The Mountain Climbing Academy is for climbers who already have climbing experience but want to develop the skills needed to venture into the vertical world of the high mountains.
At the Mountain Climbing Academy, you will develop into a confident mountain climber. By the end of the course, you should be able to safely lead routes protected with natural protection in the mountains. You will also gain knowledge of partner rescue techniques and how to move efficiently through alpine terrain. The course includes 10 days with an instructor + 2 days of independent climbing.
Two-Week Course – Content
We will cover how to place natural protection and build solid belay stations. You will also learn how to climb multi-pitch routes in the mountains. The course includes an introduction to partner rescue techniques. Throughout the course, you will have several opportunities to lead climbs yourself, both at the training crag and in the mountains, always under the close guidance of experienced instructors.
Although part of the course takes place at the training crag at Kalle, most days are spent in the high mountains on longer climbing routes. We distinguish between what we call demonstration climbs and lead climbs. On demonstration climbs, participants follow an instructor and learn how the climbing is done. This gives you the opportunity to try routes that are more difficult than those you would normally lead yourself. On lead climbs, participants take the lead themselves, with the difficulty adapted to their level. We typically plan for two demonstration climbs and three lead climbs in the mountains.
One of the course days is dedicated to an introduction to partner rescue techniques. This gives participants a deeper understanding of rope systems and what to do if an accident occurs during a climbing trip.
Requirements
Previous climbing experience is required to participate in the course. This ensures that you get the most out of the training. Each instructor is responsible for four participants, allowing everyone to receive close guidance. We limit the course to eight participants to maintain a high standard of quality.
Two Weeks of Learning
The course runs Monday to Friday * 2.
During the weekend, participants will have the opportunity to go on independent climbing trips without an instructor.
Course Instructors
The instructors on this course are either NF High Mountain Instructors, IFMGA Mountain Guides, or currently training to become Mountain Guides.
Our philosophy is to keep groups small and tailor the course to the participants. Although we have a general plan for what we will cover, we adapt the course according to the participants’ wishes, needs and weather conditions.
We finish the course with a shared dinner after the final climb.
Duration
10 days (2 x 5), Monday–Friday and Monday–Friday.
Cancellation no later than two weeks before the course starts.
This Year’s Final Mountain Climbing Academy
2026:
31 August – 11 September 2026 – 3 places available
2027
21 June – Few places available
Interested in a partner rescue course? Learn more here
