Alpine climbing course
Urner AlpsConfidence, judgement and movement skills are the foundation of every successful alpine climber.
This course is designed for mountaineers who want to become more independent in the mountains and develop the skills required to move safely and efficiently in alpine terrain.
Over five days we combine practical training with real mountain experiences. Glacier travel, route finding, rope work, rock scrambling, snow and ice climbing are introduced and practised in the environment where they naturally belong – the mountains themselves.
The objective is not simply to learn technical skills, but to develop the confidence and decision-making required for future alpine adventures.
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Program
The Urner Alps provide an ideal environment for developing alpine skills. Over five days we combine practical training with real mountain objectives, allowing participants to apply new techniques in authentic alpine terrain.
DAY 1
Arrival and meeting. Hike to Sustlihütte. Introduction to equipment, rope work and movement on rock. Evening briefing and preparation for the coming days.
DAY 2
Rock climbing and alpine movement skills on nearby ridges and training terrain. Focus on efficient movement, rope management, belaying techniques and route finding.
DAY 3
Application day. We put our skills into practice on a longer alpine route, focusing on decision making, route planning and movement in more complex terrain.
DAY 4
Glacier travel and mountaineering skills on the Steingletscher. Training includes glacier travel, crevasse rescue, crampon techniques, ice axe use and route finding in glaciated terrain.
DAY 5
Course objective: ascent of Sustenhorn (3,503 m) or a similar alpine summit, depending on conditions and group progression.
The program may be adapted according to weather, mountain conditions and participant experience.
COURSE CONTENT
Among other topics, the course covers:
• Alpine rope techniques
• Moving together and short-roping
• Running belays and multi-pitch systems
• Rappelling techniques
• Equipment selection and use
• Crampon and ice axe techniques
• Self-arrest techniques
• Glacier travel and crevasse rescue
• Route finding and navigation
• Tour planning and risk management
• Decision making in alpine terrain
The Alpine Climbing Course is typically operated from June through October, when rock, glacier and alpine conditions are at their best.
Scheduled departures may be available during the season, while private courses can be arranged on request for individuals, groups and alpine clubs.
To ensure the best hut availability and planning options, we recommend making enquiries several months in advance.
Please check the booking calendar for scheduled dates or contact us to discuss a private course.
Level required
The course can be customized to fit the level of participants. However, some basic rock climbing skills and expericence is very recommended. If you need to shape up your rock climbing skills before this course see “rock climbing intro weekend”.
Guide/client ratio
Up to four participants per guide, 1:4.
Course length
5 days
Period
June to October
Accommodation
Mountain huts
Travel
Flight to Zurich, transfer to Engelberg by train.
Insurance
The passenger needs to travel and accident insurance for the implementation of this activity.
Price
1500CHF/person
Included
Course five days with UIAGM/IVBV/IFMGA mountain guide
Not included
Travel to Sustenpass, Switzerland. Hut fee, lunch and drinks. Accommodation before and after the course. Insurance.
Alpine climbing course, equipment list
The equipment list may vary depending on weather, mountain conditions and the specific objectives of the course.
Please contact us if you need to rent any equipment.
Technical Equipment
Crampons, harness, ice-axe, helmet, mountain boots, trekking poles.
Other Equipment
- Backpack 30-35 liters
- Headlamp & spare batteries
- Warm hat & sunhat
- Insutated jacket
- Underlayer, mid layer, extra socks
- Jacket (wind and waterproof)
- Trousers (wind and waterproof)
- Gaiter (recommended depending on conditions)
- Thin and warm gloves
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle 1 liter
- Thermos
- Snacks, Bars
- Blister kit & painkillers: Including Compeed blister plasters and elastoplast or similar
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Sleeping sheet for the huts