Northwest Corridor 800m D. Ip Shovel

You must be able to lead grade IV rock on partially equipped terrain while wearing rigid boots, and have previous experience on snow or ice slopes of 50–60°.

The source programme describes the following alpine grades:

AD+: long, steep rock, snow or ice slopes, narrow exposed ridges, grade III–IV climbing and complex, heavily crevassed glaciers. Rope use is essential and previous mountaineering experience is required.

D: sustained routes with sections of 50–60°, requiring reliable technique and a sound knowledge of safety systems. Continuous climbing on rock, frequently grade IV, snow or ice.

MD: long and technically demanding climbs in varied terrain, potentially reaching grade V rock, with steep slopes and high exposure. These routes may be remote and require considerable technical ability.

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.

06:00: Leave the Jaca office.

07:00: Begin the approach.

08:00–09:00: Start climbing.

12:00: Reach the summit.

14:00–15:00: Return to the vehicle.

16:00–17:00: Return to Jaca.

Times are approximate.