Alpine Climbing Course
Alpine Climbing course with a 4000m peak
The Alps can be a daunting place for the inexperienced and a big step up from the challenges of other mountains. Higher altitudes, glaciers, bigger verticals and extreme weather are all waiting to trip up the novice alpine climber but with the right knowledge, the Alps provide some of the most exhilarating climbing in the world for all standards.
Our Alpine Climbing course is for you who would like to become more independent in the mountains and develop your skills in preparation for future trips. It will set you on the right track to acquiring the knowledge to venture out into the mountains under your own steam.
This Alpine Climbing course is designed to teach you essential mountaineering skills needed whether your goal is to attempt simpler alpine summits unguided or you are aiming for the great 8000m peaks of the Himalayas.
To finish off the week we will climb Mont Blanc du Tacul or another one of the many 4000m peaks around the Chamonix area.
You will be staying at the Yeti lodge, a comfortable chalet in the charming village of Argentière, where you will be looked after by our chalet hosts. All meals (breakfast, lunch packs, afternoon tea and 3-course dinner) are provided so you can relax and fully enjoy the course.
The Course
This 6 day Alpine Climbing course is run by a fully qualified IFMGA alpine guide. It will cover the basics needed to enable you to venture out on less technical alpine peaks or rock climbs. Throughout the course you will learn mountaineering skills for safe travel on snow and glacial terrain including: crampon and ice axe techniques; glacier travel, including crevasse rescue; basic navigation. To tackle rocky ridges you will learn fixed belay and alpine style running belay techniques.
The emphasis of the course is to learn “in situ”, undertaking alpine climbs throughout. We will tackle some of the famous routes in the Mont Blanc massif, taking in some magnificent peaks. You will also get the chance to stay in a high mountain refuge for one or two of the nights.
The course is destined for climbers, scramblers and hill walkers who would like to progress in the alpine environment. It is physically demanding so a good level of fitness is recommended. The course is more focused on teaching you general mountaineering skills than the Mont Blanc course, and highly recommended if you are intending to venture out on your own in the mountains.
Course Details
Duration: 6 Days
2008 Dates:
June 15 - 20
June 22 - 27
July 06 - 11
August 31 - 05 September
September 07 - 12
Group Size: 2-4
Ratio: 1:4 day 1-4 and 1:2 day 5-6
Included: Guide fee, group equipment, 5 nights half board chalet accommodation on a twin or triple share basis at the Yeti Lodge, lunch packs, lifts, 2 refuge nights with dinner and breakfast, local transport
Not included: Personal equipment, mountain rescue insurance, airport transfers
Equipment: See Equipment List or contact our office
Price: 1,895€ per person
10% discount for groups of 4 booking together
For whom: Hill walkers, climbers and mountaineers with a good level of fitness, no previous mountaineering experience necessary. We strongly recommend this course before doing the Mont Blanc or Matterhorn courses or before climbing any other Alpine peaks. This course could also be combined with Chamonix Experience 3 day Climb Mont Blanc programme.
