Alpine Preparation

Course

Course Summary 

On a first visit the Alps can be a very intimidating place. It provides challenges and dangers that are not met in the British hills and which will be new to even experienced mountaineers who have only operated within the UK. This instruction looks at the basic skills with which you should be familiar before a trip to the Alps. You may also find this useful if you have previous Alpine experience but are feeling a bit rusty or maybe lacking in confidence and want to brush up on those necessary skills.

Course Content 

• Alpine rope work - roping up, taking coils, glacier travel, moving together, short roping techniques.
• Crevasse rescue techniques.
• Hazard awareness/assessment - snow conditions, avalanches, rock fall, seracs, etc
• Hut etiquette - looking after yourself and your needs in a cramped environment at altitude and keeping others happy.
• Being efficient - making the most of time is essential. Simple things like efficient rucksack packing can make a difference.
• Foreign map reading, weather forecasts and navigation.

This instruction is based in Snowdonia where all necessary skills can be covered or improvised. 

Experience / Fitness / Ability

This Intro to Alpine Mountaineering is suitable for persons with no previous Alpine experience but who have mountain experience in the UK.  Even with no previous experience in crampons or using an ice axe.

Course Location

This instruction is based in Snowdonia where all necessary skills can be covered or improvised.