The FMC annual Euro Ice Fest is now taking bookings. A return to Cogne in the Aosta Valley, Italy is planned, click read more to get the low down on dates, flights and accommodation.
Spurred on by the efforts of Darren (thanks for the use of your mailing list Darren) in publicising his March 2011 winter climbing extravaganza as well as the fact that I’ll be away for 6 weeks in the Autumn I’m now ready to go public with the plan for the 2011 Euro icefall climbing meet.
I’ve had some requests to try and make it flexible from the time point of view – an option to go for a shorter trip rather than the whole week, much as this meet was in it’s early days (this pretty much dictates flying with Easyjet to Geneva as all other cheap flights to ski destinations are limited to weekends), and further requests to go back to Cogne. Taking these into account this is the plan:
We’ve got an option (not yet a firm booking) on 4 apartments each for 4 people (in separate beds) at Chateau Royal where we stayed last time in Cogne. If you want to have a look see http://www.residencechateauroyal.com/
The price per person will be 22 euros per night. Breakfast can be had for 6 euros each.
As before the proprietor will do a good price on dinner (13 euros) at his hotel up the road for apartment residents. http://www.hotellabarme.com/
Or self cater.
As you’ll see on the FMC syllabus the meet is the week from Saturday 29th January to Saturday 5th February. The meet will indeed run for that period but with the option of an early return for those who’s leave limits them. Due to friendly (evening) flight time I suggest returning on the Wednesday – if left till Thursday you’ll only save 1 day.
The flight details are as follows:
Liverpool to Geneva
- Dep 29 January 2011 at 16:35 hrs
- Arr 29 January 2011 at 19:25 hrs
- Flight 7289
- 1 Adult
- 1 x £32.99
Geneva to Liverpool
- Dep 05 February 2011 at 21:25 hrs
- Arr 05 February 2011 at 22:20 hrs
- Flight 7292
- 1 Adult
- 1 x £31.99
Luggage
- 1 Cases
- 1 x £18.00
- 20kg total combined weight.
- Total flights and options £82.98
OR – FOR THE SHORTER TRIP:
Liverpool to Geneva
- Dep 29 January 2011 at 16:35 hrs
- Arr 29 January 2011 at 19:25 hrs
- Flight 7289
- 1 Adult
- 1 x £32.99
Geneva to Liverpool
- Dep 02 February 2011 at 20.00 hrs
- Arr 02 February 2011 at 22:55 hrs
- Flight 7292
- 1 Adult
- 1 x £26.99
Luggage
- 1 Cases
- 1 x £18.00
- 20kg total combined weight.
- Total flights and options £77.98
You probably don’t need me to tell you there’ll be a booking fee on top of that – not got far enough into the website to see what it is, but as always I guess less for debit than credit card. Easyjet seem these days to offer “sports equipment” carriage at an extra £18.50 (each way?). As there’s no category for climbing gear. Up to you whether you decide you need take more than 20kg + cabin bag and what you call it if you do!
WHAT TO DO NEXT??????? JUST ONE THING FOR THE TIME BEING:
Can you please book your flights at http://www.easyjet.com/asp/en/book/index.asp?lang=en
(the sooner the cheaper) and then let me know so I can begin counting heads for the accommodation booking.
Remember we have an option until mid November, not a booking.
Then I have to make the booking and pay the deposit. After that there MAY be more beds to be had but maybe not.
I look forward to the flood of e mails/phone calls/letters/postcards/carrier pigeons advising me of your commitment by way of a flight ticket.
The count is currently TWO – same number that went on the first of these meets in 2001
Cheers
Il Chef du Cascatisti
aka:
Martin Bennett
Home Tel: +44(0)1254 664249
Mobile Tel: +44(0)7787 974328
email: ml.ben(at)virgin.net
Home Tel: +44(0)1254 664249
Mobile Tel: +44(0)7787 974328
email: ml.ben(at)virgin.net
