Alpine Skills Course
Prepare for independent alpine climbing with Lake District Mountain Guides.
This two-day Alpine Skills Course in the Lake District teaches the essential techniques for safe, efficient alpine mountaineering. Learn glacier ropework, rescue skills and alpine tactics from experienced instructors.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL COURSE
This course is ideal for those with some climbing and mountaineering experience who want the skills to be able to climb safely in the Alps.
PERFECT TRAINING GROUND
The Lake District is the perfect training ground for the Alps, with long mountain routes and airy ridges that are similar to alpine terrain.
EXPERIENCED GUIDES
Our instructors are experienced alpinists and instructors who’ve spent years climbing in the UK and the Alps. They’ll create a supportive learning environment, helping you develop the skills to move independently in alpine terrain.
-
This two day Alpine Skills Course is designed to prepare you for independent mountaineering in the Alps. The course provides expert climbing instruction focused on the essential techniques, movement skills, and decision-making needed for safe and efficient travel in glaciated and technical alpine terrain.
Whether you’re planning your first alpine adventure or looking to refine your existing skills, this practical and focused climbing course will help you build confidence and competence for your own alpine trips.
-
Day One - We’ll start by covering how to rope up for glacier travel and how to adjust rope length for different team sizes. You’ll learn how to arrest a fall if someone goes into a crevasse and how to carry out an effective crevasse rescue using simple pulley systems. We’ll build up your skills so you can create a 1:6 crevasse rescue system capable of hauling multiple people from a crevasse.
While there aren’t any crevasses in the Lake District, we’ll recreate a realistic scenario to practise these techniques. Later in the day, we’ll cover descent management, including multi-pitch abseiling and anchor selection, essential skills for staying safe in the mountains.
Day Two - The second day focuses on short-pitching, moving together, and efficient movement over mountaineering terrain. You’ll refine your technique, make on-the-go decisions, and learn when to change methods for different types of ground.
We’ll look at movement on steep terrain and knife-edge ridges, and introduce short-roping techniques where appropriate. We’ll also discuss what to carry on typical alpine routes, balancing safety with speed and efficiency. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence and competence to move independently and safely on your own alpine objectives
This is a sample plan of what we could do during the course and is subject to change based on weather, conditions and your experience.
-
Crevasse Rescue techniques, including 1:3 and 1:6 rescue systems
How to rope up and travel safely on a glacier
Small-pitching techniques for varied alpine terrain
How to move together safely and efficiently
What gear to carry for typical alpine routes
Core rescue knowledge and problem-solving in alpine settings
Multi-pitch abseil and descent techniques
Movement skills for travelling together over complex ground
Short-roping techniques for steep or exposed terrain
-
This 2-day course costs £350 per person and includes two full days of expert guiding. It’s usually based in the Langdale Valley, an area with long ridges and scrambling terrain that is similar to the Alps. Ambleside or Windermere make ideal bases for accommodation, offering easy access to the valley and nearby crags.
-
This course is ideal preparation for anyone heading to the Alps for their first climbing trip and is suitable for those with some prior experience in climbing, or mountaineering.
You will be matched up with someone of a similar level, with similar past experience to you.
If you are unsure whether this course is for you feel free to get in touch.
-
Exceptional instruction and coaching with insured and qualified instructors
Local transport if needed
Ropes and technical equipment
Helmet and harness
What’s not included?
Climbing shoes
Personal clothing
Food and drink
-
Arriving fit and healthy will make the course more enjoyable and rewarding. A bit of pre-course reading is also a great idea. Alpine Skills by Bruce Goodlad is highly recommended, it covers all the key fundamentals in a clear, easy to follow way, with plenty of photos to help you understand key concepts.
Discover Alpine Skills in the Lake District
DATES AND AVAILABILITY
START
PRICE
SPACES
2nd April
£400
2 PLACES LEFT
£400
2nd June
2 PLACES LEFT
Are you looking for alternative course dates?
Get in touch and to express an interest if the course dates shown don't work for you.
-
We provide all the essential climbing equipment, including harnesses, helmets, ropes, and technical gear. The only thing you’ll need to bring are your own climbing shoes or boots, along with suitable clothing, food, and drink.
We’re usually out in the mountains for around eight hours each day, so make sure to pack a good lunch, some snacks, and at least a litre of water.
If you’d like advice on what clothing to bring, feel free to get in touch or check out our kit lists.
-
We can usually run our courses even in wet or windy conditions, as there are plenty of sheltered venues throughout the Lake District. If the forecast looks cold and wet, make sure to bring extra layers and good waterproofs.
Wet weather means we get colder faster and use more energy, so it’s worth packing a bit more food than you would for a normal day out. If the weather becomes unsuitable, we’ll reschedule your course for another date or offer a full refund.
-
If you need to cancel more than 4 weeks before the course, you’ll receive a full refund. Cancellations between 2 and 4 weeks incur a 50% refund, minus a £10 admin fee. Unfortunately, cancellations less than 2 weeks before the course are non-refundable.
-
We usually meet at a local car park or cafe in the morning. This gives us a chance to introduce ourselves, discuss the plan for the day, and get to know you so we can tailor the course to your goals and experience.
If an early start is needed, we’ll arrange a quick call a day or two beforehand to confirm the details.
-
Lake District Mountain Guides is led by James Boothroyd, who delivers the majority of our courses. You can learn more about James and the rest of the team here.
We also work with a trusted group of professional freelance instructors — all fully qualified, experienced, and insured. Your guide will get in touch before the course to introduce themselves, outline the plan, and answer any questions you may have.
