Alastair asked about ice climbing, here's the lowdown...

By Katharine MacColl

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ICE�climbing has become a huge sport across Europe. And there's a surge in activity in Colarado, Alaska and Norway. It is one of the most extreme forms of winter sport that challenges both the mind and the body.

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There are dozens of resorts�that have become a winter home for the�sport, countless magazines extolling the virtue of one pitch or another and expensive sports shops selling must-have carabiners and crampons.

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The last�ten years have seen an icefall climbing explosion in France.

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The Gavarnie and Chamonix icefalls are probably the best known, certainly to many British climbers.

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But, if you thought this was purely an area for the elite hard-man icefall climber then you'd be wrong. There's a wide variety of routes at all grades: everything from traditional Scottish-style gullies, such as those on the North Face of the Vallon du Diable, to the free-standing ice pillars of the lower Romanche and the ice playground of Alpe d'Huez.

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But just what makes these�people risk their lives for such an arduous physical challenge According to some, it's as much a mental sport as physical challenge.

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One of the 'hotspots' this winter is the L'Oisans area of France. Check out Alpe d'Huez (altitude 2,200m) which makes this a dependable venue and a great spot for beginners. There's Vallon du Diable, a beautiful isolated valley, with a wide choice of lines. Malaval, however, is the best known area in L'Oisans and an ice paradise.

Because of the scattered nature of the climbing, a car is essential. If you're serious, take sharp tools and the best crampons you can find. Make sure your clothing is as bright and gaudy as possible - last year's key colour was pink.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay, the best bases are Bourg d'Oisans, Alpe d'Huez and La Grave - all have hotels, guest houses and self-caterinmg apartment. For the most uptodate details, call their information service on 010 33 76 80 98 74.