| To get us used to the rope and crampon work essential on glaciers, John chose to ascend the Petite Fourche, a modest peak in the massif with striking views of the Eiger and the Matterhorn. |
| This was followed by a level stretch of grassy scree which leads to the crux, a steep shallow chimney, well marked by crampon scratches. |
| Sanne and Alain put the scientists through their Ice School, with ski-doo lessons, crampon training, as well as the procedure to follow when crossing glaciers and crevasse rescue. |
| Surprisingly for the layman, the struggle of their ascent is felt in the pit of the stomach, even if you don't know a bivouac from a crampon. |
| Outside the bandages I wore six pairs of thick woollen socks, fur boots and a crampon over-shoe of soft leather. |
| They had great weather most of the week and managed to pretty much stick to the plans. The week started with the traditional ice axe and crampon training on the Mer de Glace. |
