Alec Campbell Climber Weekend 23rd & 24th June

If you are planning to climb the Matterhorn or The Eiger in the coming summer, it’s a great idea to participate in one of our training and warm up weekends in Snowdonia. This is a great way to hone the necessary skills, increase fitness and enjoy some great climbing. By making an early investment in your fitness and skill-base you can enhance your forthcoming trip and ultimately increase your summit success.

Our weekends offer quality instruction from IFMGA guides and the opportunity to meet like-minded people in a splendid environment. We can offer valuable feedback on your level of fitness and advice on your personal training schedule. In addition, we can review your equipment and make sure it is just right before your trip starts.

A successful ascent of the Matterhorn and The Eiger demands a lot from the mountaineer.  Fitness and determination are paramount but also technical competence and sure-footedness are hugely important.  On the summit day, you will need to be fit and confident, climbing fluidly on the easier ground and then able to step-it-up for the short, steep pitches and fixed ropes. Mental preparation is also important with the ability to concentrate on a long 8-11 hour day. On easier alpine peaks, simply having good fitness is enough, and the technical work can be learned ‘on the go’.

However, the Matterhorn/Eiger requires a more structured and determined approach. The best type of training is to mimic the Matterhorn itself by climbing up and down as many grade  2 and 3 scrambles as possible to get comfortable with the terrain. The priority is mountain fitness and efficient movement skills wearing the same boots as you will use on the Matterhorn, and carrying a rucksack. There are plentiful opportunities to do these types of days in Snowdonia. Examples of circuits could include:

• Beginning at Idwal Slabs and continuing up Seniors Ridge and descending the Gribin Ridge
• Little Gully on Tryfan, on to Bristly Ridge, down Gribin, across to Bwlch Tryfan, climb Tryfan and descend the North Ridge
• The Snowdon Horseshoe, possibly going up via Lliwedd and down via Crib Goch

Our two day preparation weekend in Snowdonia address all the elements which combine to make a successful ascent of the Matterhorn. It also gives you the chance to meet other climbers and get some great climbing done in the UK.

Price includes 2 full days guiding and instruction with IFMGA Alpine Mountain Guides, with a maximum of 1:2 ratio and use of all climbing hardware.

The listed price of £345 is for two people on a course only basis. We can arrange accommodation for you in a comfy B&B upon request. For more information about pricing for singles, groups of three or passengers under 18 please click the Enquire button to right on this page.

 

We proudly offer our returning customers a discount.

The promotion is valid for qualifying bookings made before the end of October 2024 (using the discount codes provided) at the checkout.

 

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• Equipment Required for UK Alpine Skills Trips

  This list contains our recommended clothing and equipment for our UK based Alpine Training Weekends.  It is ideal if you can have 2-3 thin layers that you are able to put on/take off as the conditions change. Thin layers also allow better movement as opposed to one layer of bulky clothing. If you are uncertain or need further information, please contact us.

  • Base Layer Top and Bottoms
  • 1-2 thermal tops and 1 pair longjohns
  • 2 midweight fleece tops or 1 fleece and 1 lightweight duvet jacket
  • Lightweight trekking trousers
  • Walking shorts or pair of trousers with zip-off legs
  • Weather Layer Top
  • Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable jacket
  • Lightweight over-trousers with long side zips
  • Sun hat and warm hat
  • Light, thin gloves plus a pair of insulated gloves in case of cold weather
  • Gaiters - Good fitting pair of ankle gaiters to keep socks and boots dry
  • 2-3 pairs of good quality socks

  For these trips you need a B2 rated boot.

  B2 boots are the best option for most alpine mountaineering trips. These are semi-rigid boots available in either leather or plastic/composite options. Leather boots tend to be more comfortable and breathable whereas plastic/composite boots are warmer and more waterproof. They are compatible with C1 and C2 crampons.

  Key features of a good alpine mountaineering boot include vibram soles, a reversed leather upper (which protect the best side of the leather from scuffing and abrasion and improves durability and water resistance) and ankle flex and a higher cut which give control, mobility and support.

  Boots can be hired but to avoid discomfort it is strongly recommended that you have your own pair which need to be worn-in.

  These items are essential for all alpine mountaineering courses. All items can be hired from Mountain Tracks or from sports shops in the Alps. These items cost about £35-£45 each for 6-8 days hire payable in local currency in resort.

  • Ice Axe (Not Required in North Wales)
  • general mountaineering axe – 55-70cms long depending on your height (Not Required in North Wales)
  • Boot crampons with anti-balling plates - (Not Required in North Wales)
    
  • Climbing Harness with adjustable leg loops. Must be large enough to be worn over your outerwear
  • 2 Prussik loops, slings and karabiners
  • Rucksack - A simple and lightweight pack with a capacity of between 30-35 litres
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre) or Thermos
  • Headlamp with batteries - this may not be required for UK weekends 
  • Penknife
  • Personal medications and first aid kit for blisters, sunburn and headaches (Note: Guides will have comprehensive first aid kits and are qualified in mountain first aid)
  • Adjustable trekking pole(s) - Optional
  • Sun Glasses
  • Sunscreen and Lip Protection
  • Snack food - fruit or crunchy bars are better than chocolate as a rule. Biscuits to take with afternoon tea are good too
  • Passport
  • Money

   

• Insurance

  It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.

  For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.

  For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/
  If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.
   

• Alpine Mountaineering - Guides

  All our mountaineering trips are run by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides.