Four days to develop your skills on alpine rock and build the essential techniques and judgement needed to become more independent in the mountains.
Ridge climbing, belaying, rope management, placing protection, route finding and decision-making: we’ll take the time to explore each skill in detail during dedicated training sessions, before putting everything into practice on real alpine routes.
This isn’t about simply following your guide: every day, you’ll take an active role in your rope team. Step by step, you’ll take more responsibility — learning to observe, anticipate, make decisions and ultimately become more confident and independent in the mountains.
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Who is this course for?
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This course is for people with some climbing or mountaineering experience who want to become more independent on rocky alpine routes. Good physical fitness is essential to complete four consecutive days in the mountains.
For this course, the focus is on developing the mountaineering skills required for alpine rock terrain. Depending on the routes selected and current mountain conditions, some glacier travel may also be included.
Day 1 — Alpine Rock Skills
This first day gives us the opportunity to assess your existing skills, technical level and objectives.
At a single-pitch climbing area, we’ll work on the ropework used on alpine rock routes, belaying techniques and moving efficiently over varied terrain. Technical explanations will alternate with plenty of hands-on practice throughout the day.
Overnight in the valley: guesthouse, hotel or campsite.
Day 2 — Alpine Ridge Skills
We’ll climb a multi-pitch alpine ridge route graded between PD+ and AD.
You’ll take turns leading the rope team. I’ll be alongside you to help you assess your decisions and refine the essential skills involved: placing protection, managing the rope and building secure belay stances.
This progression towards supervised independence will help you develop sound judgement and the right habits for planning and climbing your own alpine routes. We’ll also cover the fundamentals of route planning and risk management, using practical decision-making tools.
Overnight in the valley: guesthouse, hotel or campsite.
Days 3 & 4 — Alpine Routes: Putting It All into Practice
Over these two days, we’ll climb two alpine rock routes, with you taking the lead and progressively assuming greater responsibility for the rope team.
The routes will be selected according to your progress during the first two days, your objectives and current mountain conditions.
The aim is not to choose a route at the limit of the group’s abilities, but to progressively give you the technical skills, judgement and confidence needed to plan and climb alpine rock routes with greater independence and safety.
Overnight in a mountain hut or in the valley.
Examples of possible routes: Arête de la Bruyère, Normal Route on the Râteau Ouest, PDB on the Aiguille Pierre Étienne, and Sobriété heureuse on the Pic du Glacier d’Arsine.
Technical Details
Booking & advice by phone available
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