Overview
This course is ideal for someone looking to learn the skills needed to operate in the alpine mountains. The course will also give you greater insight to what is involved in climbing and mountaineering in the mountain of the Alps. It’s perfect if you are planning your first mountaineering trip to Chamonix or Switzerland and you would like the chance to learn and practice the skills before you go. Working with experienced IFMGA mountain guides and experienced Alpine mountaineers you will be able to ask questions and find out more about your chosen area and get some inside tips and ideas of routes and mountains to climb. Even if you have no trip planned (yet!) to the Alps, the two days is here to inspire you and give you techniques that you can use both here in the UK and the Alpine mountains.
If this course is full, we run a 3 day Discover Alpine Mountaineering course in Switzerland, which could be the perfect start to your own adventure plans. Click here for more details.
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
The course aims are to introduce Alpine techniques and build on any existing knowledge of rock climbing or mountaineering. Pitched towards your adventure plans and Alpine objectives, the two days will be practical throughout. The first day will aim to introduce a lot of the Alpine techniques and rope systems. The second day allows us to consolidate and put into practice the new skills on an Alpine ridge/terrain in the winter Cairngorm mountains. Most of the skills and techniques will be hands on rope systems and mountaineering, however there will be topics such as weather, navigation, planning/logistics included.
PRE-REQUISITES
Open to everyone with an alpine and mountaineering ambition. Some summer or winter hill walking experience. Some basic rock-climbing experience would be useful but not essential.
CONTENT
Day 1:
An introduction to the course, staff and the outline of the two days. A technical morning introducing all the ropework aspects of glacial travel and crevasse rescue. Alpine clothing and equipment will be covered and an introduction to the use of ice axe and crampons. During the afternoon we will cover climbing and scrambling techniques and associated ropework on alpine climbs. All this with a view to consolidate and put it all into practice on the ridge climb and scramble in the Northern Corries the next day. Later in the afternoon we will look at Alpine maps, guidebooks and use of alpine mountain huts.
Day 2:
A weather briefing, equipment checks and outline of the day in the mountains. The aim will be a ridge scramble and climb, like the terrain found in the Alps. This will allow us to practice all the skills and techniques introduced the day before, with teams operating independently throughout our mountain journey. Depending on snow and weather conditions, there may also be an opportunity to practice snow belays and further crevasse rescue techniques. The course will finish with a review and a debrief, including advice for future alpine plans and ambitions.
DATES & PRICES
| 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date23/11/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Date07/12/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected] | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date01/03/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Date08/03/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Date22/03/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Date24/03/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Date29/03/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Date05/04/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected] | ||||
USEFUL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Instruction
Use of kit
Packed lunch and afternoon tea each day
In-course transport
NEED TO KNOW
WHAT WILL I NEED
YOU WILL NEED (Glenmore Lodge can provide if required)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulated synthetic jacket with hood
- Winter Boots
- Gaiters
- Crampons
- Ice Axe
- Helmet
- 40lt rucksack
- Walking poles
EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO BRING WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE IN THE STORES
Listed here are the essentials; this is not an exhaustive list.
Personal clothing
Winter outdoor wear
Insulating layers
Winter climbing / mountaineering trousers
Hat & gloves, several pairs of.
Whistle
Headtorch
Rucksack liner (or sturdy bin liner) / dry bags
Hydration system (water bottle / flask)
Box or bag for packed lunch.
Personal first aid kit
Personal toiletries & medications (towels are provided)
Suncream & sun hat
