Alpine Preparation

Are you ready to take the next step and confidently venture into the Alps?
​Our Alpine Preparation course is delivered in Scotland and is specifically designed to equip you with the essential technical and practical knowledge needed for successful and safe alpine ascents, focusing on the unique challenges of glacier travel and climbing Alpine ridges.
Course Highlights
This intensive course covers crucial skills and knowledge required for independent alpine travel:
Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue:
  • Rope Work for Glacier Travel: Learn the best techniques for roping up, managing rope coils, and efficient team movement across snow and ice, recognizing hazards, and navigating glacial terrain.
  • Crevasse Rescue Systems: Practice various self-rescue and team-based rescue techniques, including setting up effective anchor systems and hauling mechanisms.

Alpine Climbing & Descending:
  • Rope Work for Ridge Climbing: Master moving together roped up and short-pitching techniques for moving efficiently and securely over rock and mixed terrain on exposed alpine ridges.
  • Descent Strategies: Learn safe and effective abseiling/rappelling techniques in an alpine context, including managing rope retrieval and multi-pitch descents.
  • Anchors & Protection: Practice placing natural and artificial protection and building reliable anchors in mixed alpine environments.
Logistics & Environment:
  • Using Alpine Huts: Understand the etiquette, booking systems, and logistical considerations for staying in mountain huts, including essential items to carry for hut-based trips.
  • Altitude Acclimatization: Learn practical strategies for dealing with altitude, recognizing the signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and pacing your ascent correctly.

​Equipment & Clothing - Essential Gear Selection: 
  • Detailed guidance on choosing the right clothing layers, boots, ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and technical hardware suitable for varied alpine conditions.
  • Packing Smart: Learn how to efficiently pack your backpack for multi-day trips, ensuring you carry what you need without unnecessary weight.
​Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for confident hikers and climbers with prior scrambling or rock climbing experience who are looking to make the transition to independent or guided Alpine routes. A good level of fitness and familiarity with basic climbing knots is recommended.

*** This course is delivered in Scotland and is designed to prepare you for your next Alpine trip ***
  • Prices
  • What's Included
  • Kit
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Alpine Preparation Open Courses
£450 per person
​Maximum ratio 1:3
18th to 20th March 2026 - 3 SPACES
8th to 10th April 2026 - 3 SPACES

To book your place on an open course please fill in the booking form below.
Private Guiding and Instruction
Prices are per day:
​1 person - £350
2 people - £190 per person / £380 total
3 people - £140 per person / £420 total
​Please Contact Us to check our availability or to get a quote for larger groups.
To make sure you get the most out of your day we've included the following:​
  • Kit list
  • Helmet and harness
  • Ropes and technical equipment
  • Safety Brief
  • Experienced Mountaineering Instructor
  • Action photos
You will need to organise accommodation, lunch, personal equipment and insurance.
The weather in the Scottish mountains can change in a matter of minutes. Snow is likely and it can regularly feel as cold as -20 degrees Celsius on the summits. Make sure you are ready for your day by packing the items on the list below.
​To wear
Thermal base layers – polyester or woollen, no cotton
Warm fleece
Walking trousers – no jeans
Spare fleece or synthetic insulating layer
Waterproof jacket and trousers with side zips
Warm hat and gloves (spare gloves recommended)
Stiff walking boots – B2 or B3 rated
Other equipment
Rucksack – roughly 35 litres
Mountaineering ice axe and crampons
Helmet and harness
Belay plate and carabiner
Lunch and spare food
1 litre flask or water bottle
Headtorch
Ski goggles
Map and compass
Whistle
Walking poles (recommended but not essential)
Sunglasses & sun cream
Mobile phone in a waterproof case
Camera
​Personal 1st Aid Kit - plasters, blister kit, all normal medication including asthma inhaler if you have one
​​If you need winter equipment Ben Nevis Kit Hire in Fort William hire out winter boots, crampons and ice axes. They can also supply walking poles and clear goggles. ​Please contact them directly to book - benneviskithire.com
[email protected]