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 A single 9–10mm rope (minimum length 40m) is fine for glaciers and non-technical climbs. For advanced routes two 9mm ropes allow longer abseils on descent. Each member of a climbing party should carry spare cord or tape to back up any suspect abseil point; a belay plate, descender and two prusiks – and know how to use them.

 On many climbs essential bolts and pegs are often in place (treat all in situ gear with caution), but runners, slings and karabiners will be needed, and depending on the route, ice screws, friends, quick-draws and a full set of wired nuts may be required.

 Sunglasses with side protection, and a high-factor suncream and lip salve are absolutely essential, as is a first aid kit.

 Water bottle – beware of dehydration and drink copiously where possible.

 Head torch plus spare batteries and bulbs.

Klettersteig/via ferrata routes

Roughly translated as an ‘iron way’ or ‘climbing path’, klettersteigen (German) or vie ferrate (Italian) first appeared in Austria as early as 1869, developed as part of the armed struggle in the Dolomites during the First World War, and increased in popularity among climbers during the 1930s. In recent years a large number of these protected routes have been established right across the Swiss Alps, enabling activists to scale otherwise inaccessible rock faces by way of metal rungs, ladders or footplates safeguarded by a continuous length of fixed cable. Some sections of the climbing community object to them for cluttering the mountain environment, but there’s no denying their adventurous appeal, for those with no vertigo problems are able to tackle vertical and in some cases overhanging rock to reach vantage points and summits otherwise denied them. Cheating? Maybe. Exhilarating? Most definitely.