Alpine Introduction

You do not need to be a great climber to enjoy its vast mountain attractions.

You do not need to be a great climber to enjoy its vast mountain attractions. On the contrary one of Courmayeur’s real assets is that it has peaks and climbs suitable for all levels of challenge and for every step along the path to becoming an Alpinist.

his training course is designed for those who are new to alpine mountaineering and want to either develop their skills to become independent alpine climbers or complete further climbs with a Guide.

Course Aim.

– Personal climbing movement skills & rock climbing techniques with the aim of climbing efficiently & enjoyably.
– Basic rock climbing skills like putting on your harness and tying in to the rope.
– Technical sessions will include further knots, tying in to anchors and using protection equipment (slings, nuts, cams, hexes etc).
– Descending or retreating safely from rock climbs.
– Alpine rock skills, managing the rope on easy ground, taking coils & moving together.
– Alpine mountain skills, approaching a rock climb with a snow or glacial approach.
– Basic use of ice-axe & crampons.
– Personal movement skills on a variety of types of terrain.
– Safe, simple and efficient glacier travel protocol & techniques.
– Efficient use of the rope on mountaineering terrain.
– Selecting appropriate equipment to be safe but also light and effective.
– Using mountain huts.
– Use of maps, guide books, GPS and the latest ‘Apps’ for route planning and navigation.
– Emergency Procedures in the Alps.