Chauvin Guides International Ice Climbing and Mountaineering Programs

Ice Climbing Instruction

Home Site Map
Ice Climbing, Mountaineering Programs
& Ski Programs

Marc Chauvin is a a independent guide based in North Coney, NH specializing in custom guiding with individuals, couples or small groups of friends. Marc Chauvin will be your guide while Jay Philbrick will assist in the field for the two day avalanche courses.

There are a wide variety of trips that are possible during the winter in the White Mountains of NH that use a variety of climbing and mountaineering skills. The White Mountains have steep technical ice and mixed climbing, basic crampon and ice axe use on open above tree line slopes, multi-day mountaineering hikes, backcountry skiing and moderate snowshoe hikes. The White Mountains have been the training ground for many world class mountaineers as well as a destination climbing area with some of the best ice climbing in the contiguous US and of course Mount Washington's unique combination of accessibility and severe winter weather.

Below you will find some ideas of things we can do. Seeing that you or your group will be the only participants, I can and prefer to adapt theses ideas to your unique situation taking into account your strengths, goals and preferences along with the all important weather and conditions.

I enjoy talking with people and helping them plan a way to combine guided trips with personal trips to accomplish their goals and develop their skills in the mountains. Give me a call at 603-356-8919. My office is in my home so calling in the evening is often best seeing I am out climbing and teaching most days.

Prices per day per person
Private 1:1 $250
Semiprivate 2:1 $150
Groups of 3 $125

Prices per night of camping per person
Private 1:1 $125
Semiprivate 2:1 $100
Groups of 3 $ 75

Ice Climbing and Mountaineering in the White Mountains

Avalanche Courses detailed info on courses
CGI is teaching and sponsoring a full avalanche curriculum this season. The Two Day course is for recreational users and covers; interpreting avalanche forecasts, route finding, use of beacons, and rescue procedures and provides you with a solid rule based decision making methodology using the Avaluator. The AIARE Level 1 course is for those who want a more advance course and are looking for something that will lead to a judgment based decision making model as an introduction to professional level curriculum.

If you are shopping for an avalanche course CGI recommends that you at least ask the following question of potential course providers. Will everyone in the course be required to wear an avalanche transceiver?
If your course will be going into avalanche terrain (Tuckerman Ravine, for example) and the provider doesn't require or provide transceivers for everyone, consider finding another avalanche course!

Avalanche Awareness 1
2 Days
Price $225, includes an Avaluator, Backcountry Avalanche Awareness by Bruce Jamieson and the use of an Avalanche Transceiver, Shovel and Probe.
Maximum class size 10 people
Dates:
Dec 19-20, 2009
Jan 2-3, 2010
Feb 6-7, 2010
Feb 27-28,2010

Prerequisites: Students must have the physical ability to travel to and in avalanche terrain. There are no other prerequisites.
Courses fill quickly. Other dates and courses possible through arrangement.

Three Day AIARE Level 1
Price $350 Maximum class size 5:1
Jan 29-30-31, 2010

Prerequisites:Participants need to have avalanche rescue gear, alpine touring or telemark skis and skins or a splitboard with skins. Participants are strongly recommended to have a two day avalanche course previously and must have a background traveling in avalanche terrain prior to this course. We will be in terrain that requires solid ski or riding skills.

Waterfall Ice
This course is for the beginner climber, gym climber, rock climber or technical mountaineer who wants the steep ice experience. Technical climbing experience isn't a must. We will have you on the steeps in no time.
Maximum Ratio 3:1
Suggested number of days 1 to 3

Learn to Lead Ice
This is an intensive course that is only appropriate for climbers who are already competent seconding on both low and high angled ice and snow.
Most people who meet the criteria above leave the course having lead a number of substantial pitches!
Maximum Ratio 2:1
Suggested number of days 2 or 3

Two-Day Mountaineering Course
This two-day course is for people who have little or no experience with crampons or ice axe. Previous technical climbing experience is not necessary. If you are interested in above tree line winter hiking, skiing the steeps, or climbing volcanoes like those in the Cascades or Mexico, this curriculum will focus on climbing techniques that are often needed for these trips.

We start by covering the basics of crampon and ice axe use on the first day at Willey's Slide in Crawford Notch. Our second day we will climb in either Huntington or Tuckerman Ravine where we will learn more about snow and ice climbing as well as avalanche awareness and if time permits make a summit attempt.
Maximum Ratio 3:1
2 Days

Three Day Mountaineering Course
Mt. Washington Photo
A three-day one-night course that combines the Two Day Mountaineering Course with a night learning winter camping skills. We start by covering the basics of crampon and ice axe use on the first day. Our second day we travel to either Huntington or Tuckerman Ravine where we will learn more about snow and ice climbing as well as avalanche awareness. The last day we will attempt to summit Mount Washington via a climb of a gully in one of these great ravines. A super way to get started in winter mountaineering.
Maximum ratio 3:1
3 Days 1 Night

Advanced Mountaineering Course
Ultra-light packing techniques along with efficient movement skills, are the key to success. This course combines waterfall ice techniques with a night out to show you how it's done. Our first morning will be spent food planning and learning minimal packing techniques. In the afternoon we will depart for a climb with a bivouac. The second day we finish the climb and then descend back to the car. Ice climbing experience and a high level of fitness are a must for this course.
Maximum Ratio 2:1
2 Days 1 Night

Mount Washington Winter Ascent
Mt. Washington Photo
A one-day journey into the arctic is what's in store on this trip. Our route will take us up toward Tuckerman and Huntington Ravine where we will then climb the wooded ridge of Lion's Head, breaking out above tree line. Twelve Hundred vertical feet later you'll be standing on top of New England. Although physically demanding, no previous winter climbing experience is necessary.
Maximum Ratio 5:1
1 Day

Northern Presidential Hut Traverse New in 2009
Using the Randolf Mountain Club's Grey Knob or Crag Camp huts located on the shoulder of Mount Adams we'll attempt a traverse of the Northern Presidentials. The hut will allow us to travel lighter and increase comfort at night while still enjoying the mountaineering challenge of traversing the Northern Presidentials. We will attempt to traverse from Mount Madison to Mount Washington and finish at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitors Center.
Max Ratio 5:1
2 Days 1 Night

Presidential Traverse
A three day expedition across the arctic-like Presidential Range. Often used as training for the larger peaks, this trip is no practice session. What makes this trip so seemingly innocent is its accessibility, convenient it may be, but no less difficult. If you want an adventure packed three-day weekend, this trip is for you. Previous winter camping experience and basic use of crampons and ice axe are a must. Check out the Presidential Traverse Guide to get a flavor of how I run his trip.
Maximum Ratio 5:1
3 Days 2 Nights

Ski Programs

Mount Washington Ski Descent
Mt. Washington Photo
A one-day climb and ski descent of Mount Washington. Downhill skiers we will use the right gear for you to access the backcountry. Alpine touring skis, boots and bindings allow you to climb using skins and descend with your heels locked down. Free yourself from the lifts to ski some real mountain terrain.
Maximum Ratio 5:1
1 Day
Note: Telemark skiers are more than welcome to join us on any of our ski tours

Backcountry Alpine Ski Camp
more info virtual tour equipment list
Downhill skiers, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Using alpine touring skis and climbing skins, we will approach remote ravines on Mount Washington. We will skin up the Gulf of Slides ski trail to our camp and ski the rest of the day away. The second day we may find ourselves accessing another ravine before packing up and skiing back to Pinkham. Skiers should be able to ski most black diamond trails at ski areas.
Maximum Ratio 4:1
2 Days 1 Night
Note: Telemark skiers are more than welcome to join us on any of our ski tours

The Haute Route Ski Tour
Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland more info
Join CGI this spring on the most classic and famous of all European high route ski tours. Every day this tour will have you traveling through the most incredible mountain terrain imaginable. We will ski some amazing glacier runs and possibly climb a number of spectacular ski peaks. At the end of each day we will find ourselves at a wonderful and cozy hut. Because of these huts, we will be able to travel with small packs allowing us to enjoy the skiing. Jay spent 5 years climbing and skiing in the Alps and rates the Haute Route as the best.
Dates: April 2-11, 2010
Price: $2900.00 per person

Berner Oberland Haute Route
more info
The Berner Oberland Haute Route is one of the classic high level ski tours in the Western Alps. This six day trip is another hut to hut tour which allows us again to travel lightly to enjoy the skiing. This tour need not be as strenuous as the "classic" Haute Route and the itinerary can be more flexible if necessary. The tour is located in some of the most spectacular glacial terrain in the Alps and begins right next to the three peaks this area is famous for; the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Home Top Email