Basic Skills Course Multi-Pitch Climbing
This 2-day basic skills course teaches the fundamentals of multi-pitch climbing. Your mountain guide will walk you through the steps for securing yourself and your partner at a belay station, along with the important considerations for rappelling during multi-pitch climbs. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of climbing partner communication. On the second day you will have the chance to put your learning into practice during a multi-pitch climb.
Tour Details
You have basic knowledge and prior experience in rock climbing. You understand knots and know how to belay. You are able to lead climb up to 4b and you can climb 5b on top rope. Indoor climbing experience is also acceptable, but some prior outdoor climbing experience is ideal. You are in good physical shape.
- Knots (Repetition)
- Gear check
- Belaying techniques
- Climbing technique
- Organising the belay
- Communication
- Belaying a second
- Abseil/ rapelling technique
- Trip planning
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
Meet your guide in Grindelwald, check your equipment, and then make your way to the climbing area at the Glacier Canyon. You will cover the basics of knot theory, belay technique, body position and standard movements before advancing to the specific techniques for multi-pitch climbing. You will learn self-belaying at the belay station, partner communication, and how to belay a second climber. You will practice these skills, and also focus on multi-pitch rappelling. After a short recap at the Gletscherschlucht restaurant, you will finish for the day.
Day 2
Today you will complete a practice climb. The location will be determined by the mountain guide based on conditions and the abilities of the group. You will practice lead climbing, correct belaying, partner communication, and rappelling. Your guide will provide advice for furthering your multi-pitch climbing.
| Season | May - October |
| Departures for official tours | See "Closest Bookable Dates" |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 9:15am at the Outdoor Shop and Café - Dorfstrasse 103, 3818 Grindelwald |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
- Your accommodation
- 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
- Beanie or headband
- Extra underwear and socks
Footwear
- Climbing shoes
- Trainers or hiking boots
The 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)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Helmet
- Descender
- Prussik and 4m accessory cord
- 2 120cm sling
- 3-4 locking carabiners
- Snapgate carabiner
- Half ropes (if you have)
- Quickdraws (if you have)
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.