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QUALIFICATIONS: We do suggest that you have previous technical ice climbing experience prior to joining us for the Pisco & Alpamayo Expedition. Climbers are expected to have glacier travel experience and have climbed both steeper alpine ice and waterfall ice up to grade 3. High altitude experience is advised but not required. Completing a Mountain Madness Alpine Ice Climbing Course or Ouray, Colorado waterfall ice seminar and having demonstrated competency on waterfall ice up to grade 3 is an excellent way to prepare for this trip. This trip is rated as strenuous and we cannot overemphasize the importance of physical conditioning.
TRAINING PROGRAM: We suggest you begin your training program at least two months prior to departure. Walking up hills and stair climbing are both excellent ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take a long hike (4-6 hours) several times with a weighted pack. The best training for mountaineering is to carry a weighted pack (40-60 lbs.) up and down hills or on small mountains. Supplement this activity with running, cycling, swimming, racquet sports, basketball, etc. for additional aerobic conditioning.
With more than one thousand feet of technical ice to climb this ascent will require special conditioning of calve muscles. Toe raises and bicycling will go a long ways in your training to help you meet the rigors of such a climb. You may want to consider joining us for some technical waterfall ice in Ouray, Colorado during the winter months of December- March.
WEATHER: Like all big mountains, the peaks of the Andes generate and attract their own weather, making conditions impossible to predict. April through August typically have the best weather, but be prepared for a wide range of temperatures, from freezing nights, to snowy and windy conditions, to bright sunshine intensified by high altitude. The wide fluctuation in temperatures makes it important to bring everything on the equipment list.
FOOD: Mountain Madness is renowned for providing gourmet mountain cuisine. All of the meals from the trailhead and back will be provided, including pastas, rice, soups, dehydrated, and fresh foods. Bring along your favorite snack foods, energy bars, and after dinner treats. Trip members will help prepare meals and clean up in order to become comfortable with expedition cooking.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses, and emergency assistance. An insurance application is provided with all trip confirmations.
GENERAL INFORMATION: This trip is subject to the booking information on the Mountain Madness Trip Application. We urge you to read this information carefully and to call us if you have any questions.
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The mountains of the spectacular Cordillera Blanca of Peru contain some of the greatest vertical relief to be found outside the Himalayas and offer climbing challenges equal to those found in the great ranges of the world. This trip is well suited to intermediate climbers that have some technical ice climbing experience (climbers should be comfortable on 70-80 degree ice or the equivalent of waterfall ice grade 3). We will warm up on Chopakalki or Toclaraju and then travel up the spectacular Santa Cruz valley where some of the most impressive peaks of the range can be found. 