Alpine Climber Preparation
  • Plas y Brenin
  • 2 Days
  • 4 People to 1 instructor

Alpine Climber Preparation

  • Climb
  • Intermediate
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Overview

So you're planning a trip to the Alps this year? Why not have a weekend with us in North Wales with a IFMGA Mountain Guide as part of your preparation before you go? We've designed a two day programme to fine tune the skills you need out there, so you'll be fired up and ready to go when you arrive. You'll cover; glacier travel, navigation and route planning, using huts, bivouac skills, and essential alpine ropework. You'll also learn how to interpret alpine weather and recognise hazards before they become a problem.

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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

We'll show you how to plan an Alpine trip using maps and guidebooks, talk through acclimatising and booking huts, and spend lots of time practicing ropework for glacier travel and crevasse rescue. We'll spend time in the mountains on similar terrain to that you'll find out in the Alps (except glaciers!) to master other essential skills like moving together. Aiming to give you the confidence to get out to the bigger Alpine mountains and enjoy it.

Itinerary

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

What to Expect

This intensive course makes full use of the weekend, with a mixture of classroom based and outdoor practical sessions. Course staff, who between them have years of Alpine experience, will guide you through the following areas

Alpine areas, travel, guide books and maps

Navigation & Route choice

Glacier travel and crevasse rescue

Alpine rope techniquesAlpine equipment, choice and use

Alpine weather

Hazards

Using Alpine huts

Lightweight bivouac skills

Alpine areas suitable to experience

We have our own grounds and classrooms, which we will be making use of this weekend.

Experience Required

Some experience of mountaineering and/or climbing in the UK in summer and winter, where basic ropework and snowcraft has been learnt.

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.

We want to help you to achieve your goals so comfortable accommodation (with WIFI included) and home-cooked food are part of the deal if you've booked accommodation with us. We'll also cover your in-course transport, and can arrange station pick up & drop off if you're travelling by train.Support is on hand from our friendly, and exceptionally well qualified, staff to help develop your understanding and personal skills. What’s more, we have a wide range of specialist equipment that’s available for you to borrow if you don’t have your own.

What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide
What do I need to bring?
Mountaineering clothing: waterproof jacket and over-trousers, softshell trousers, base layers, mid-layer fleece or synthetic insulation, mountaineering socks, warm hat, gloves (with leather palm), sun hat, mountain boots (B2/3), gaiters, rucksack (35 -50 litre) and liner. Helmet, harness, belay plate, 4 x screwgate karabiners, 2 x snapgate karabiners, 120cm sling, 2x prussik loops.Drinks bottle, flask, lunch bag, personal first aid kit, head torch, high factor sunscreen, midge repellent, notebook and pen, camera.Laminated Maps - OS OL17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley 1:25,000We have an extensive range of equipment that you can borrow if you don't have your own;Mountain bootsRucksackGaiters Waterproof jacket and over-trousersCompassHarnessKarabiners, prussic loops, slings etc.Helmet
How should I prepare?
Being 'mountain' fit will be a tremendous help. You should be confident with basic ropework.

Available Course Dates

Start the booking process by selecting a course date, then adjust your details to suit your requirements.

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

Please get in touch for more information about future availability.

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This course will help you become

You'll understand all the basic Alpine mountaineering techniques and how to practice them safely, before you embark on your first Alpine trip.

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