Prepare for Your Matterhorn or Eiger Ascent with Our Training Weekends in North Wales
If you’re gearing up to climb the Matterhorn or The Eiger this summer, consider participating in our specialized training and warm-up weekends in North Wales. These sessions are designed to refine your climbing skills, boost your fitness, and enhance your summit success. Investing early in preparation will significantly improve your performance on these iconic peaks.
Our weekends offer quality instruction from certified guides in a stunning environment. You'll receive valuable feedback on your fitness levels, personalized training advice, and equipment checks to ensure you’re fully prepared for your climb.
Successfully summiting the Matterhorn or The Eiger requires more than just physical fitness; it demands technical competence and confidence. On summit day, you’ll need to navigate easier terrain smoothly and tackle steep pitches and fixed ropes with precision. Mental resilience for long, demanding days is also crucial. While good fitness alone may suffice for simpler alpine peaks, the Matterhorn and Eiger call for a structured, methodical approach.
Our training weekends focus on replicating the conditions of your climb. You’ll practice on grade 2 and 3 scrambles, build mountain fitness, and master efficient movement skills using the same gear you’ll take on the Matterhorn. North Wales offers excellent opportunities for such training, with challenging circuits including:
- Idwal Slabs to Seniors Ridge, descending via the Gribin Ridge
- Little Gully on Tryfan, continuing to Bristly Ridge, then down Gribin and across to Bwlch Tryfan, climbing Tryfan, and descending the North Ridge
- The Snowdon Horseshoe, possibly ascending via Lliwedd and descending via Crib Goch
Our two-day preparation weekend in North Wales addresses all key aspects for a successful Matterhorn or Eiger ascent while allowing you to connect with fellow climbers and enjoy excellent climbing in the UK.
For more details on preparing for your Matterhorn climb, visit our Matterhorn Climber Holiday page. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our team is here to help you with all your climbing preparation needs.
Day Itinerary
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Day 1: Scrambling and Rock Climbing
On the first morning at 8.30am, we review the weather forecast, assemble suitable equipment and plan our route using maps and guide books. We tend to meet at the Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis. Typically our first hill day will be between 6-8 hours and will involve a mixture of scrambling and rock climbing. We focus on movement and sure-footedness using ‘big boots’. The morning is spent climbing a grade 2 scramble and the afternoon is spent practising on rock climbs graded D(difficult) and VD (very difficult).
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Day 2: Grade 3 Scramble
A day with plenty of mileage, we step up the level to a grade 3 and get used to climbing for a full day, practising movement both up and down. Possible route choice includes:
- Bilberry Terrace on Y Lliwedd
- Parsons Nose from the Llanberis Pass
- East Face of Tryfan
- Clogwyn y Person Arete,
- Idwal Slabs
- Cneifion Arete
- North-West face of Glyder Fach
The objective is to simulate the terrain and type of climbing experience on the Matterhorn. This can be chalked up as valuable endurance training and also gives you feedback on your fitness level, where you are at and what needs to be done.
Once back at valley level, we have a well-earned cafe stop and a final debrief over tea and cake before a late afternoon departure on Sunday.
2025
Dates |
Price |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 26 Apr - Sat 03 May |
£445 | Book | |
| Sat 17 May - Sun 18 May |
£445 | Book | |
| Sat 24 May - Sun 25 May |
£445 | Book | |
| Sat 31 May - Sun 01 Jun |
£445 | Book | |
| Sat 14 Jun - Sun 15 Jun |
£445 | Book | |
| Sat 02 Aug - Sun 03 Aug |
£445 | Book | |
| Sat 09 Aug - Sun 10 Aug |
£445 | Book | |
| Flexible | From £445 | PRIVATE GROUP | Enquire |
The price includes:
- 2 full days guiding & instruction fees & expenses
- use of all climbing hardware
- local transfers with your guide
The price does not include:
- accommodation
- food & drink
- uplift costs
- travel to/from North Wales
The listed price of £445 per person is on a course-only basis.
We can assist with 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.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Your Financial Protection
ATOL
£2.50 per person of the cost of any air package is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you. This means the money paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2911. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.
ABTOT
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Holiday Information.
Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34
We accept the following payment methods
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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
Wales
Despite holding the unfortunate title of the rainiest part of the UK, Snowdonia still manages to provide an impressive slate of fine weather in the summer months to match the exceptional variety of climbing locations present in the region. Igneous rock formations that are famous for producing some of the world’s finest slate, through the industrial revolution and still to this day, spoil climbers for choice, providing everything from scrambling and bouldering opportunities to multi-pitch traditional climbing routes.
At the heart of North Wales lies Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh), the tallest mountain in England and Wales, and neighbouring Llanberis, a local hub for the region and meeting point for our Matterhorn and Eiger Training Weekends. These two-day courses aim to make use of the entire region, climbing the wide array of routes available on Snowdon’s northeast face as well as exploring the whole of Snowdonia.
Resort height: 1,085m (Snowdon Summit)
Highest lift: 1,065m (Snowdon Mountain Railway)
Nearest Transfer Options: The North Wales Coast railway line links Bangor and Llandudno to Crewe and Chester, from where almost all points of the UK can be reached. A limited bus service - Gwynfor Coaches 85, 86, Dilwyn’s Coaches 85C - links Bangor and Llanberis, although local taxis are available.
Llanberis lies on the A4086, running northwest-southeast from the A487 at Caernafon to the A5 at Capel Curig – from these points, the rest of North- and Mid-Wales can be accessed, and thence the rest of the UK.
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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.
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ETIAS & EES
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
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What is ETIAS?
- Starting in the first half of 2025, travellers from over 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter most European countries within the Schengen Area.
- ETIAS enhances security by checking the details of travellers before they arrive.
- It is similar to systems like the ESTA (USA) and eTA (Canada).
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Who Needs ETIAS?
- Travellers with British passports or passports from other visa-exempt countries must complete the ETIAS process.
- Holders of EU or Schengen Area passports or valid EU/Schengen Area visas are exempt.
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Application Details:
- ETIAS costs a 7EUR processing fee, waived for those under 18 or over 70.
- Validity: Three years from application, tied to your passport’s validity.
- New passport = new ETIAS.
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Application Form Questions:
- Basic personal details (e.g., passport info, name, address, citizenship, gender).
- Additional questions during the process (e.g., criminal history, past travel, health).
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Application Fee:
- 7EUR euros.
- Electronic payment via debit/credit card.
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Approval:
- Most applicants receive approval within minutes.
- Valid ETIAS visa waiver for three consecutive years.
Remember to apply for ETIAS approval to explore your favourite European destinations! More details will be confirmed by ETIAS authorities. You can find additional information at the following links:
EES (Entry/Exit System)
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system developed by the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems. Its primary purpose is to register travellers from third countries each time they cross an EU external border. Here are the key points:
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What is EES?
- The EES is an automated IT system designed for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay.
- It records and stores the date, time, and place of entry and exit when these travellers cross the external borders of European countries using the EES.
- The system calculates the duration of the authorized stay and generates alerts to EU Member States when the authorized stay expires.
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Who Is Affected?
- The EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180 days) to European countries using the EES.
- Exemptions apply; for example, holders of EU or Schengen Area passports or valid visas are exempt from EES registration.
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Advantages of EES:
- Saves time by replacing manual passport stamping.
- Automates border control procedures for more efficient travel.
- It helps identify travellers who overstay or use fake identities or passports.
- Contributes to preventing, detecting, and investigating serious criminal offences.
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Alpine Mountaineering - Guides
All our mountaineering trips are run by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides.
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Trip level & Stamina requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, all participants must meet the specified skill and stamina levels required for each trip, as outlined on the trip’s page at the time of booking.
Please keep the following in mind:
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Trip Requirements: Before booking your trip, please review and confirm that you meet the necessary skill and stamina levels. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
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Guides' Discretion: Our guides and instructors are dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards. They have the authority to exclude any participant who does not meet the required skill or stamina levels or whose participation could compromise the group's safety. This decision will be made with the utmost consideration.
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Responsibility for Costs: Should you be unable to continue with the trip due to inadequate skill or stamina, any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our goal is to provide a memorable and safe adventure for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For further information please refer to the Terms & Conditions.
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