Alpine Skills
This hands-on course teaches the essential skills for safe and efficient travel on glaciers, snow, and mixed alpine terrain — including ropework, movement on snow and ice, crevasse rescue, and team management.
It’s ideal for climbers, alpinists, or ski tourers who want to become more independent and capable in glaciated terrain. Under the guidance of an IFMGA-certified mountain guide, you’ll build the knowledge and confidence to handle real alpine challenges.
Overview
The Alpine Climbing & Crevasse Rescue Course combines technical instruction with practical application on real alpine terrain.
You’ll learn how to move safely on glaciers, protect yourself and your partner, and perform crevasse rescue using efficient rope systems.
The course also covers decision-making, route finding, and safe descent techniques for snow, ice, and mixed routes.
Whether your goal is to prepare for big alpine climbs like Mont Blanc or to increase your self-sufficiency for ski touring and glacier travel, this course provides a strong technical foundation.
Ability Level
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Suitable for climbers and mountaineers with basic rock or snow experience.
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No prior glacier experience required.
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For advanced groups, content can include more complex rescue systems and steep ice or mixed techniques.
Meeting Point
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Chamonix (default), with options for Aiguille du Tour, Trient Plateau, Orny, or Gran Paradiso areas.
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Exact meeting place and start time confirmed depending on weather and course objectives.
Course Structure
Day 1: Glacier Travel & Rope Systems
Learn proper rope techniques, knots, anchors, and movement on snow and ice. Practice safe travel and communication in rope teams.
Day 2: Crevasse Rescue Techniques
Build pulley systems, use prusiks and mechanical advantage for hauling, and practice self-rescue from real crevasse setups.
Day 3: Alpine Route Application (optional)
Apply everything learned on an alpine climb — such as Aiguille du Tour, Petite Fourche, or a ridge route in the Aiguilles Rouges — to reinforce skills in real terrain.
Topics Covered
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Rope handling, knots, and anchors on snow and ice
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Glacier travel & team management
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Crevasse fall prevention and rescue systems
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Building anchors and hauling setups
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Movement on mixed and snow terrain
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Basic route finding and decision-making
Ratio
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Technical instruction and rescue practice: up to 4 clients per guide (4:1).
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Alpine climbs or glacier travel days: 2 clients per guide (2:1).
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Ratios adjusted for complexity and group goals.
Price
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From €650 per day for 1–2 people.
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From €700 per day for 3–4 people (technical instruction focus).
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Multi-day or custom itineraries priced individually.
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Prices include guiding, instruction, and group technical equipment.
Included
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Guiding and instruction by IFMGA-certified mountain guide.
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Group glacier and rescue equipment (ropes, pulleys, carabiners, etc.).
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Course materials and photos (optional).
Not Included
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Personal climbing equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe).
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Transport, huts, meals, and lift passes (if used).
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Personal insurance.
Good to Know
This course can be combined with Rock Climbing Clinics or 4000 m peak ascents for a full alpine training week.
All instruction is field-based, with realistic practice in actual glacier environments.
Emphasis is placed on efficiency, safety, and real-world problem solving — not just textbook techniques.
Season
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June to September, depending on glacier conditions.
Phots
