The South Face of the Petit Grepon was made famous by Steck and Ropers 50 Classic Climbs and this route certainly lives up to it. Commonly climbed in 8 pitches, The South Face is an all-time classic with a not to be missed summit. Despite the moderate level of difficulty, the approach, climbing, descent and walk combine to make an overall challenging day. We’ll start early to beat the crowds on this route! This trip is available from late June through early September.Β  Β 

Pay a 50% deposit per item

Details

Minimum Eligibility Criteria: Previous climbing experience, ability to efficiently follow 5.8 crack/face climbing with a light pack on and previous experience doing several rappels in row.Β  Ability to ascend and descend 4000ft over 10 miles with a pack on in a reasonable amount of time.Β 

 

Length: 10-12 hours

 

Maximum Ratio: 2 participants, 1 guide

 

Minimum Age: Under 18 will need written consent from parent/guardian

Curriculum/Itinerary

  • Equipment overview and proper fit
  • Leave No Trace Principles and Outdoor Crag Etiquette
  • Risk Management Discussion
  • Approach, Climb and Descend the route

Price Includes

Does Include:

  • AMGA Trained/Certified Guide/Instructor
  • Group Climbing Equipment
  • Ropes
    • Technical Hardware – carabiners, protection, belay device, etc
    • Technical Softgoods – slings, cordelette, anchor rope, etc
  • Personal Climbing Equipment
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Helmet
  • Harness

Does Not Include:

  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Trip/cancellation Insurance
  • Non-technical Personal Items – clothing, pack, sunglasses, etc
  • Rescue Insurance
  • Park Entrance Fees (if applicable)
  • Guide Gratuity
  • Unforeseen costs incurred outside of the control of SAI

Equipment List

Clothing

 

Bottom

  • Lightweight synthetic bottom
  • Synthetic underwear
  • Lightweight softshell pants – a tighter, more athletic fit is idealΒ 

 

Top

  • Lightweight longsleeve top
  • Midweight longsleeve top – with hood recommended
  • Sports Bra
  • Lightweight softshell jacket with hood
  • Non-insulated lightweight waterproof shell jacket with hood – should fit over your softshell jacket and under your harness waistbelt
  • Down or synthetic midweight insulated puffy jacket – should fit over the outside of all your layers

 

Head

  • Wool or synthetic beanie – needs to fit under your helmetΒ  (no pom pom on top)
  • Face Mask (PPE) – n95 or similar
  • Sunglasses – full sun protection with 100% UV protectionΒ 

 

Hands

  • 1 pair of mid-weight water resistant softshell type gloves – with a leather palm

 

Feet

  • 1 pair Wool or synthetic mid-weight socks – hiking socks are great
  • Footwear: Sticky rubber approach shoes are great! A lightweight hiking boot is also another option

 

Technical EquipmentΒ 

 

  • Harness – UIAA/CE rated climbing harness with belay loop and gear loops.Β  Should be able to fit on the outside of your layers.Β  Adjustable leg loops recommended
  • Helmet – UIAA/CE rated climbing helmet.Β  Should be able to fit on the outside of your beanie
  • 2 locking carabiners – large, round stock screw gate carabiners that are easily manipulated while wearing gloves
  • Belay/Rappel device
  • Sticky rubber rock climbing shoes – comfort is important!
  • (Optional)Β  Assisted Braking Device – Petzl Gri-Gri, Edelrid Mega-Jul, BD Pilot, etc

 

*All technical equipment will be provided by SAI, but if you have our own, it’s encouraged that you bring it.

 

Food

  • 2L of water
  • 1500-2000 calories of food – energy bars, pre-made sandwiches, fruits, etc

 

Personal

  • Backpack – 30-35L
  • Smaller β€œon-route” pack – 15-20L
  • 2L of water carrying capacity total.Β  1 water bottle and 1 dromedary bag is great
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Smartphone

 

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk managementΒ is SAI’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in the mountains such as avalanches, ice fall, rock fall, inclement weather, and high winds, but they cannot eliminate them. SAI guides draw from their wealth of experience and training to make sound decisions that maximize your experience without compromising the necessary margin of safety. Please clearly understand that mountaineering and all other mountain adventures are inherently hazardous sports. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risk and hazards of these sports, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in these activities.

FAQ

Q:What am I responsible to bring?

A: Each one of course pages has information on what to bring under the tab β€œPrice Includes”. We will also send you additional info on how to prepare for your guided day once via email once we have received your payment.Β 

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Q:How fit should I be for my course?

A: Our courses vary from absolute beginner to more advanced techniques on the sharp end.Β  While a base level of fitness (moderate hiking) is generally necessary to get to the climb, all courses can be tweaked to match your level of fitness.

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Q: What if the weather is bad and we need to cancel/reschedule?

A: Read our cancellation policy on our policies page.

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Q: Do I need to have prior climbing experience?

A: Each course/objective has different experience requirements. This information can be found under the Prerequisites tab at the bottom of our course pages.Β  For example, you do not need any prior experience to enroll in our Intro to Mountaineering Course but would need some prior climbing experience to participate in our Learn to Lead Trad Course.Β 

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Q: Is there an age minimum? Can I bring my kids?

A: No, there is not an age minimum and yes you can bring your kids! However, there are some courses where children would not be suitable. You can find more information under the β€œcourse details” tab on our course pages. Also, check out our custom guiding options where we can create custom itinerary for you and your family.Β 

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Q: Will I need transportation to get to the climb?

A: Yes, we do not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling with other course participants whenever possible though to save the environment and parking space! Meeting times and locations will be sent out via email once you have booked a course with us.Β 

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Q: Do you offer lodging options?

A: No. We offer recommended lodging options and sometimes discounted rates depending on the course or trip. Feel free to call us if you have any questions about lodging!



POLICIES

Please review ourΒ cancellation policy here.

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Advanced registration is required to book this course. We have a limited amount of guides and book up regularly. Simply book online if you’re ready to secure a date or, give us a call during business hours if you have any questions.