This advanced alpine rock climbing course is designed for independent traditional lead climbers, and those familiar with multi-pitch climbing. It consists of two modules (level 1 and level 2). We will visit charming valleys, climb superb routes and impressive mountain peaks. Efficient multi-pitch climbing, route finding, problem solving, as well as identifying terrain features and potential hazards are just some of the skills you’ll acquire. Caution! The training doesn’t include glacier travel or ice climbing. Those are a part of other climbing and mountaineering courses.
PRICE
790 EUR – ratio 1:3*
990 EUR – ratio 1:2*
*one module
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The academy delivers professional training based on extensive experience. The price includes instructor fees and all the climbing gear that you will need (with the exception of climbing shoes and technical clothing). Upon completion, you will receive photos taken during the course and a relevant training course certificate. The price does not include travel costs, accommodation, meals or travel insurance.
ACCOMODATION COSTS
Mountain refuge in the Tatras: € 22-44 per person per day.
Campsite in the Dolomites: € 16-24 per person per day.
HOW
Maximum group size is three people per instructor. The practical part of the training course is held entirely in the mountains. However, scheduling of activities depends on weather conditions. The full curriculum involves 10 climbing days. On two days we will practice self-rescue techniques. The level 1 course entails 5 days and level 2 course is held over 7 days (2 extra days). The extra days are needed to have a rest and in case of bad weather. Course requirements: you must have previously successfully completed a Rock Climbing Basics or Trad Climbing Basics course in our academy or any rock climbing course with lead trad climbing and multi-pitch skills.
WHERE
We organise Alpine Rock Climbing courses in the Dolomites and the Tatras, since both of these mountain ranges are perfect for learning as well as acquiring climbing and mountaineering experience.
THE DOLOMITES
A mountain range located in north-eastern Italy. It is not a single mountain chain, but several groups separated by deep valleys. The highest peak is Marmolada (3342 m). The The Dolomites are composed of limestone and dolomite rocks shimmering with warm colours. This range is famous for sharp ridges of extraordinary beauty. It is a real paradise for mountaineers, especially those keen to climb via Ferratas, which were built during the First World War. It is also a paradise for alpine rock climbers. Many climbing routes on the steep walls of the Dolomites are considered to be the most beautiful in the world.
THE TATRA MOUNTAINS
This is the highest range of the Carpathians and the only Alpine type mountains between the Alps and the Caucasus. The highest peak is Gerlach (2655 m). The Tatras landscape is dominated by sharp peaks, and breathtakingly unique mountain lakes. National parks have been established on both the Polish and Slovak sides of the Tatra Mountains. We will be climbing in Slovakia, as the most outstanding summits and south faces with excellent quality granite are to be found there.
WHEN
The training courses are held between June and September according to the calendar on our website. Nevertheless, it is possible to change the course dates, so don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
» Course participants have to be at least 18 years old.
» You can’t have any medical contraindications for climbing.
» You need travel insurance, covering the costs of a mountain rescue service.
» Previous completion of a rock climbing course (including trad lead and multi-pitch skills) is required.
BOOKING PROCESS
» To make a reservation, it is necessary to fill out and send the booking form.
» To complete your booking process, an advance payment of 300 euro is required. You will find the transfer details in the received e-mail message.
» Once we have got your booking form and advance payment, we will confirm the course reservation and send you further information.
TRAINING PROGRAM
LEVEL 1
Theory:
» Mountain hazards.
» Essential climbing and mountaineering gear.
» Guide books; topos and route descriptions.
» Advanced anchor systems.
Practical training:
» Basic multi-pitch climbing skills.
» Planning and preparing for alpine climb.
» Multi-pitch belay changeovers.
» Rope management.
» Route finding and navigation.
» Leading and belaying with double ropes.
» Simul-climbing; shortening a rope.
» Traverse climbing.
» Belayed downclimbing.
» Multi-pitch abseiling.
» Advanced anchor building.
» Problem solving and self-rescue techniques:
• Munter hitch rappel.
• Saddle bag rappel.
• Tying off a belay device.
• Rappelling with a damaged rope; passing a knot.
• Transition from rappelling to ascending a rope.
LEVEL 2
Theory:
» Mountain topography.
» Orientation and navigation skills.
» Planned and unplanned bivy.
» Climbing strategies and tactics.
Practical training:
» Drawing topos.
» Climbing a mountain ridge.
» Body belay and natural protection.
» Alpine efficiency; combining speed and safety.
» Placing and removing pitons.
» Building rappel anchors.
» Risk management and retreat options.
» Minimizing danger on loose and rotten rock.
» Problem solving and self-rescue techniques:
• Escaping a belay.
• 2:1, 3:1 and 5:1 hauling systems.
• Tandem rappel.
• Lowering a climbing partner.
• Locking off a rope when belaying.
• Lowering in guide mode.
Optional:
• Climbing in a team of three.
• Mountain bivy.
• Climbing at night.
• Aid climbing.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
» documents
» climbing shoes
» approach shoes
» comfortable clothes for climbing
» warm clothing adapted to changeable weather
» hat and gloves
» rainwear
» backpack (65-80 litres)*
» climbing backpack (30-40 litres)
» headlamp and extra batteries
» toiletries
» sandals or lightweight camp shoes
» pencil and notebook
» warm sleeping bag**
» portable tourist stove**
» kitchen dishes**
» sleeping mat**
» tent**
* not needed in the Dolomites
** if you’re going to sleep in a tent
WHAT CAN BE USEFUL
» first aid kit
» emergency blanket
» trekking poles
» chalk bag
» sun cream
» sunglasses
» umbrella
» thermos
» camera
» map of the region and compass
