Multi-pitch climbing is the natural next step for climbers who want to move beyond the training crag and discover multi-pitch climbing. This course enables you to acquire the essential technical skills needed to tackle well-bolted alpine routes, under the supervision of an experienced guide or instructor.
Course objectives
Over these two days, you will work on the fundamentals to:
- climb independently on multi-pitch routes secured by bolts;
- set up a simple, reliable and effective belay;
- belay on a multi-pitch route, both as lead climber and second climber;
- master essential rope handling techniques;
- abseil safely;
- better prepare for a climb by reading a guidebook and planning the route.
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at climbers who already have a good command of climbing and belaying in the gym or on the crag, with a minimum grade of around 5 and some initial experience on a training crag. You must also be able to navigate mountainous terrain and manage an approach walk or a climb lasting 1 to 2 hours.
What you will learn
Belay stations and safety on multi-pitch routes
You will learn how to set up a belay station, organise the belay, belay your partner and manage communication within the rope team. These are the essential basics for climbing multi-pitch routes with confidence.
Abseiling and rope handling
The course covers abseiling techniques, rope manoeuvres and the safety reflexes required to climb multi-pitch routes effectively.
Rope team progression over multiple pitches
You will learn about rope team progression, both as lead climber and second climber, as well as various climbing techniques and tactics suited to well-bolted multi-pitch routes.
Reading guidebooks and route planning
The theoretical content of the course includes knowledge of equipment, the use of guidebooks, an introduction to route planning and awareness of alpine hazards.
Indicative 2-day programme
Day 1: Multi-pitch training and review of the basics
The first day is devoted to ‘training’ multi-pitch routes to check prerequisites, review knots, rope handling, belays and techniques specific to multi-pitch routes. It also allows you to prepare for the next day’s climb.
Day 2: Practical application on a multi-pitch route suited to your level
On the second day, you will apply what you learnt the previous day whilst climbing a multi-pitch route selected according to the group’s level, in the Bauges, the Aravis or on Mont Veyrier. Examples listed on the page include Roc des Boeufs, Banc plats, Col de la Colombière, Jallouvre, La Rosière, Zig Zag and Ballade sentimentale.
Why learn multi-pitch climbing in Annecy?
The Annecy area offers
The Annecy area offers an exceptional setting for learning multi-pitch climbing, with a variety of cliffs nestled between the lake and the mountains, and quick access to iconic climbing areas in the Bauges, the Aravis and Mont Veyrier. The Bureau des Guides website also highlights several multi-pitch routes around Annecy, notably ‘Zig Zag’ on Mont Veyrier and ‘Harmonie’ at Les Grandes Suites, as local benchmarks for this activity.
Key information
- Location: Annecy-Aravis / Annecy area
- Duration: 2 days
- Objective: to learn the basics of multi-pitch climbing and progress towards independent climbing
- Terrain type: well-bolted multi-pitch routes / well-bolted alpine multi-pitch routes
Book your multi-pitch climbing course in Annecy!
If you want to make the transition from crag or indoor climbing to your first multi-pitch routes, this course is an excellent next step. Over two days, you’ll lay the technical foundations that will allow you to progress with greater confidence on multi-pitch routes around Annecy.
