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honest  friendly workers supportive teachers organised responsive humble active |
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| Whilst
there is nothing more embarassing than blowing
your own trumpet, some clients ask to see
the type of feedback that others have given
our courses, and so we have set up this page
to provide exactly that. All the comments
below have been provided by former clients
on the course feedback questionnaire. |
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Summer climbing
The
course was a week of hard work and blisters
- brilliant!!!
Tim D, Mont Blanc Achievements |
Course
was very well put together to accommodate
difficult weather variables. Acclimatisation
appeared to work successfully. Varied and
interesting activities. Overall excellent
with supremely capable people who were very
responsive and sensitive to individual needs.
Gerard C, Mont Blanc Summit |
Guide
was a mountain Yoda! I learnt loads and course
gave me good skills to take away with me.
It gave me a huge amount of confidence.
Amanda D, Alpine Introduction |
A
huge learning curve! Challenging, demanding,
a great sense of achievement. Thank you.
Tina G, Alpine Autonomy |
Icicle
were excellent, and I would happily recommend
them to anyone else..
Gemma L, Alpine Rock Course |
A
very serious organisation (in a good way),
that I will certainly go back to. Great people,
great Guides, but course was a bit short (I
needed two weeks time to digest all the instruction)!!!
No need to improve anything.
Laura P, Alpine Autonomy |
Course
was quite hard except for the rock day, but
excellent value for money. If it had been
easy I would have been disappointed. I came
here to train outside my confort zone, and
this course put me outside my confort galaxy.
Thank you guys!
Helen P, Alpine Intro Course |
The
course was challenging but fun. I wanted a
challenge and focus (Mont Blanc) with some
instruction. Icicle are very professional
and safe. Very committed to the sport.
Simon T, Mont Blanc Summit |
I
am just e-mailing to thank you very much again
for the wonderful week I had on the Intro
Ice and Alpine course. It was one of the most
exciting(if not the most exciting) weeks of
my life and one that I will never forget.
I have a little photograph of the Cosmique
Tourette in my office at work to remind me.
I would love one day to come back to Chamonix
and do some more climbing, maybe go up Mont
Blanc, but lots of training first! Take care,
Paul
Paul
W, Alpine Introduction |
Just
a quick sign off from last week, to say how
much we enjoyed ourselves (with hindsight!!)
and how impressed we were with the way you
'managed' us.
Steve R, Mont Blanc Summit |
I
just wanted to write a wee note to thank you
for arranging such an enjoyable week. I'm
still gutted that we didn't top out but ce
la vie I suppose. None the less it was really
worthwhile and both Jean Luc and Stefano were
- in very different ways - excellent guides.
I also just wanted to say that the evening
lectures were a really great add on and very
useful, so thanks for that as well
Matthew O, Mont Blanc Summit |
That
was an absolutely splendid holiday, running
through the full range of emotions. It was
a pleasure to meet you all and thank you for
making it such fun.
Dan N, Alpine Autonomy |
Winter
climbing
Please
pass on my grateful thanks to Jacques for
a wonderful few days. No picture can capture
what the experience meant to me. Thanks to
you and all the team. I had a wonderful time,
one that I will cherish for a long time to
come.
Peter A, Ice Weekend |
An
interesting and worthwhile mountain experience.
Richard M, Intro Ice & Alpine |
Icicle
are thorough and well organised. The course
was what it said on the tin. Flexible, adjusted
to personal strenghts and weaknesses. Guide
was patient, very safe, and helpful.
Bob B, Winter Intro Ice |
You
warned me that it would be the toughest thing
I had ever done, and you sure did not undersell
it. Very, very, very hard, but so rewarding.
Until the last day I did not think I could
make it, but the Guide was so self assured
(not arrogant, but confident), that he constantly
encouraged and inspired me.
Peter L, Winter Matterhorn |
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Alpine trekking
I'd
like to thank your Chamonix team for all their
help, and for the fantastic guiding we had
on our tour. I highly recommend this trip
to anyone, as it is one they will never forget,
and is a big achievement.
Rhian
Evans , Classic TMB Trek |
The
views were breathtaking and the group was
friendly. A fantastic holiday and one that
I will recommend as a must to everyone I know.
Thank you so much!!
Sarah
J , Everest Base Camp |
The
amount our leader knew about the region was
astounding, and we were shown places that
no one could ever hope to find on their own.
Really well organised, and extremely friendly
Linda
P , Chamonix Treks |
I
am now back at work after the trip to Kili
with you recently. It was brilliant! All logistics
were seamless – Evans and the crew were
superb, the food was great, and we all summitted.
What could be better!
David
Fletcher , Kilimanjaro |
Just
a little note to say I had a great time in
Morocco last week. From Mohamed, who I thought
was both competent and professional but also
approachable and fun, to the great accommodation
(even the Nelter Hut wasn't as bad as I'd
heard or feared). The food was tip-top. Also
I feel a mention needs to go to madam at the
riad in Marrakesh who was an absolute joy,
she couldn't do enough for us.
David
Kemble , Winter Toubkal |
This
trek was truely superb, and it was an experience
I will remember forever.
Linda
Poe , Classic TMB Trek |
An
unforgettable holiday for all the right reasons.
Watching the sun rise across the plains from
the summit was amazing. You have a great local
team, who love working for you, and looking
after us so well
Samantha
Budd , Kili & Mt Meru |
An
amazing week where we saw marmots, chamois
and dinosaur footprints!
Kirstie
S , Chamonix Treks |
Snowshoeing
I
booked as I was obsessed with Saint Bernard
dogs, and I love snowshoeing too, so it was
an obvious trip for me. Thanks for giving
us such a great guide, who knew so much about
the area, and clearly loved their job so much.
Sue
N , Swiss Snowshoe Weekend |
A
great choice of bases that we stayed in that
gave us access to brilliant snowshoe treks
and summits. Thank you for all the organisation
and the top guiding.
Matt
W , 3 Countries Snowshoeing |
A
brilliant week exploring hidden the gems of
the region. I will definately be back next
year for more of the same. A huge thanks to
you all so much.
Jill
Wheldon , Snowshoeing |
Brilliant,
exciting, fun, perfect! Not bad platitudes
for a weekend. The hut was amazing, and I
think you undersold it - no mention of the
four course meal and the duvets!
Anita
T , Italian Snowshoe Weekend |
Please
pass on my thanks to Kingsley who guided us,
for looking after us so well, and his incredible
local knowledge. We will be back next year
for more!
Babs
S , 3 Countries Snowshoeing |
Meticulously
planned, and extraordinarily knowledgable.
A brilliant holiday led by a guide who so
obviously loved every minute of his job, and
looked after us very well.
Brian
Atkinson , Snowshoeing |
I
have just arrived back in Dublin, I would
like to thank you for a fantastic week, it
definitely exceeded my expectations , and
my limitations , I did not realise I could
walk so much and so high in such remote areas
(mainly due to Kingsley's skill and style
of motivation in such a positive way). And
to trek in three countries in one week was
amazing (France, Switzerland , Italy). I was
interested to see what it would be like to
go alone on trip, and met with a great and
interesting group of people the week passed
very quickly. It was excellent to learn about
avalanches and such a vast amount about general
mountaineering Kingsley's knowledge is endless.
The organisation and communication was excellent,
even down to simple things and where to find
things, restaurants etc. Once again thank
you for a fantastic week.
Niall,
Snowshoeing |
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Off Piste skiing
A
great mixture of teaching, skiing and socialising
with a fun group. Learnt loads, and had a
ball of a time
Josei
S , Chamonix Off Piste Course |
Zermatt
is brilliant as everything is so accessible
and compact. Skiing past the North Face of
the Matterhorn was fantastic
Tanya
S , Zermatt Off Piste |
Amazing
week of skiing, with intimate local knowledge to
find the best powder for us. Great teaching
from our guide, so my skiing went up several
gears
Wayne
W , Chamonix Off Piste Course |
You
wouldn't believe how many books I had read
about avalanche awareness before the course,
but the way it was taught, and the amount
of great tips we were given, made it really
come alive to me, and explained it so clearly
and effectively. Thanks.
Alison
Green , Avalanche Weekend |
This
week really opened my eyes to the possibilities
of accessing the real back-country, and gave
me the skills to escape all the busy areas
in the future, even if I visit a popular ski
resort
Joe
B , Intro Backcountry |
It's
amazing how little you really know about snow,
and this course really made me aware of the
risks I had been taking
Rob
Garstang , Avalanche Weekend |
I
hadn't realised how remote some of the areas
I would visit could be, and was stunned by
the landscapes we skied
Darren
V , Intro Backcountry |
What
a week of amazing powder! I love skiing couloirs
and can't wait to come back. Thanks for a
great week
Julie T , Verbier Off Piste |
Ski
touring courses
Guide
was very good, knowledgeable, and with excellent
people skills. A great holiday.
Mike T, Paradiso Tour |
Guide
was excellent, talkative, and attentive. All
the instruction was good, especially the snow
skills.
Kris H, Intro Touring |
Stunning
scenary, excellent weather, brilliant Guide.
Fresh tracks each day. Great back up support
from Chamonix team, and a fun group. Cannot
wait to meet up again for a beer!
Richard W, Haute Route Tour |
A
really different ski tour from the likes of
the Haute Route. I couldn't get my head around
using climbing walls in the huts on a couple
of evenings. Random, but really fun and a
great way to bond better with our team, and
to learn some skills
Neil
P, Silvretta Ski Tour |
Our
ski ascent over the Col du Passon and down
the La Tour glacier was a great finale.
The instruction we received from the guides was superlative
Mick C , Intro Ski Touring |
A
well matched group of people, with an inspirational
Guide. We learnt loads and had a great time
on our way to Zermatt. Your logistical support
was great, as was the attention to detail
Suzanne
T , Haute Route Ski Tour |
It
was so good to get to the summit on skis,
and to enjoy the long ski down. As you
can imagine, this kind of tour is a dream
in my country! Great week
Anders
P , Gran Paradiso Ski Tour |
Thanks
to everyone involved in making this happen
for us; the guides, Chamonix team, and the
UK office for putting up with my endless queries
before the course. You were all great, and
I can't thank you enough
Josephine
T , Haute Ski Route Tour |
A
wondeful week that really convinced us that
ski touring can be a treat of a holiday, as
well as great skiing and big days out. The
meals were well earned each day!
Darren
& Susan , Gourmet Ski Tour |
First
can I thank you for organising a fantastic
trip. S was just what I want in a guide, good
fun, keen to teach and happy to shout at you
when you do something stupid. The trip was
a good mix of skinning and scrambling, more
adventurous than a normal tour. I know it
is early but I will welcome more of the same
next year
Charles
A, Oberland Ski Tour |
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Trail & fell
running
My
legs are slightly sore today, but it was worth
it! It was a great weekend and I really enjoyed
it, even being up in the snow yesterday :-)
Thanks for all your patience with us and excellent
coaching. Just need to keep practicing all
the hints and tips now!
Anna H, Intro Fell Running Weekend |
Thanks
for the photos, they're great. Also thanks
for an excellent weekend. Its been a Eureka
weekend for my running and I am totally converted
to Fell Running. Will definitely be looking
into races to do and will keep in touch regards
the possibility of your Alps Running weeks.
Many thanks again.
Marion M,
Intro Fell Running Weekend |
A
fantastic week. Thank you so much for looking
after me so well, whilst challenging me so
much. Brilliant
Tina
C , Winter Trail Running |
Thank
you for the CCC training sessions. They really
helped me to learn the route, and to develop
a good race plan and strategy for the event.
I finished just outside my target time, but
that was due to a problem with my shoes in
the last 10km or so. I was really happy though,
and your efforts to train me made all the
difference
Per J , Mountain Fitness |
Just
a quick note to say a belated thanks to you
for the trail running tuition I received the
other week. I found the session very useful
and learnt quite a lot in a just a few hours.
This was invaluable in helping me complete
my first trail race (The Mont Blanc Marathon)
last Sunday. I did the race in 7 hrs 27 which
was not too bad for my first outing –
and would have been quicker but for a knee
problem I developed half way round which slowed
me down for the rest of the race. I would
certainly recommend Icicle to anyone looking
to develop their trail running skills
Richard L , Trail Running Personal Training |
Great
to see you again, and thanks as ever for all
the support and for a tough day out in the
hills. The weather made it a tad harder, but
that's all part of the fun isn't it?
Adam L , Mountain Fitness |
Just
wanted to says thanks so much for link to
photos from the weekend. I
had an excellent time and really enjoyed the
runs particulary the snowy section. Im looking
forward to using some of the techniques in
my running. Marion and I have decided our
road running days are over! Hoping to get
back sometime this year for another course..
Thanks again
Laura A, Intro Fell Running Weekend |
A
brilliant experience, and I didn't know what
to expect beforehand, but I really learned
a lot and had a great time. You'll see me
again for more night running
Rachel
D , Lakes Night Runner |
I
had been on several running camps before,
but this
far exceeded my other experiences in terms
of how much I learned and how it was tailored
to me
Grant
W , Trail Running |
I
heard about your guys from a friend who had
run with you. They sang your praises, and
I am joining your fan club. It was a perfect
week
Helen
McG , Skyrunning |
Thank
you for looking after me so well. This was
an amazing week, where I achieved so much.
I never thought I could do this sort of thing,
but now I am hooked
Alison
H , Trail Running |
I'll
never look at the Lake District hills in the
same way again. You have got me hooked on
trail running
Susan
E , Lakes Trail Week |
Your
intimate knowledge of the trails was superb,
and really made the week of skyrunning even
better
William
T , Skyrunning |
We
had really enjoyed your Summer trail running
camp, and couldn't wait until the next year
for more. This week was even better and inspirational
A
& D , Winter Trail Running |
Thank
you all so much for a great week, and for
looking after us so well in the office and
on the runs
Katie
N , Lakes Trail Week |
What
a weekend! In all the good ways of course.
I really was amazed how much I learned during
the weekend, and I never imagined how much
fun it would be too
Tim
O , Intro Fell Running |
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Pre-booking advice
Icicle
- you undersell yourselves. A very high standard
of input, advice, and guiding, which should
be leveraged more. An excellent course. I
achieved exactly what I wanted.
David C, Mont Blanc Summit |
A
good website and communication skills through
e-mail, feedback / info. Stretched my knowledge,
and the quality of safety with the Guides
was excellent.
Grey McD, Achievements |
Very
friendly head office, good quick responses
to questions, good itinerary.
Anja C, Mont Blanc Achievements |
Very
good - organised, knowledgable, helpfull.
Take the pain in the neck bits out of the
'holiday'. Course was more challenging than
expected but within capabilities, but this
is good. I am definately more confident.
Janette S, Classics |
A
note of thanks for the time that we had with
you. Both Kevin and myself were very taken
by the friendly way that you managed the course,
and felt that the assistance that you offered
went far beyond that required of merely administering
to our original expectations.
Ander P, Tailor Made Ice |
All
staff, both in the UK and Chamonix were very
helpful, both before and during the course.
Jason H, Winter Intro Ice |
Guide
team & reps
Enjoyed
the course, very intensive, and a lot to take
in. Guide had good very good rapport with
clients.
Steve M, Achievements |
Guide
made me feel safe at the same time as being
fun and entering into the team spirit.
Will S, Mont Blanc Summit |
Icicle
offer a fair deal. Team in Chamonix is very
experienced and professional. Kingsley in
particular is an excellent instructor and
has a way of putting things across clearly
and practically. Excellent, thank you!
Jon
R, Achievements |
Icicle
are well organised, with a 'can do' approach.
Nick W, Monte Rosa |
Got
the itinerary right exactly. Kingsley was
very good on instruction, without the didactic
tone of a school master!
Robert T, Alpine Intro |
Icicle
were very competant and well organised. Reps
very experienced and good at passing on skills
and information. Learned new skills each day.
Course was very good - no negative aspects.
Bill W, Alpine Intro |
I
want to thank you very warmly for the climbing
holiday I had with you this summer. In particular
I want to say my thanks for being able to
work with such excellent guides. I am glad
for the opportunity to climb with real expertise
because I learned so much. But also I had
an chance to fulfill an ambition because of
the weather knowledge that gave us a small,
perfect window of opportunity. To fulfill
a dream in such rare sunny, still and uncrowded
conditions is a priviledge and for that I
am eternally grateful.
John McD, Mont Blanc |
The
preparation routes were well selected to push
us and develop our skills, so that we were
ready for the Matterhorn, and it did not phase
us. We were well acclimatised and quick at
moving over steep mixed ground. The Guiding
team was first rate, disciplined, organised,
and professional.
Mark
V, Matterhorn |
Windermere
shop
It's
a rare find these days to visit an outdoor
shop where anyone knows anything. When I visited
you, everyone knew about all of the items,
and I received very good advice. I'm writing
to you, to commend you on giving such a great
service, and for setting standards that others
have sadly forgotten or not prioritised in
recent times. Thank you
Elaine , Windermere mountain shop |
Good
advice from your staff, and a saved a load
on my purchases both with my client discount,
and with the tips I got in the shop on what
expensive kit I really didn't need. You saved
my an absolute packet. Cheers
Brian B, Windermere mountain shop |
Thank
you for ordering in my snowshoes the other
week. I've just used them on my trip to the
Alps, and they were great. Thank you for your
recommendation
Emma J , Windermere mountain shop |
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Pre-course
"Icicle take all the pain in the
neck bits out of the 'holiday'" Janette, Classics
"Advantage being Chamonix based,
with a great local network" Lucy, Swiss 4000
"Thanks for your patience with
my endless questions & concerns" Louise, Rock
"Good
website & communication via e-mail" Greg, Achievements
"Friendly head office, quick responses
to queries" Anja,
Mont Blanc
"Very well organised, with a 'can
do' approach" Nick,
Swiss 4000 |
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Net
Effect
"Every effort was made to make
participants self efficient" Richard
R, Mont Blanc
"Great! Nice to be looked after
by a small, friendly company" Ronnie,
Intro
"Flexible to allow for different
ability levels, excellent value too" Huw, Intro
"Course stretched my physical &
mental boundaries" Sina, Winter
Ice & Alpine
"Definitely the best activity holiday
I've had in a very long time" Jim,
Mont Blanc |
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Guides
"Nice course reps and guides. Versatile
with no beards!" Morag,
Intro
"Guides were very good. I was impressed
with their English" Will, Intro
"Proactive with teaching and understanding
of beginners" John,
Achievements
"A good sense of humour, & explain
things very well" Nilesh,
Matterhorn
"Worked hard to give everyone great mountain
experiences" John,
Classics
"Perceptive of my skills & capabilities.
Very personalised service" Pete, Intro |
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Instruction
"Team in Chamonix is very experienced
and professional" Jon
R, Achievements
"Good instruction, without the didactic
tone of a school master!" Rupert Intro
"Helpful, friendly staff, and the reps
explained everything clearly" Ewan G, Intro
"Relaxed style. Good connections. Learnt
a hell of a lot" David,
Mt Blanc
"Well planned & professional. Reps
very helpful and enthusiastic" Dan, Intro |
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| Mont Blanc trip specific feedback |
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| Why do we provide unedited feedback? The
honest truth is that too many people come out to attempt
Mont Blanc, and haven't got a clue how hard it will be
or how much they will enjoy it. This page is the unedited
feedback - the highs, the lows, the truth. It is very
easy and naive to fill pages with glowing references,
but that doesn't paint the whole picture. Here it is,
all 100% of it. As you can see from the summit photos
above, the summit is a different experience each time.
For some it is the greatest achievement of their life,
for others it was a dream, and for the very fit lucky
ones it was a laugh! |
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Very
well organised set up, with a great
guie team. This
really made the difference, as I had
previously failed with another company.
I found Icicle professional, motivated
and friendly
Simon
N , Mont Blanc Summit
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Hello
again, please
pass on my thanks to everyone for helping
our group get to the summit last week.
It was tough but great fun too, and
we all had a great time (apart from
Pete in the Gouter toilets!). See you
again next year for our attempt on the
Matterhorn. I can't wait
Dave
H , Mont Blanc Summit
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I
just wanted to send you guys a quick
email to say thanks for everything throughout
our trip to Chamonix. Myself and John
were delighted with everything. The
guides were superb, everything was well
organised, our trips were enjoyable
and we learnt a lot. Once my initial
shock on how hard the ascent was had
diminished and my subsequent dislike
of mountains had abated we decided that
we may have further clinbs in the future
and we would be quick to use Icicle
again.......
David
L , Mont Blanc Summit
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Thanks
very much for an excellent week. Dylan,
Nick and I must have been among the
most hopelessly inexperienced clients
you have had, but you were patient and
supportive throughout the week. We also
felt the course was well thought out,
putting us beyond our comfort zones,
but in a safe environment and with the
guidance of true experts. We didn't
make the summit but, as you said, that
was always the icing on the cake. Terrific
week
Chris
W , Mont Blanc Summit
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Thank
you, thank you, thank you, thank you,
thank you, and a 1000 times more!
Veronica
J , Mont Blanc Summit
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Sincere
thanks to you all for everything. I
can't recommend you highly enough to everyone I tell about my trip
Ralph
W , Mont Blanc Summit
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An
action filled week, and a perfect ending
reaching the summit of Mont Blanc
on a clear day. From the summit we could
see hundreds of miles
Alan
N , Mont Blanc Summit
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A brilliant holiday. To reach the summit
of Mont Blanc was a dream come true
Tim
S , Mont Blanc Summit
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Thank
you all so much for my recent trip.
Mont Blanc was a dream come true, but
was far harder than I had expected.
I found your website really informative
and truthfull, which is the reason I
booked in the first place, but your
honesty was really appreciated as it made me train
lots beforehand. Without this I would
never have reached the top
Sharon
R , Mont Blanc Summit
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Just
a quick mail to say thanks for the link
to the photos. As you may remember my
camera didn't work due to the cold,
so these are my memories of the top.
Thanks so much for ensuring I got them,
as now I can bore my mates with all
the pictures!
Euan
McG , Mont Blanc Summit
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Have
almost managed to get a good nights
sleep after doing the Cosmique Arete,
it has taken a while to recover however
would happily do it again. Back to my
running and Scots mountains and maybe
see you in a couple of years. Again
thanks you for all your support and
help...you guys rock!!!! although could
do with more late starts and breakfast
in bed :)
Kevin
L , Mont Blanc Summit
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A
big thank you for the time we spent
in Chamonix last week – really
fantastic! Summiting
Mt Blanc was a massive dream come true
– thank you for helping us acheive
that. (And a big thank you to Sev–
The Terminator!) A few pics for you
to check out including the foot :-)
It is now 90% back to normal. Not sure
what challenge we will try next, but
Icicle will be top of the list. All
the best and stay safe
Marc
C , Mont Blanc Summit
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Just
quickly wanted to say thanks again for
a brillant and successful week last
week. I plan to post a more comprehensive
email later. Also
really sorry for leaving the flat in
such a god awful state, Sennen and i
both felt pretty bad about that but...
we had another crazy night on friday
which (this will make you laugh) ended
with us leaving the gay bar again at
5-30 ish in the morning. and we only
just got to the transfer in time
Henry
P , Mont Blanc Summit
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100%
summit, 100% happy, 100% thanks! A
once in a lifetime holiday - thank you.
I can't explain how much your support
and knowledge meant to me. It gave me
a total sense of confidence and trust,
which was essential during the final
steps
Steve
R , Mont Blanc Summit
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Climbing
Mont Blanc was harder than I thought,
but so rewarding too
Sally
P , Mont Blanc Summit
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Icicle logo
is the registered trademark ® of Icicle Mountaineering|UK company 413 6635. VAT 770
137 933 |
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