Basic Skills Course Alpine Hiking
Our alpine hiking basic skills course ensures you have the skills you need to safely explore a mountain environment. Though it is not an “extreme” activity, hiking causes more accidents than mountaineering due to poor planning, insufficient gear, lack of knowledge and over confidence. In this 2-day course you will learn how to safely manage these factors as you receive training on footwear, orientation, surefootedness, and weather interpretation. Your mountain guide will show you how to correctly assess terrain, and you will practice in diverse environments ranging from grade T3 and upward.
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Moderate
- Experience Level: Advanced Beginner
- Personal technique hiking
- Trip planning
- Flora and fauna
- Traversing steep snow fields
- Safety on hiking trails
- Navigation in areas without trails
- Weather science
Group Course (4-6 participants)
| CHF 425 per person | |
Private Course
| 1-3 people | CHF 1700 per group |
| 4-6 people | CHF 425 per person |
To book a private course please contact us:
Day 1: Training tour to the Faulhorn 2681m
Meet your guide in Grindelwald and prepare your tour using a map and a compass. Check your equipment, and then make your way to First by way of cable car. From the top, you will begin your hike towards Faulhorn. Along the way your guide will provide advice for safe and efficient hiking. You will learn how to cross a steep snowfield, and you will also address local flora and fauna. From the top of Faulhorn you will enjoy the afternoon sun and a refreshing drink. After a short break you will have another theory or practice session and will begin planning your tour for the next day.
Day 2: Training tour to Reeti 2757m
After a hearty mountain breakfast you will begin your training hike to Reeti. Learn how to orient yourself on pathless terrain and how to safely hike along alpine (blue and white) trails. The topic of safety will dominate much of your hike as your guide shares expert knowledge. After your training tour you will review what you have learned during the course and be well prepared for your next alpine hike.
| Season | June - October |
| Departures for official tours | See "Closest Bookable Dates" |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 9:15am Outdoor Shop and Café - Dorfstrasse 103, 3818 Grindelwald |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- Expenses and 1 overnight for the mountain guide
- Hut reservation
- Course Certificate
- Your expenses
- 1 night in bunk room with half-board and tea for the next day
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
- Costs for cable cars
- Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guides share)
Backpack
- 25-30l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves
- Beanie or headband
- Extra underwear and socks
Footwear
- Mountaineering boots recommended
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Silk sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp
- Toiletries
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Hiking poles
- 4m accessory cord
General Information for Mountaineering School
Our team is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit us in our shop in Grindelwald. We are happy to help!
OUTDOOR - Mountaineering School Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103
3818 Grindelwald
Switzerland
Trip status for group courses
1-2 days before your tour or course we will review the weather forecast and conditions with the mountain guide to determine if we can operate. We will contact you by phone with an update.
Minimum of participants (group tours)
As soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, we will send you a confirmation by email.
Cancellation
If we have to cancel your tour, you have the option to reschedule to a new date, or you will receive a full refund.
Equipment
Please refer to the equipment list for your tour or course. At our shop in Grindelwald, you can purchase technical equipment, mountain clothing, shoes, and backpacks. We also have technical equipment available for rent.
Clothing
Choose functional clothing that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Dress in layers so you can easily react to temperature changes. The range at our shop in Grindelwald is tailored to mountain tours and our expert staff are happy to advise you on the best clothing for your tour or course.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the offer. We recommend bringing bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a sandwich. The amount you will need to drink depends on your individual needs and the length of the tour. We recommend .75 -1.5 liters of water, warm tea, isotonic drinks, or whatever you prefer. We also recommend that you hydrate enough the day before, so your body is well prepared for the tour.
Huts
A mountain hut is not a hotel. Running water is not guaranteed and electricity is not available everywhere, so it is not always possible to charge batteries or phones. If you have special dietary needs, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with the hut.
Safety
Our tours and courses are led by IVBV certified mountain guides or mountain guide aspirants. We prioritise your safety by requiring regular training to ensure our guides have relevant, up to date knowledge. Outdoor is certified by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and our safety and emergency concepts are audited by this organization annually.
General terms of contract
Our General Terms and Conditions apply.