Taster Course Dry Tooling
If you want a taste of what it would be like to ascend one of the famous north faces, our dry tooling taster course will introduce you to the equipment and technique required to climb with ice axes and crampons on rock. Test your strength, stability, and stamina as you acquire new mixed climbing skills in a unique environment.
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Basic
- Experience Level: Beginner
Ideally you have some experience rock climbing and know how to belay. Even without prior climbing experience, dry tooling is a fun and challenging sport to try.
- Equipment
- Belay techniques
- Climbing techniques with crampons
- Top rope climbing
You will learn how to use crampons and ice tools on rock. This taster course will introduce you to the skills needed to climb mixed routes.
Group Course (4-6 participants)
| CHF 145 per person | |
Private Course
| 1-3 people | CHF 580 per group |
| 4-6 people | CHF 145 per person |
To book a private course please contact us:
Taster course dry tooling- Climbing rock with crampons and ice axes
Dry tooling training routes have been specifically prepared along the river bank at the Glacier Canyon in Grindelwald. A short walk will lead you to this dry, wind-sheltered setting where you will learn the basics about dry tooling equipment and technique before making your first moves on the rock. There are a variety of routes for climbers of all levels to try. Practice placing crampon points on small holds and edges, hooking your ice tools into tiny cracks and holes, and moving up the rock one delicate move at a time. Your arm and core strength will be put to the test after only a few routes. The course finishes around 5pm.
| Season | November - May |
| Departures for official tours | See "Closest Bookable Dates" |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 1pm Glacier Canyon Grindelwald |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- Technical equipment
- Course Certificate
- Your expenses
- Snacks
Winter (delete this)
Backpack
- 20-25l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
- Beanie or headband
- Thermal underwear
Footwear
- Crampon proof mountaineering boots
The basics
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-snow plates
- Helmet
- Descender with locking carabiner
- Ice axe for steep ice climbing
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.