u/Opening_Jellyfish_14 — reddlx

▲ 4 r/alpinism+1 crossposts

Based in Germany, looking for alpine course recommendations (and sanity check for Mont Blanc/Aconcagua)

Hi everyone,

I am a bit lost and hoping someone can help me navigate the world of alpine training.

I am based in Germany and have done quite a bit of hiking throughout the years, though not much technical mountaineering. I am generally very fit and active across multiple sports. Last year I summited Kilimanjaro, and my longer-term goals are to climb Aconcagua next year (or Elbrus depending on the political situation).

For this summer (I know it is already late in the season!), I would love to do a mountaineering course in the Alps and possibly attempt Mont Blanc. However, I am a bit confused by the course systems. I see companies listing "beginner" vs. "advanced" courses—is there an official, universal classification or certification system I should look for?

Also, I need some recommendations for solid guiding companies or alpine schools. I have been in contact with a couple of agencies based in Chamonix, but the vibe feels incredibly commercial and business-oriented, which makes it hard to know what to expect. Since I live in Germany, I am open to courses in Austria, Switzerland, or Germany too.

Any advice on navigating the course levels or finding a reputable, community-oriented alpine school would be deeply appreciated. Many thanks in advance!

reddit.com

u/Opening_Jellyfish_14 — 6 days ago

▲ 6 r/30PlusSkinCare

Sudden fluid-filled blisters on my nose where my glasses sit. Contact dermatitis, a cold sore, or something else? (Pic included)

Hi everyone,

I'm getting very worried about this breakout on my nose and need some advice.
It appeared 2 days ago more or less where my reading glasses rest on my nose (I don’t wear them all the time though). The first picture is from today, while the second is from yesterday morning.

As you can see in my latest photo, it's a cluster of small, fluid-filled bubbles on a red patch. It’s currently very hot here in Europe, and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is definitely irritating it.
A few quick questions:
- What does this look like? Could it be contact dermatitis from my glasses, or does it look viral (like a cold sore) or bacterial?
- Should I see a doctor? Will this resolve on its own if I leave it alone, or do I need medical treatment?
- Skincare: Can I keep using my regular routine (Retinol, Vitamin C, Niacinamide) on this spot, or should I stop?

Thank you so much for any help!

u/Opening_Jellyfish_14 — 12 days ago

▲ 6 r/PetMice

Hi everyone,
my mouse Corn is about 1.5+ years old and has always been healthy. This morning she was unusually awake around 8am and I noticed two new itchy-looking spots on her back: one larger on the neck and one smaller further down. She’s been cleaning and scratching them a lot, and they were not there last night. I let her room outside of the cage and she was very active, should I bring her to the vet?

She lives alone now because her sister died from respiratory infection, and I could not find a suitable buddy. I interact with her a lot and she seem to be active and healthy, popcorning a lot.

Does this look more like mites, a scratch/wound, or something like ulcerative dermatitis? Any advice appreciated.

u/Opening_Jellyfish_14 — 2 months ago