Introduction To Alpinism
  • Alpine
  • 5 Days
  • 3 People to 1 instructor

Introduction To Alpinism

  • Climb
  • Mountaineering
  • Intermediate
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Overview

Breath-taking Chamonix is the location for this five day course - it's superbly well equipped for all levels from novice through to expert. This is the perfect introduction to Alpine mountaineering, showing you how to transfer your existing knowledge to this special environment. We'll get you moving on snow and ice, and travelling on glaciers and ridges. You'll learn the basic techniques, and get a host of top tips from our friendly experts who will also hone your skills in Alpine rope work, and crevasse rescue. With your apprenticeship served, we'll make full use of your new found Alpine skills on the majestic peaks of the area.

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Can I book privately?

Yes. If you would like to book a private course then give us a call to discuss your needs.

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The Objectives

Over the last 50 years of running Alpine courses we've recognised the essential skills to mountaineer more safely. The course therefore includes;

  • Coaching movement skills on snow & ice
  • Glacier Travel
  • Crevasse Rescue
  • Moving together
  • Route Choice + Planning
  • Using Alpine Huts

Itinerary

* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.

What to Expect

The programme will remain flexible throughout the course in order to accommodate weather and mountain conditions. What's achieved is always dependent on these factors, but will be appropriate to your aspirations and fitness. The overall aim is to give you an enjoyable introduction to Alpinism, that leaves you able to complete your own Alpine adventures in the future. During the course, you'll cover; movement skills on snow & ice, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, moving together, route choice and planning, using Alpine huts.

Experience Required

You'll need good 'hill fitness' for five consecutive mountain days. You should have some winter hillwalking experience, and some time spent scrambling or rock climbing would be beneficial. A sense of humour to cope with getting up at four in the morning could be regarded an essential!

Why Choose Plas y Brenin?

Our instructors are some of the UK’s most experienced. We train other instructors and help to write the national syllabuses for NGB qualifications in mountaineering, paddlesports, cycling and climbing. Our goal is to teach you skills to last a lifetime, and at Plas y Brenin you know you are getting training from the best.

If your course is based at Plas y Brenin, the residential price includes accommodation for the night before, and the duration of your time here. If you’re staying with us, we also provide delicious meals to keep you going as you learn, meaning you can concentrate on enjoying yourself.

When it comes to equipment, at Plas y Brenin we have a wide range of top-quality kit for you to use, all included in your course fee. This means if you’re just starting out, there’s no need to rush out and buy a load of expensive gear, and if you’re already pretty well kitted-out, it’s a great chance to try something new.

This is a non-residential course so please organise your own food, travel and accommodation. The course fee includes instruction, equipment loan and mountain hut fees (the mountain hut fees include half board - breakfast and dinner). There is a range of accommodation options in Chamonix. Your Guide will meet you on the first morning of your course at the Yeti Lodge, 75 Domaine du Chantey, Rue du Plagnolet, Argentière, 74400, Chamonix Mont Blanc.

What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide

Clothing to cope with hot sun on glaciers as well as cold snowy conditions:

  • Thermal tops
  • Light trousers
  • Fleece tops
  • Good quality socks (several pairs)
  • Gloves (plus a spare set)
  • Warm hat
  • Sun hat.
 

Equipment and items to bring;

  • Ice screw (if you have one)
  • Pulley & Wild country Ropeman (useful)
  • Head torch (plus spare batteries)
  • Compass (Silva Expedition 4 recommended)
  • Maps (Chamonix Massif Du Mont Blanc - 3630 OT)
  • O11sun glasses (Cat 4)
  • Sun cream/lip salve (factor 30+)
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre)
  • Camera
  • Blister kit/small first aid kit
  • Towel
  • Sleeping Bag liner for the mountain huts
  • Lunch snacks & emergency food
  • European Health Insurance Card
  • Passport copy of insurance

You'll also need;

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Gaiters
  • Mountaineering boots
  • Rock shoes
  • Crampons + anti-balling plates
  • Ice axe
  • Ice hammer
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Belay device
  • 4 screw gate karabiners
  • 2 snap link karabiners
  • 1 x 8ft sling (120cm)
  • 2 prussic loops
  • 40-50 litre rucksack with axe attachments - or let us know that you'll want to borrow these when you're with us.
Build up mountain fitness with long walks (8 hours+) with a heavy rucksack on rough ground. Go scrambling. Do easy rock climbs in mountain boots. Go winter mountaineering in the UK for confidence with ice axe and crampons. Try different foods and drinks in the mountains to find out what works best for you. Read up on Alpine ropework, glacier travel and crevasse rescue.
Course Schedule

Start your training

Sorry, we don’t have any spaces available right now.

Please get in touch for more information about future availability.

This course will help you become

This will give you all the required skills to begin your own first Alpine exploits.

Find a different course for you

COVID-19Due to the current Covid-19 situation, all courses scheduled to take place up to and including Friday 19 February 2021 have been cancelled in line with lockdown restrictions.
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