UKC

So I have an antsy Alaskan visiting me between the 11-17th of December. He wants to do something 'out-there!' In Europe - a classic alpine route, long multi-pitch Rock routes that sort of thing...

One Question is - any reccomendations on winter alpine routes that can be done with a short approach as he doesn't have skis with him and renting will be expensive...

Is Rjukan/Norway ice worth an early season punt? Or Kandersteg/ Cogne falls? Or Scotland and pray for some early cold or failing that nice weather for MP rock...ill stop rambling now.

Ukc - what ideas do you have to qwell his insatiable thirst for adventure that's in Europe and can be done in a 'smash and grab' style in a month where the weather is about as predictable as well, the weather.

N.B - he was in the uk earlier this year and we did various classics as Point 5, Old man of Hoy, DoWH...

Thanks

In reply to JoeyTheFish:

Very short days for the Alps. Costa Blanca? El Chorro?

In reply to JoeyTheFish:

Thats a bit early season...

So Rjukan will prolly be not in condition. Artic Norway or Sweden (Stora Sjöfallet), prolly something. Eg. this is a blog from last Nov... http://www.rollomixed.com/2014/11/pakettiauto-parkkiruudussa.html

No skis required, but gettin' there isn't that easy (fly into Kiruna or Gällivare and rent a car, or to Stockholm and longer drive, other options also available).

Cogne might be Ok, no idea of Kandersteg.

Other than Artic Scandiland, your best bet might be simply to fly to Geneva and get a rental. Classic stuff like Matterhorn N-face might be ok. As would a lot of stuff around Cham (Fil a plomb and then something on Tacul).

And if the weathers crap, drive into Italy for some longer rock routes.

In reply to JoeyTheFish:

I have been a couple of times to Cogne in December, just before Christmas. It can be excellent and quiet at that time or it can be completely disappointing or horrible. You are taking a punt, but flights and hotels are normally very cheap, relatively, so if you monitor weather, webcams (and conditions if possible), up to the last minute and are prepared to throw away whatever you have spent if it really looks dire, it can work.

Similar conditions apply to the Southern French Alps, e.g. Ecrins.

In reply to David Rose:


A very important consideration. But South will give significantly longer days, in Norway they will be very short indeed.

In reply to JoeyTheFish:

Not European, but cheap flights and not much further - have you considered Morocco or Wadi Rum?