North Face Classic of Mount Perdido 800m AD

You must be able to lead grade III+ rock on partially equipped terrain while wearing rigid boots, and have previous experience on snow or ice slopes of 40–50°.

The source programme describes the following alpine grades:

F: moderate rock, snow or ice slopes, generally below a 45% gradient, easy scrambling up to grade II and possible crevassed glacier sections. Experienced mountaineers may sometimes progress without a rope.

PD: steeper slopes, narrow exposed ridges, scrambling up to grade III and crevassed glaciers. A rope may be needed on several sections.

AD: long steep slopes, narrow exposed ridges, grade III–IV climbing, including some vertical terrain, and complex, heavily crevassed glaciers. Rope use is essential and this terrain is intended for experienced mountaineers.

Included

• One day with a high mountain guide.
• Technical equipment: ice axe and crampons if you do not have them.
• Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe if you do not have them.
• Initial assistance insurance.
• Photos and video of the activity.
• Taxes.

Not included

• Accommodation and meals. Contact us for details.
• Transport to the meeting point.

Clothing

• Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Technical mountain trousers in Schoeller fabric or equivalent.
• Fleece, down jacket or synthetic insulated jacket.
• Thermal base layer and a spare.
• Thin and thick socks, plus spares.
• Thick and thin gloves, plus spare pairs.
• Warm hat, sun cap, sunglasses and ski goggles.
• Headtorch with spare batteries.
• Sun protection for face and lips.

Equipment needed

• Harness.
• 2 technical ice axes.
• Technical crampons with anti-balling plates.
• Helmet.
• 4 HMS locking carabiners.
• Slings and accessory cord for anchors and belays.
• Belay device, such as a Reverso or equivalent.
• Telescopic ski poles.

Recommended equipment (optional)

• 60 m half rope, 8.1–9 mm in diameter, for double-rope climbing.
• Set of ice screws.
• Rock pitons.
• Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
• Quickdraws.
• Backpack.
• 30–45 litre backpack.
• A water bottle of at least 1.5 litres and electrolyte salts, or a flask.

Footwear

• Rigid-soled mountaineering boots and gaiters.
• If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses during the activity, bring a suitable way to prevent losing them.

Day 1

11:00: Leave Bielsa. 16:00: Arrive at Tucarroya hut for the night.

Day 2

05:00: Breakfast prepared by the guide. 06:00: Begin the approach. 07:00: Start climbing. 11:00: Monte Perdido summit. 13:00: Balcón de Pineta. 17:00: Return to the vehicle in Pineta.

Times are approximate.