Meeting point
OUTDOOR - Shop and Café Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103, 3818 Grindelwald
Taster Course Mountaineering
1 day
First glimpse into mountaineering
Learn the basics safely and practically
Ideal for trying out without prior knowledge
Season:
May October
Departure Times
Key info
You don't need any prior experience in mountaineering or climbing
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.
Learn the basics and discover if mountaineering could be your new passion – a day full of first steps.
This introductory course gives you a glimpse into mountaineering. You will learn what to watch out for, how to handle the equipment, and how to recognize dangers. In high alpine terrain, you will take your first steps on unfamiliar ground; always with a focus on safety and technique. A hands-on day for anyone aiming to reach new heights in the mountains.
Course details
AcademyLearning objectives
- Learn to assess terrain and objective hazards
- Practice basic movement in steep and rocky terrain
- Get to know and use technical mountaineering equipment
- Practice and reinforce walking techniques on rock and snow
- Practice rope handling
- Recognize subjective risk factors (e.g., overconfidence, group dynamics).
Assessment methods
Progress is continuously assessed
Feedback is provided situationally by the mountain guide during practical exercises.
Certification
Certificate: Introductory Mountaineering Course
Upon completion of the day course, participants receive a certificate. This confirms successful participation in the Introductory Mountaineering Course in Grindelwald, but is intended as a keepsake and is not an official document.
Issued by:
Outdoor Switzerland AG
Itinerary
Meeting points After a brief welcome and equipment check at the OUTDOOR Shop & Café, we take the First cable car to the top. From the mountain station at 2,164 m above sea level, we continue on foot to Bachalpsee. Here we discuss equipment, techniques, and basic rules for safe travel in alpine terrain.
On a circular tour with easy scrambling sections, you will experience what it means to move in rocky terrain. Focus is on surefootedness, body position, and balance. You will learn to assess dangers like rockfall or sudden weather changes and realistically gauge your own abilities. There will be plenty of time for questions and personal tips.
While descending we reflect on the day's key insights. A solid introduction for anyone wanting to further explore mountaineering.
Whats included
Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Technical equipment
Course Certificate
Not included
Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Snacks
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)
Pack list
Backpack
Backpack 20-25 l
Clothing
Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Footwear
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Technical Equipment
Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
Prusik loop
Accessory cord 4 m (min. 6 mm)
Sling 120 cm
Locking carabiners, approx. 3
Helmet
Trekking pole
Basics
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks
Backpack 20-25 l
Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
Prusik loop
Accessory cord 4 m (min. 6 mm)
Sling 120 cm
Locking carabiners, approx. 3
Helmet
Trekking pole
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks
Weather info
General weather info
Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.
Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.
For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog
Meeting points
Meeting points
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