Dreaming of high-mountain adventures? Imagine crossing a glacier roped to your team, walking along an airy snow ridge with an ice axe and crampons, and standing atop a summit—maybe even your first 4,000-meter peak.
This course will give you the essential skills to confidently take on your first alpine ascents.
WHO IT'S FOR
Anyone looking to explore the high mountains independently.
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GOALS
Learn basic alpine skills, rope management on glaciers and snow ridges, and how to handle emergencies.
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DURATION
Four days: two weekends with an overnight stay in a mountain hut.
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GUIDING RATIO
1:5
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EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
None; you just need to be in good hiking shape.
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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Mountaineering gear: features and proper use
Basic knot-tying techniques
Rope team tying methods
Movement techniques with an ice axe and classic crampons on glaciers, steep slopes, and ridges
Setting up anchors on snow and ice
Crevasse rescue techniques
Risk management in the mountains
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COST
€400 per person
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The course will run once at least four participants are registered.
DATES
Summer 2025
SCHEDULE
Day 1&2: Gear overview, essential knots, setting up anchors and belays, rope team tying techniques, and a basic pulley system. (Activity on a crag.) Overnight stay in a mountain hut. Hands-on practice on the glacier, applying skills from day one, plus crampon techniques and rope team progression.
Days 3&4: Rope team formation and movement, ice axe self-arrest techniques, and a refresher on self-rescue maneuvers. Overnight stay in a mountain hut. Ascent of a peak (chosen based on snow and weather conditions), with a focus on climb management and leadership.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather and environmental conditions. Meeting time and location will be confirmed upon registration.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT*: Helmet; harness; 12-point crampons with anti-balling plates; classic ice axe; 2 HMS carabiners with wide base and locking mechanism; 3 D-shaped carabiners with locking mechanism; belay/rappel device; 1 60cm Kevlar sling; 1 120cm Kevlar sling; 1 350cm Kevlar sling.
CLOTHING: Mountaineering boots; technical underwear; fleece; Gore-Tex jacket or similar; down jacket; pants in Schoeller or similar (+1 spare pair of pants); two pairs of gloves; hat; sunglasses (min. category 3); sunscreen.
OTHER: 30/40L backpack; headlamp (with charged batteries); 1L water bottle/thermos; snacks; sleeping bag liner and necessary items for staying in a refuge.
NOTE: If you have any doubts about your personal equipment or need to make purchases for the course, feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to help you choose the most suitable products for your needs.
*Rental of missing equipment is included in the fee, subject to availability.
INCLUDED OR NOT
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: Instruction and support from the guide, rental of any missing technical gear, and use of shared equipment.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: Travel expenses to the location, lift costs, hut or other accommodation with half board both for the participants and the guide (costs will be shared among participants), technical equipment, extras, and anything not listed under "included in the price."
RESERVATION
To confirm your reservation, a deposit is required.