Introductory and advanced mountaineering courses in the Alps

We start with our leader by a rock school, practising first at our accommodation and then quickly on an outdoor wall (Les Gaillands climbing site or others).

Once there, we visualize the climbing equipment needed to ensure a safe ascent:

•  ropes, the central element of mountaineering: tie-down ropes, double and twin ropes, etc. ;
•  belts, cords, carabiners and quickdraws, harnesses, etc. ;
•  climbing boots and shoes (their rigidity and weight according to the difficulty of the terrain) ;
•  belay devices, stoppers and positioning for optimum hold.

Bernard introduces us to the use of ropes. We take time to learn about the importance of roping and knots: knots, abseiling ropes, belaying and self-belaying at belay stations, etc. We learn how to set protection points, belay, set up belays and use harnesses.

At the same time as Bernard introduces us to progression techniques, we learn how to abseil, and thus how to progress "length by length" in the opposite direction. We take a closer look at setting up the rope, using cords and self-belaying, and so on.

This afternoon, if we have time given what we've done this morning, we'll set off on a via ferrata from Le Fayet or another location chosen by our supervisor. This experience is both fun and allows us to get to grips with the vertical and the void in complete safety.

As our climbing progresses, we feel more confident in a rocky environment. To complete our rock climbing training, we devote our next day to progression techniques in a vertical environment, a beautiful via corda where we can test our technique and vertical progression over several pitches. A magnificent environment and an exciting exercise!

Once on the site, we spend our time learning about progression and belaying techniques:

roped progression and belaying on the move: simple, fast maneuvers that require a great deal of practice. We work on the leader's role, which is essential for moving with ease and stability in high-altitude situations.

length-by-length progression: this technique is adapted to difficult terrain where there is a risk of falling.

We work alongside our guide to learn how the first and second climbers should be positioned, and how far they should be roped up, depending on the difficulty of the terrain.

We take advantage of our guide's experience to spend the day learning about crevasse safety and rescue. Depending on the time of year and the weather, we climb the Argentière glacier, the Mer de Glaces or the Tour glacier.

For practical reasons, we can also carry out these exercises in a non-glacier area, which may be less of a change of scenery, but is highly beneficial in terms of technical learning. Your guide makes the decision that best suits your experience. In particular, you review : 

•  self-rescue: getting out of a crevasse on your own;
•  reeving techniques: making a mooring, installing a self-locking device, etc.

Course ends around 5 p.m.