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Alpine
Preperation course
Alpine preperation Course
Mountaineering in the Alps (and beyond) offers some of the most memorable days in the mountains. Most people find the gap between British rock, Scottish winter & climbing in the alps quite daunting. There are many new skills & techniques to learn, hazards to navigate and many other factors that go into a successful and safe trip. This course aims to best prepare you prior to your trip.
What to Expect
Based in Snowdonia, North Wales, we usually run these courses over two or three days. We will aim to get you more prepared for your trip to the Alps; which will usually include looking at techniques for improving efficiency and speed, dealing with glaciers, routes planning, selecting appropriate objectives, kit recommendations and packing and much more. Our normal itinerary will include having a long alpine style day linking up mountainous routes, practicing climbing in big boots as well as a night out biviing or camping.
Many people will use this course as a stepping stone to maximize their time in the Alps, often on a guided trip, or going onto further training courses. (We know many Alpine Guides and are happy to put you in touch with Local British Alpine Guides living and working in the Alps).
Syllabus
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Equipment, clothing and packing
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Glacial travel and crevasses rescue practice (Not on an actual glacier).
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Moving together on moderate ground (Auto-bloc's).
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Efficient belay change overs
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Quick and improvised anchors
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Taking Chest Coils
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Short roping
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Safe and efficient abseiling (leaving behind minimal equipment).
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Wild Bivi's (Minimalist camping).
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Mountain Weather
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Emergency Equipment & Use
Location
This Course is run in the mountains of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. We are able to travel and run it elsewhere, so if you would like us to put on a course in your area then just get in touch!
The plan
Day 1- Learning techniques
Meet: Normally we meet at 9.15 am in Moel Siabod Cafe depending on what is most convenient for you and our plan for the day, which will usually be adjusted to suit the days weather conditions. - Joining instructions will be sent out upon booking.
Drive: There will normally be a short drive to our chosen parking area (between 10 and 40 minutes).
Activities: The day will be carefully tailored to meet your objectives considering the conditions, and previous experience.
Finish: Around 4:30-5pm
Day 1: Today the aim is to look at many new skills and techniques, and have time to practice them.
Day 2: "Big alpine day" On day 2 we will simulate an Alpine day by linking together several routes in the mountains, this will give us a chance to put together all the skills and techniques learnt on day 1. We will usually finish the day with Bivving somewhere beautiful.
Day 3: Our final day we'll wrap things up with a final route, putting in practice as many alpine skills as is possible, before heading to the class room to have a planning session.
What to bring
Warm ‘outdoor’ clothing (including full waterproofs), packed lunch, water, sun cream, mosquito spray, approach shoes & big boots, Rucksack. Any climbing Equipment you own. Click here for a full kit list.
If you bring any "alpine equipment" you currently own then we can have a look at it and, for example, teach you how to fit your crampons etc.
What is included
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Guiding & Instruction from a Mountaineering Instructor
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Any Equipment you require
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Photos
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Tea and Snacks
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We may be able to provide free transport to/from the climbing area
What are clients say:
We learnt so much, really can't wait till the summer! Thank you so much - the course was perfectly adapted to suit our abilities, feeling much more prepared for our trip to the Alps"
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