Introduction To Alpinism
  • Alpine
  • 5 Days
  • 3 People to 1 instructor

Introduction To Alpinism

  • Climb
  • Intermediate
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Overview

Follow in the footsteps of some legendary Alpine pioneers as we climb some classic routes.

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The Objectives

Over the last 50 years of running Alpine courses we've recognised the essential skills to mountaineer more safely. The course therefore includes; | | Coaching movement skills on snow & ice | Glacier Travel | Crevasse Rescue | Moving together | Route Choice + Planning | Using Alpine Huts

Itinerary

* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.

What to Expect

The programme will remain flexible throughout the course in order to accommodate weather and mountain conditions. What's achieved is always dependent on these factors, but will be appropriate to your aspirations and fitness. The overall aim is to give you an enjoyable introduction to Alpinism, that leaves you able to complete your own Alpine adventures in the future. During the course, you'll cover; movement skills on snow & ice, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, moving together, route choice and planning, using Alpine huts.

Experience Required

You'll need good 'hill fitness' for five consecutive mountain days. You should have some winter hillwalking experience, and some time spent scrambling or rock climbing would be beneficial. A sense of humour to cope with getting up at four in the morning could be regarded an essential!
What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide
What do I need to bring?
Clothing to cope with hot sun on glaciers as well as cold snowy conditions:| | | | Thermal tops| | Light trousers| | Fleece tops| | Good quality socks (several pairs)| | Gloves (plus a spare set)| | Warm hat| | Sun hat.  | Equipment and items to bring; | | | Ice screw (if you have one) | | Pulley & Wild country Ropeman (useful) | | Head torch (plus spare batteries) | | Compass (Silva Expedition 4 recommended) | | Maps (Chamonix Massif Du Mont Blanc • 3630 OT) | | O11sun glasses (Cat 4) | | Sun cream/lip salve (factor 30+) | | Water bottle (at least 1 litre) | | Camera | | Blister kit/small first aid kit | | Towel | | Sleeping Bag liner for the mountain huts| | Lunch snacks & emergency food | | European Health Insurance Card | | Passport copy of insurance | You'll also need; | | | Waterproof jacket and trousers | | Gaiters | | Mountaineering boots | | Rock shoes | | Crampons + anti-balling plates | | Ice axe | | Ice hammer | | Helmet | | Harness | | Belay device | | 4 screw gate karabiners | | 2 snap link karabiners | | 1 x 8ft sling (120cm) | | 2 prussic loops | | 40-50 litre rucksack with axe attachments, or let us know that you'll want to borrow these when you're with us.
How should I prepare?
Build up mountain fitness with long walks (8 hours+) with a heavy rucksack on rough ground. Go scrambling. Do easy rock climbs in mountain boots. Go winter mountaineering in the UK for confidence with ice axe and crampons. Try different foods and drinks in the mountains to find out what works best for you. Read up on Alpine ropework, glacier travel and crevasse rescue.

Available Course Dates

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