Vertical Vector

The program combines two completely distinct climbs which are brought together by the amount of exposure to offer and their proximity.

The stunning granite spire of the Dent du Geant and the razor sharp snow and ice of the Aretes de Rochefort represent a hallmark of what the elements can achieve. A purity of form providing a mind bending exposure to the ones who dare venture.

Each of these classical climbs is a serious undertaking itself but being in a close proximity and sharing the same approach makes it possible to combine them in a single outing! Having the better snow conditions for the Aretes in the morning and having the route on the Geant on its shady SW face makes it quite logical to begin with Rochefort and to scale the Geant on the way back

Depending on conditions and your speed the climbs can be done in a single day starting with the first cable car from Courmayeur. The advantage is that we can skip lodging expenses. If we decide to go for a two day trip, the itinerary is as follows:

Day 1

We ascend to Torino hut (3375m) for a gentle acclimatisation and skill revision on any of the surrounding lesser climbs: Aiguille d'Entrèves or Aiguille des Marbrees. Overnight at Torino hut.

Day 2

Early morning start for:

• Dent du Geant
• Aretes de Rochefort
• Aretes de Rochefort & Dent du Geant

All items marked with * can be rented from the guide.

Equipment

• Hard boots compatible with semi-automatic/automatic crampons
• Semi-automatic or automatic crampons*
• Classical ice axe*
• Climbing harness*
• Climbing helmet*
• 2 carabiners; belay sling; belaying device*
• Sun glasses*
• 20- 30l backpack

Clothing

• Warm jacket
• Hardshell jacket and pants
• Thermal base layer  for upper body and legs
• 3 pairs of gloves / technical 5 fingers; warmer 5 fingers; Mittens/
• Hat/Buff

Others

• Thermos
• Sunscreen & lip protection
• Headlamp
• Snacks
• Personal items /prescription medicine; contact lenses; blister kit; maintenance equipment etc./

Hut Lodging

• Light sleeping bag liner
• Toiletries
• Ear plugs
• Phone charger

Pricing

• 650EUR for a single day climb with the first cable car
• 800EUR the two days option (with acclimatisation)
• 1100EUR for the combined ascent of both Rochefort & Geant

*The prices cover only the guiding fee. Yours and the guide’s expenses for accommodation, meals, mileage, road taxes and lift tickets are on you.

Insurance

Having an insurance is mandatory for the booking. You must be insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to opt for coverage against cancellations and curtailment as the outdoor activities are strongly dependent of constantly changing meteorological conditions

Guides

All programs of Vertical Vector are led by IFMGA mountain guides with substantial experience in the fields of skiing, climbing & mountaineering. The guide to client ratio for this trip is 1:2 for the Dent du Geant and 1:1 for Aretes de Rochefort

Accomodation

During the program we will sleep at Torino hut (Italy)

Getting There

The meeting point is in Chamonix. We drive together through the tunnel of Mont Blanc or we meet directly at the bottom station of Skyway Monte Bianco - Courmayeur, Italy.

Cancelation by the client prior to the trip

If you book your Tour more than 30 days in advance, you will have a 48-hour span after booking to cancel and receive a full refund without any deductions. After that period of time, if you decide to cancel the Tour, you will have the possibility to do so in accordance with the following indemnity scheme (refunded or to be paid depending on whether the payment was made and received) plus covering the non-reimbursable expenses the Guide paid to organize the Tour.

• 100% refunded (or 0% paid) if the cancellation is notified in writing by email to the Guide up to 60 days before the first day of the Tour.
• 75% refunded (or 25% paid) if the cancellation is notified in writing by email to the Guide between 59 and 30 days before the first day of the Tour.
• 50% refunded (or 50% paid) if the cancellation is notified in writing by email to the Guide between 29 and 21 days before the first day of the Tour.
• 0% refunded (or 100% paid) if the cancellation is notified in writing by email to the Guide less than 21 days before the first day of the Tour.

Cancelation by the guide prior to the trip

If the guide receives injury, illness or is somehow unable to attend and also to find a replacement, he will reimburse the full amount of money invested by the client in the form of advance payment and other expenses like hut bookings. However the Guide would not cover your transportation costs (booked flight tickets, car rental, etc.) You are strongly advised to insure such investments.

Trip cancelation due to external circumstances

• In case of possible bad weather or unsuitable conditions recognized up to 7 days prior the trip, the guide will:
  Propose a similar or different activity in line with the weather/conditions possibilities. If you refuse this option you will receive 0% refund.
• If similar activity is impossible and cancelation occurs, the guide is to be paid the minimum daily fee (380EUR) for each day canceled.

Trip cancelation on terrain

In case of unexpected or unforeseen weather / terrain conditions or client skill deficiency, the Guide keeps the right to cancel the trip in order to guarantee safety. In this case you will receive 0% refund unless the Guide offers you otherwise. If there is mutual agreement of cancelation due to bad weather the day before the guide is to be paid the minimum daily fee for each day canceled.