Location: Massif des Bornes – Aravis
Supervision: High mountain guide
Audience: Those with experience in alpine hiking or climbing who wish to progress to rock climbing
Day 1 – Fundamentals & Basic Techniques
Objective: to lay the technical and safety foundations for ridge climbing
- Welcome, presentation of the course and participants
- Reminder of safety principles on ridges
- Presentation of different rope techniques:
- Short rope
- Simultaneous progression
- On the move
- Easy route for immediate practical application
- Workshop on different types of anchors:
- Straps, nuts, friends, pitons
- Use of rock ledges and trees
- Training in quick and efficient rope handling
Day 2 – Supervised Autonomy & Route Management
Objective: to prepare and manage a route in supervised autonomy
- Route preparation:
- Reading the guidebook, anticipating difficulties
- Time management and plan B
- Application on a suitable route
- Work on rope management while moving
- Use of chest loops
- Practical workshops:
- Setting up abseils
- Escape techniques in case of unforeseen events
Day 3 – Real-life situations & autonomy
Objective: apply all skills on a long and varied route
- Choosing a route suited to the weather and the group's level
- Full application of the techniques learned in previous days
- Independent management of the route, pace and safety
- Assessment of skills acquired and personalised feedback
- End of the course with a convivial get-together
