climb.
The Hochwilde at 11441 ft was the lowest of all three peaks. The vertical rock, exposed traverses provided everyone with a real challenge. We
were now starting to acclimatize and there was no doubt that all were moving with much more fluency and that breathing was not as laboured as on the Similaun peak.
The Wildspitz is the highest peak in the Otztaler, at 12444 ft. unfortunately and sadly
this time we couldn’t do it as the weather on the planned day for climb was looking pretty awful, it
wasn’t worth the risk.
This was a very pleasant, fit and well-
motivated group of cadets. All gained a great deal of experience and personal achievement
in this rugged yet extremely beautiful (not so beautiful on the Wildspitz!) area of the Austrian
Alps.
We all had a cheer for Rob on top of our two
peaks!
THE RIFLES
XXX 167