5 Days Winter Mountaineering Beginners
Are you ready to embrace the magic of winter mountaineering in the Italian Alps? The Alps will be your classroom, and the expertise of our mountain guides will be your guidebook.
At the end of this transformative 5-day course, you will emerge with a solid foundation in winter mountaineering. You’ll have acquired essential winter mountaineering skills that include efficient gear usage, safe navigation, ice and snow techniques, avalanche awareness, and the ability to plan an easy winter summit attempts.
Elevate your mountaineering prowess and embrace the beauty of winter landscapes like never before!
The beautiful area of Lake Como area, provides the perfect weather, unfolds in a breathtaking Alpine wonderland, boasting a diverse range of terrains, providing the perfect setting for a mountaineering journey.
- Location: Lecco, by Lake Como, Italy
- €1220pp
- Group of maximum 3 participants!! For larger group bookings please contact us.
- 8h per day
- 5 days (Wednesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday)
- Available: January – March
- In the price included:
- 2 nights accommodation (Friday-Sunday in a mountain hut)
- some of the meals
- local transport to & from daily activities
- lift passes
- 5 days of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide
- some of the technical equipment
- Make enquiry / [email protected] or WhatsApp +39 328 425 7768
DETAIL DESCRIPTION & ITINERARY BELOW
The course covers topics such as mountaineering skills, route planning, navigation, equipment use and selection. Also safety and rescue skills.
Our experienced instructors will ensure your safety while pushing your limits, helping you discover the adventurer within!
——————————
You will be based in Lecco, just by Lake Como!
Lecco, nestled on the shores of Lake Como, is a breathtaking destination that captivates visitors with its unparalleled natural beauty.
Lecco offers mesmerizing vistas of Lake Como, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. The play of light and shadow on the lake’s surface creates a constantly changing panorama that is simply mesmerizing.
The town is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the iconic Grigna and Resegone peaks. The dramatic landscape provides a stunning backdrop, making Lecco a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Lecco’s historic center is a treasure trove of charming narrow streets, colorful houses, and quaint squares. Strolling through the old town, visitors can soak in the authentic Italian atmosphere and admire the beautiful architecture.
The lakeside promenade is a delightful place to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a relaxing bike ride. Lined with palm trees and adorned with flowers, the promenade offers splendid views and a serene ambiance.
The local cuisine of Lecco and Lake Como is a culinary treat for food enthusiasts. Delight in delicious dishes featuring fresh lake fish, artisanal cheeses, and mouthwatering regional specialties.
With its idyllic combination of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and recreational opportunities, Lecco by Lake Como is a place that truly captures the heart and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Itinerary
There are a few mountain ranges to choose from, for the mountain guide, for the duration of your course. The mountain guide will decide where you go, based on the weather conditions and the fitness level of the group. Keep in mind that even if there is a cable car on the mountain, you still need to hike.
The mountain hut for your final 2 nights of the course, will be booked 2 weeks before your course. It will be also on one of the mountain ranges listed below and it will depend on the weather conditions and the fitness level of the group.
These options are:
- Grigna Settentrionale (2409m/7903ft) & Grigna Meridionale (2177m/7142ft)
- Piani d’Erna (cable car) & Monte Resegone (1875m/6151ft)
- Piani di Bobbio (cable car) & Zuccone Campelli (2130m/6988ft)
————————
- The pick up & drop off location is Lecco train station.
- The meeting times are:
- 7:45 on Wednesday
- 8:00 Thursday & Friday
- The course will finish about 17:00 each day, and you will be back at your accommodation about 18:00 (Wednesday & Thursday)
- Friday morning you will check out from your accommodation and sleep following two nights in a mountain hut.
- On Sunday, you will be at Lecco train station at 16:00.
**Wednesday**
Get acquainted with your gear and fellow adventurers. You will learn about winter safety, navigation, and essential mountaineering techniques.
Thursday**
Today you will master the art of traversing icy terrains, learn ice axe techniques, and practice rope work for added security during ascents.
**Friday**
Check out from your current accommodation, and you will head to the mountain hut where you will spend the following 2 nights.
After arrival to the mountain hut and leaving your unnecessary luggage you will continue the course on hight altitudes for the next 3 days.
Today you will apply your skills to a beginner-friendly summit ascent, putting theory into practice.
Also, you will delve into winter survival strategies, from building shelters to creating fires, as you deepen your connection with the pristine wilderness.
**Saturday**
Problem-Solving and Advanced Skills: As you gain confidence, you will encounter more challenging scenarios. Day four will focus on problem-solving techniques, route finding, and building anchors at various stances. This will further enhance your skills and ability to tackle more complex routes.
You will ascend to a mountain peak to practice the mountaineering skills you have learned and to become familiar with the terrain.
**Sunday**
The final day will involve early start (7:00) and a more challenging climb. It is the culmination of your training, where you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice. This exciting ascent will test your abilities and provide a sense of accomplishment as you reach the summit.
Transport to Lecco train station at 16:00 that day. Congratulations!! Your course is complete!
Course Outcomes
- Introduction to winter mountaineering equipment: crampons, ice axes, ropes, harnesses.
- Basic rope skills: knots, belaying, and rope management.
- Snow and ice travel techniques: walking with crampons, self-arrest using ice axes.
- Ascending steep slopes using crampons and ice axes.
- Introduction to roped team travel on glaciers.
- Crevasse rescue techniques.
- Snow stability assessment: identifying avalanche terrain, understanding snowpack.
- Hands-on practice with avalanche transceivers and rescue scenarios.
- Multi-pitch rope work and communication.
- Planning and preparation for a winter summit attempt.
- Navigation techniques for snowy landscapes.
- Building snow shelters and bivouacs.
- Strategies for staying warm and dry in cold conditions.
- Ascent of peaks, applying all acquired skills.
Who is it for?
No previous experience in these sports is necessary! It is required to have a good fitness level, overall health, no fear of exposure, and a bit adventurous! You need to be able to hike for up to 5 hours each day (not including breaks) at a regular, sustained pace, without difficulty. If you’d like additional advice on how to best prepare for the course, please contact us. We’ll be happy to give you some training guidelines.
What's Included?
- 5 days of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide.
- 2 nights accommodation in a mountain hut. A bed in a shared bedroom and shared bathroom.
- Meals included: dinner at the mountain hut on Friday; breakfast, lunch box & dinner at the mountain hut on Saturday; breakfast & lunch box at the mountain hut on Sunday.
- Any local transport that is required during your course.
- The cost of any lift access that is required during the course for the itinerary described above.
- Group equipment -ropes, safety equipment, etc will be provided when needed by your guide.
- Office Support. Our team is based in Lecco will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before, during or after your trip to Italy.
What is not included?
- Accommodation on Wednesday& Thursday is not included in the price but we would be happy to advise it on request.
- Meals on Wednesday & Thursday. Meals included start from Friday dinner.
- Please see the “Equipment” tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course. Please see the list of recommended equipment on the other tab. Most technical equipment (incl. proper boots & rock shoes) can be rented with us. Please contact us if you would like prices and advice on whatever you need.
- The price does not include flights.
- Travel insurance including a mountain search and rescue insurance is mandatory on all our trips. We highly advice to have a policy covering the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.
Equipment
Clothing
Mountaineering boots
Warm hat
Thermal underwear
Fleece
Windproof & waterproof jacket & trousers
Warm gloves
Thin gloves
Sun hat
Light puffer jacket
Climbing pants
Gaiters
Technical Gear
Most technical equipment (incl. proper boots & rock climbing shoes) can be rented with us. Please contact us if you would like prices and advice on whatever you need.
Crampons
Ice climbing crampons
Ice Axe
Pair of technical ice axes
Telescopic poles
Climbing helmet
Ski goggles
3 x Screwgate carabiner
Belay device
Poulie traction
Climbing harness
60 cm tape sling
Cordelette for prusik
25-30 litres rucksack
Safety equipment
Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
Other essentials
Sunglasses
Sun cream high protection(for lips & face)
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Sleeping bag liner – lightweight
Earplugs
Water bottle – Ideally two 1L bottles
