Options for Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing Course (ALPI 2+)

Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing Course (ALPI 2+)

Price per person. Group of 2

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Offer! 250,00 € Price per person VAT included

Pirineosur

Options for Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing Course (ALPI 2+)

Multi-pitch ice climbing in the Spanish Pyrenees

Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing Course (ALPI 2+) — MULTI-PITCH · 2 DAYS

Develop your ice-climbing technique and rope skills on PirineoSur’s two-day ALPI 2+ course, based in Jaca. The course focuses on climbing frozen waterfalls in several pitches, combining ice-tool technique, protection, belay construction and movement as a rope team.

This is a technical course for mountaineers with previous experience who want to work towards greater independence on multi-pitch ice routes. Good fitness and the experience described in the requirements are necessary; contact us if you are unsure about the appropriate level.

What will you practise?

Ice climbing with two technical tools.
Knots, ice anchors, natural anchors, rope belaying and quick protection.
Building belays, using double ropes, basic moving together and abseiling.
Understanding ice formation and different ice types.
Reading route descriptions, understanding difficulty grades and choosing specialist equipment.

From technical practice to a multi-pitch waterfall

The first day concentrates on practical skills. The second applies them to a multi-pitch ice climb selected for the conditions and participants’ abilities. The programme uses the Aragón or Tena valley according to snow and ice conditions, with Jaca as the base and classroom facilities available.

Possible training areas include Bachimaña and Panticosa in the Tena valley, and Canfranc and Izas in the Aragón valley. The climb is selected according to conditions.

Training is offered in groups of one or two participants. Read the detailed programme, requirements and equipment list below, then contact PirineoSur with your dates and experience.

Included and not included
Programme
Requirements and course content
Equipment

Included

Two full days with a qualified mountain sports technician.
Ice axe, crampons, helmet and harness if you do not have your own.
Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe if you do not have your own.
Initial assistance insurance.
Civil liability insurance.
Photographs and video.
Technical advice.

Not included

Accommodation and meals.
Transport.

Location and indicative timetable

The course takes place in the Aragonese Pyrenees near Jaca, using the Aragón or Tena valley according to snow and ice conditions. Jaca is the base, with classroom facilities available.

Saturday, 08:00: meet at the PirineoSur office in Jaca or the agreed meeting point, then travel to the training area.
Sunday, 07:00: meet at the office or agreed meeting point. The course finishes at approximately 15:00.

Day 1: ice-climbing and rope skills

Two-tool ice-climbing technique.
Ice anchors, rope belaying systems and quick protection.
Building belays.
Roped climbing using double ropes.
Basic moving together.
Rope descents and abseiling.

Day 2: multi-pitch ice climb

Climb a frozen waterfall in several pitches, applying the techniques practised. The venue is selected according to conditions and participants’ abilities.

Experience required for ALPI 2+

Good physical condition is important. You should have completed ALPI 1 or be able to lead grade IV rock climbs, and have experience of a snow or ice couloir with sections around 60–70° (AD). Contact us if you would like help choosing a course suited to your experience.

The aim is to develop independence on multi-pitch frozen waterfalls while strengthening mountaineering knowledge and risk-management skills.

Technical content

Two-tool ice-climbing technique.
Specialist knots, ice anchors and natural anchors.
Rope belaying systems, quick protection and belay construction.
Roped climbing with double ropes, moving together and abseiling.

Environment, planning and equipment

Ice formation and different types of ice.
Difficulty grades and mountaineering route descriptions.
Specialist equipment and its uses.

Other ALPI training levels

ALPI 1: introductory movement with an ice axe and crampons on snow, straightforward ascents and easy snow couloirs.
ALPI 2: introductory ice climbing for those who have completed ALPI 1 or have mountaineering experience.
ALPI 2+: ice climbing and multi-pitch frozen waterfalls for those who have completed ALPI 1 or have mountaineering experience.
ALPI 3: ice and mixed climbing for those who have completed ALPI 2 or have mountaineering experience.

What to bring

Waterproof jacket and trousers, such as Gore-Tex or equivalent.
Trekking trousers, fleece, synthetic insulated jacket, down jacket or equivalent layers.
Thermal base layer.
Rigid or semi-rigid mountaineering boots.
Gloves and a spare pair.
Warm hat, cap, sunglasses and ski goggles.
A 30- to 45-litre backpack.
Two technical ice tools and crampons with at least semi-automatic bindings.
Helmet, harness and personal anchor tether.
Sun protection.
Food for the practical outings and 1.5 litres of water.