If you are off to the Alps for the first time, or would like to brush up on skills and fitness for a return visit - then our alpine training weekends are the ideal way to make a trip both safer and more successful. On all courses the emphasis is on covering as much mountain terrain as possible, incorporating formal skills training into real days out on the hill(see: rock climbing skills photos).
This intensive course makes full use of the time available, with practical hill sessions during the day followed by entertaining and informative lectures in the evening. Throughout the weekend you'll have the opportunity to furthur quiz our staff on whatever topics you would like to learn more about.
VenueWe meet in the town of Llanberis, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. Llanberis is the hub of the North Wales climbing scene and ideally situated to explore the huge variety of mountain terrain in the area.
Sample Itinerary Subject to weather and conditions we follow the general format below:
Day 1
Sat
Rendezvous for introductions and briefing, before heading out onto the hill. Topics covered include:
Alpine ropework skills
Moving together techniques
Short pitches
Direct belays
Descending
Multipitch abseiling
PM Alpine Safety Lecture - covering:
Alpine areas
Choice of equipment
Planning and logistics
Grading system
Alpine hazards
Choice of route
Huts and bivouacs
Emergencies
Lots of inspiration!
Day 2
Sun
Review of first days training, before heading on the hill to look at:
Glacier travel
Personal prussiking
Crevasse rescue training
Navigation and route choice
Putting in all together
PM Q+A session, course debrief and advice for the future.
Fitness and Experience Alpine mountaineering requires high levels of fitness and stamina, so a good level of outdoor fitness (see fitness level 2) is required for the preparation course. Previous climbing ropework skills are neccesary if you plan to head out to the Alps on your own, but this is not essential if you are coming on one of our own alpine trips - as furthur training will be provided when you are in the Alps.
EquipmentAll communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us. You are expected to come equiped with personal clothing and climbing equipment. For the more specialist items including harness and helmet, hire is available if needed.
