In April 2009 The Grange Team achieved the Haute Route – an arduous trek across three countries and reaching the top of three mountains. The Grange Team have nominated Disability Snowsport UK as their charity and paid for their own training and travelling costs.
The Grange Team faced its toughest challenge yet, when an avalanche struck on day one of their Haute Route ski tour, possibly the most famous and coveted ski tour in the world. Despite the set-back, they all managed to return safely, completing the tour in just five days instead of the anticipated seven.
The Team of six negotiated their way across 13 glaciers, climbed 14 cols (mountain passes) and successfully reached the summit of two notable peaks – the Rosablanche at 3,336 m (10,945 ft) and the Pigne d’Arolla 3,796 m (12,526 ft)
The team on this challenge were: John Houghton, Director of The Grange, Roger Hobill a Melton Mowbray farmer; Adam Carter and Nick Bowles, who were part of the Grange Team’s successful summit of Mont Blanc in August 2008; and, Dorian Ricardo, owner of the famous ‘Farmhouse’ hotel in the French Alps. The group were expertly lead by a qualified IFMGA High Mountain Guide.
The tour involved using high mountain huts to allow the skiers to stay at altitude and cover substantial distances, as the route runs through the highest and most dramatic peaks of the Alps – from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Requiring good weather, favourable snow conditions and immense effort to complete, in general terms only 50% of the skiers who begin the tour manage to finish it.
John explained the type of skiing they were undertaking: -
“Known as ski touring or ski mountaineering, the Haute Route is a form of backcountry or off piste skiing. It involves travelling over winter terrain on skis, under human power, without the use of ski lifts. It can take place on perfectly flat or extremely steep slopes, in either case, unlike Alpine Skiing, the skier’s heel must be free to allow a natural walking motion. Other tools the ski tourer needs to carry include ice axe, crampons and harness – and they need all the necessary skills to use all the equipment competently.”
On day one, however, the team was met with a near disaster:
“We were ascending a steep col in Chamonix on our first day. Rog, Adam and I were sheltering under a large rock face, but Dor and Nick were still 100 metres below, on their way up to us. Suddenly I heard a very loud rushing noise, just like a freight train. I turned to my left and it seemed to me that the whole mountain was going past me in a blur. I looked down to Dor still some way below and realised that he would bear the full brunt of the avalanche; seconds later it took him and he completely disappeared beneath tons of heavy wet snow. The avalanche continued its sweep down the mountain for 200 metres, before coming to a stop. Dor was no where to be seen and our guide reacted instinctively, barking a series of commands to us to begin the avalanche search and rescue plans we have practised so many times over the last ten years – never thinking that we would have to use them. Our guide began to shout Dor’s name, but to no avail. Suddenly our guide spotted a hand sticking out from under the snow – it was Dor. He was fine! He sustained no more than a bloody nose. We all crowded around asking questions all at once, in what turned out to be an emotional reunion. The Avalanche also hit Nick, but he managed to stay on the surface and sustained only minor burn injuries to his arm.”
After regrouping at the bottom of the mountain, and following much discussion, it was decided that the team should continue, albeit without Dor. The team hope that people will mark their achievement by giving generously to the fundraising for Disability Snowsport UK. People can either donate at The Grange, Asfordby, or post in their donations for this very worthy cause. John covered all his own expenses during the expedition, but would like to thank all of his sponsors including Salomon, Atomic, Falke, Ortovox and Scarpa.
“It’s fantastic that I get to use all this great kit, all of which we stock at The Grange in our Outdoor section. Testing the gear in the harshest conditions it gives me the opportunity to advise our customers with confidence.”
