Activities

Alpine Skills Course (Group)

Monte Rosa Booking > Products > Alpine Skills Course (Group)

Level: 2

Season: Summer

Duration: 3 days

Participants: 4

My goal

This three-day course is designed for anyone who wants to take the next step in rock-based mountaineering techniques and learn how to manage the rope more confidently on alpine terrain.

Over the three days, we focus on the main rope and protection techniques used on rock: pitched climbing, moving together, short-roping, rope-team management and choosing the most appropriate technique for the terrain. The aim is not simply to learn individual manoeuvres, but to understand when and how to use them in the mountains.

All exercises take place in a structured learning environment, accompanied by an IFMGA Mountain Guide who observes your technique, rope management and ability to read the terrain.

The course ends with a one-day ascent of a 4000-metre peak on Monte Rosa, where the skills developed during the previous days are applied on a real mountaineering route.

The course is suitable for those who already spend time in the mountains, hike on demanding trails or have experience on via ferratas and want to begin using the rope more confidently on rocky alpine terrain. You do not need to be an experienced rock climber, but you should already feel comfortable in the mountain environment and have enough fitness for the planned days.

The goal is to become more confident in rope management and movement on rock, building solid foundations for more complex ridges and mountaineering routes on Monte Rosa.

Price

Group 650€ per person

The price includes: 3 days with IFMGA mountain guide, personal and group technical equipment, two nights in a mountain hut with half board, return ticket to Indren valid over multiple days.

Not included in the price: accident insurance (recommended), meals not specified for yourself and the guide, everything not listed under “the price includes”.

A group is confirmed at the reaching of the minimum number of 5 people.

Program

Day 1 – Basic rock techniques and abseiling

Meet in the late morning at the Monterosa Booking office for an equipment check and distribution of the technical gear. We then transfer to the Fun’d Scotte climbing crag. The day focuses on equipment and basic rope techniques: ropes, carabiners, belay devices and quick protection. We work on belaying and movement on rock through practical exercises. At the end of the session, we introduce abseiling and practise a supervised independent descent. Duration: 4–5 hours. We then take the lifts to Pianalunga and settle into Rifugio Grand Halte.

Day 2 – Moving together and short-roping in alpine terrain

From the hut, we climb towards Col d’Olen and continue along the north ridge of Corno Rosso (3,023 m). This terrain is ideal for learning how to read the mountain, choose the safest line and manage the rope dynamically: rope coils, changing rope length, the Machard knot and using natural features to protect the rope team. The traverse continues towards Passo Zube (3,018 m), returning to Pianalunga via Passo Foric. Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Grand Halte. Elevation gain: approximately 1,000 m. Duration: 6–7 hours.

Day 3 – Glacier travel and ascent of a 4000-metre peak

The final day focuses on rope-team management on a glacier: progression techniques, terrain assessment and evaluation of the main hazards, including crevasses, slipping and changing snow conditions. A one-day ascent of a Monte Rosa 4000-metre peak — Piramide Vincent or Ludwigshöhe, depending on conditions — allows you to apply the skills developed during the course in a real high-altitude environment. Your IFMGA Mountain Guide chooses the objective and adapts the programme according to weather, glacier conditions and the level of the participants. Elevation gain: approximately 1,000 m.

Equipment required

For the course, you will need:

layered clothing suitable for high altitude
windproof mountaineering trousers and thermal leggings
waterproof mountaineering boots with a stiff sole
lightweight gloves and warm gloves
warm hat covering the ears
category 3 or 4 sunglasses
ice axe
crampons, harness and helmet
telescopic trekking poles
approximately 1-litre water bottle or thermos
SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip protection

When you book, we will send you the complete equipment list. In the days before the course, your IFMGA Mountain Guide may suggest adjustments according to the weather, temperatures and expected conditions.

Please, pay attention here

Mountaineering, ski touring, off-piste skiing and trekking take place in a natural, uncontrolled environment.
Weather conditions, snow, ice, terrain, visibility, altitude and physical fatigue can change rapidly and directly affect the course of the activity. For this reason, there is always an inherent level of objective risk, which cannot be eliminated but only managed.

All our activities are led by IFMGA Mountain Guides and Certified Hiking Guides (AMM).
The guide continuously assesses environmental conditions and the physical and mental state of participants, sets an appropriate pace, manages progression and ensures the correct use of equipment. If conditions require it, the guide may modify the itinerary or interrupt the activity, always in the interest of individual and group safety.

Participants are required to be in good physical and mental condition, adequately prepared for the level of the activity, and to follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Group activities

During group outings, the pace is set according to the slowest participant. In case of fatigue or discomfort, the guide may decide to adjust the programme or return early. In the mountains, the group ascends and returns together.

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F.A.Q.

FAQ #1 – Will I suffer from altitude sickness?

There is no way to predict this with certainty. During the course, we will reach altitudes above 4,000 metres and everyone responds differently to altitude. Your IFMGA Mountain Guide will manage the pace and progression while monitoring the condition of the participants.

FAQ #2 – What happens if I feel unwell during the ascent?

Tell your guide immediately. Depending on the situation, your IFMGA Mountain Guide may slow the pace, change the programme or stop the ascent. If necessary, mountain rescue services will be contacted.

FAQ #3 – Can I join if I am travelling alone?

Yes. You can book individually on available group departures. Groups are kept small so the guide can closely follow the progression of each participant.

FAQ #4 – Can I join if I have no glacier experience?

Yes. The course is designed for people who already have good mountain experience and want to learn rope techniques on rock and begin moving on glaciers. Previous glacier experience is not required.

FAQ #5 – Will I get a refund if we do not reach the planned 4000-metre summit?

No. The final ascent depends on weather, glacier conditions and the level of the group and cannot be guaranteed. The course fee covers the training and the work of the IFMGA Mountain Guide even if the final objective has to be changed.

FAQ #6 – What level of fitness do I need?

You need good fitness and should be comfortable walking in the mountains for several hours. Days 2 and 3 involve approximately 1,000 metres of elevation gain, so you should be able to maintain a steady pace throughout the day.

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Alpine Skills Course (Group)

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Insurance

Before departure, check that your insurance policy specifically covers mountaineering, glacier travel, altitude, trip cancellation, repatriation, and personal liability. For more information, read our complete guide to mountain insurance.