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Snow and glacier slopes beneath a granite summit in the Maladeta massif, Pyrenees

Guided course

Mountain skills course: next level

More precise technique, group management and first rescue skills to gain real independence in the mountains.

  • LevelProgression
  • DurationFull day or 2 days, depending on the objective
  • GroupSmall group or private
5.0· 76 Google reviews
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Course summary

Mountain skills course: next level

For those who already have the basics and want real independence: more precise technique, managing a group on more demanding terrain and first rescue and self-rescue skills, with an AEGM / UIMLA-qualified mountain leader. It is the second level of our mountaineering pathway.

Snow and glacier slopes beneath a granite summit in the Maladeta massif, Pyrenees
  • AreaVal d'Aran, Pyrenees
  • DurationFull day or 2 days, depending on the objective
  • GuideJavier Gil
  • GroupSmall group or private
  • LevelProgression

Before you sign up

Is it for you?

You'll love it if…

  • You have done the beginners' course or have equivalent mountain experience
  • You want to gain real independence, not just repeat technique you already know
  • You want rescue and self-rescue skills with a qualified leader

It may not be the course for you if…

  • It is your first contact with an ice axe and crampons (start with the beginners' course)
  • You want a specialist mountain rescue course. This covers first skills only
Javier Gil
AEGM / UIMLA-qualified mountain leader · Ecotour Experiences

Who will be with you on this course

Javier Gil

At the improvement level, Javier stops leading from the front all the time and starts handing decisions to the group: who breaks the trail, when to stop and assess the terrain, how to spread out on an exposed ridge. He corrects, but no longer directs every step.

Rescue and self-rescue skills are always practised on real, controlled terrain, never as a textbook drill: he wants the group to leave with reflexes, not just memorised theory.

Course highlights

Why take this course

Course content

What you'll learn

  • Advanced progression technique and use of crampons on steep terrain
  • Managing a group on demanding terrain
  • First notions of rescue and self-rescue
  • Decision-making in changing conditions: snow, weather, state of the terrain

Before you come

What to bring. Technical mountain boots, ice axe and crampons (your own or to be confirmed with the leader), full technical mountain clothing. The exact list is detailed according to the objective of the course.

Prerequisites. Having done the beginners' course or having equivalent experience on mountain terrain.

Included

  • AEGM / UIMLA-qualified mountain leader during the course.

    Mountain leader
  • The outing is tailored to the group and the technical objective before you start.

    Planning

Not included

  • To the meeting point.

    Transport
  • Ice axe, crampons and personal equipment.

    Individual technical equipment
  • If the format is 2 days.

    Food, drink and accommodation

Frequently asked questions

What people ask us

01What previous level do I need?

Having done the beginners' course or having equivalent experience on mountain terrain.

02Do we practise real rescue?

We cover first rescue and self-rescue skills. It is not a specialist rescue course in itself.

03Is it only for snow, or for rock too?

It adapts to the group's objectives and the time of year.

04What is the maximum number of people?

It is a small or private group. The number is agreed when the date is confirmed.

05How long does the course last?

A full day or two days, depending on the objective agreed with the group.

06What time of year can it be done?

All year round, depending on the snow and terrain conditions of the chosen objective.

Reviews

What our travellers say about us

Excellent5.0
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