Alpine Preparation
  • Plas y Brenin
  • 2 Days
  • 4 People to 1 instructor

Alpine Preparation

  • Climb
  • Intermediate
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Overview

So you're planning a trip to the Alps this year? Why not have a weekend with us in North Wales with a IFMGA Mountain Guide as part of your preparation before you go? We've designed a two day programme to fine tune the skills you need out there, so you'll be fired up and ready to go when you arrive. You'll cover; glacier travel, navigation and route planning, using huts, bivouac skills, and essential alpine ropework. You'll also learn how to interpret alpine weather and recognise hazards before they become a problem.

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The Objectives

We'll show you how to plan an Alpine trip using maps and guidebooks, talk through acclimatising and booking huts, and spend lots of time practicing ropework for glacier travel and crevasse rescue. We'll spend time in the mountains on similar terrain to that you'll find out in the Alps (except glaciers!) to master other essential skills like moving together. Aiming to give you the confidence to get out to the bigger Alpine mountains and enjoy it.

Itinerary

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

What to Expect

This intensive course makes full use of the weekend, with a mixture of classroom based and outdoor practical sessions. Course staff, who between them have years of Alpine experience, will guide you through the following areas

Alpine areas, travel, guide books and maps

Navigation & Route choice

Glacier travel and crevasse rescue

Alpine rope techniquesAlpine equipment, choice and use

Alpine weather

Hazards

Using Alpine huts

Lightweight bivouac skills

Alpine areas suitable to experience

We have our own grounds and classrooms, which we will be making use of this weekend.

Experience Required

Some experience of mountaineering and/or climbing in the UK in summer and winter, where basic ropework and snowcraft has been learnt.

We want to help you to achieve your goals so comfortable accommodation (with WIFI included) and home-cooked food are part of the deal if you've booked accommodation with us. We'll also cover your in-course transport. Support is on hand from our friendly, and exceptionally well qualified, staff to help develop your understanding and personal skills. What’s more, we have a wide range of specialist equipment that’s available for you to borrow if you don’t have your own.

What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide
What do I need to bring?
Mountaineering clothing: waterproof jacket and over-trousers, softshell trousers, base layers, mid-layer fleece or synthetic insulation, mountaineering socks, warm hat, gloves (with leather palm), sun hat, mountain boots (B2/3), gaiters, rucksack (35 -50 litre) and liner. Helmet, harness, belay plate, 4 x screwgate karabiners, 2 x snapgate karabiners, 120cm sling, 2x prussik loops.Drinks bottle, flask, lunch bag, personal first aid kit, head torch, high factor sunscreen, midge repellent, notebook and pen, camera.Laminated Maps - OS OL17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley 1:25,000We have an extensive range of equipment that you can borrow if you don't have your own;Mountain bootsRucksackGaiters Waterproof jacket and over-trousersCompassHarnessKarabiners, prussic loops, slings etc.Helmet
How should I prepare?
Being 'mountain' fit will be a tremendous help. You should be confident with basic ropework.

Available Course Dates

Start the booking process by selecting a course date, then adjust your details to suit your requirements.

Course Start Date
Duration
Cost*
Course Start Date
19th April, 2025
Duration
2 Days
Cost*
Non-Residential:
£287.00
Residential:
£399.00
Course Start Date
3rd May, 2025
Duration
2 Days
Cost*
Non-Residential:
£287.00
Residential:
£399.00

*If your course is based at Plas Y Brenin, Capel Curig, residential prices include catering from the morning of your course start date and cover the duration of your course, accommodation starts on the night before your course commences to the morning of the last day of your booking.

Your Booking

Course Start Date
Duration
Cost
You have reached the maximum number of places for this course. To book further places, please call +44 (0) 1690 720 214
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This course will help you become

You'll understand all the basic Alpine mountaineering techniques and how to practice them safely, before you embark on your first Alpine trip.

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