09:35, Ponte Brolla Stazione
Advanced Multi-Pitch Climbing Course in Ticino | Refresher and practical tour with a mountain guide
Safety, routine and fun in the vertical. You will consolidate your knowledge and become an independent multi-pitch climber!
Technics
Endurance
Ticino
Have you already gained some experience in multi-pitch climbing, but don’t quite feel ready to set off on your own yet? Then this advanced course in sun-drenched Ticino is just the thing for you.
The climbing areas on the sunny side of Switzerland offer everything to set the multi-pitch climber’s heart racing: the finest, grippy Ticino gneiss, well-equipped practice routes of varying degrees of difficulty, and an unrivalled panorama. The ideal place to further hone your technique, tactics and safety skills on the rock.
On the first day, we’ll take the time to consciously go through the entire process of a multi-pitch climb once again, revise key fundamentals and specifically build on your skills. This covers topics such as setting up belay stations, efficient rope handling, route selection, the approach, weather and time management – all crucial factors for safe and enjoyable climbs. On the second day, we’ll put what we’ve learnt into practice straight away: we’ll plan a route together, analyse the conditions and then climb it accompanied by your mountain guide. You’ll gain experience, confidence and trust in your abilities, so that afterwards you’ll be able to tackle multi-pitch routes independently and well prepared.
Set against a backdrop of warm rock, rugged peaks and the unique Ticino way of life, we combine training, practical experience and adventure – a course offering knowledge, a great sense of community and plenty of climbing fun in the southern Swiss Alps.
Procedure and course content
We meet at the railway station in Ponte Brolla.
The first day of the course is all about refreshing, deepening and safe application. Together we repeat the most important basics of multi-pitch climbing, consolidate procedures and thus create the basis for independent and efficient climbing in alpine terrain.
Daily destination:
You have consciously repeated the entire multi-pitch climbing process, gained confidence in the procedures and are ready to apply what you have learnt on a simple tour. In the evening, you plan the tour for the next day together with the group - taking route selection, weather and time management into account.Course content:
Communication in the rope team during a multi-pitch route
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What commands do we use to communicate with each other?
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Communication via the rope - rope commands
Stand construction
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Series connection
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Equalising anchorage
Belaying on multi-pitches
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Securing at the stand or over the body
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Rope handling
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Half-rope technique
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If time permits: short, easy multi-pitch route to apply what you have learnt
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In the evening, we will focus on theory and route planning for the next day. Together, we will go step by step through the planning process for a multi-pitch route, applying the tried-and-tested 3×3 model. We discuss which factors from the areas of terrain, weather and people are particularly important and how they influence our decisions. We then learn how to use climbing guides and topos to select a suitable route and plan it realistically - from the length of the tour to the approach and descent.
Another focus is on meteorology (meteo): Which tools and apps help us to assess the conditions, and what do we need to pay particular attention to in terms of wind, temperature and thunderstorm tendency? Finally, we plan the application tour for the next day together. Depending on the motivation and ability of the participants, this can also be a little longer or more challenging - entirely in line with individual progress and the experience gained.
On the second day we go on the planned tour - we put theory into practice! We set off together early for the planned practical tour. The entire process - from the approach and route finding to the descent - is in the hands of the participants. The aim is for you to be able to carry out the procedures of a multi-pitch tour independently and safely.
During the tour, you’ll take responsibility for planning, time management, rope handling and communication within the rope team. Our mountain guides will closely supervise you throughout, offering valuable tips and providing support at any time should you have any questions or feel unsure. This will allow you to gradually work your way towards complete independence in multi-pitch climbing – in a safe environment and with professional guidance.
At the end of the day, we reflect together on our experiences: What worked well, where is there still room for improvement and how can you apply what you have learnt to your own routes in the future? Not only will you gain routine, but also the confidence to plan and climb multi-pitch routes independently in the future.
We complete the course together.
Requirements
- You have already gained experience on multi-pitch routes and are familiar with the following rope-handling techniques:
- Stand construction
- Securing with ATC, Tuber etc.
- Abseiling technique
- Communication as a rope team on an MSL route
- We climb in the 4th and 5th difficulty ridge (4a-5a) depending on the ability of the participants. The focus is on training and not on the level of difficulty.
- Condition for climbing tours with a comfortable ascent and descent.
- You have already gained experience on multi-pitch routes and are familiar with the following rope-handling techniques:
Price and services
- CHF 590.-
- Small group with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.
- Includes hotel accommodation with half-board.
- Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his/her travel expenses.
- Excluding travelling expenses, possible taxi rides, personal consumption.
Material and equipment
- For this tour you need the material from this PDF. We carry our equipment with us the whole time. Only pack the essentials.
Bergschaft tours and courses are conducted in German as standard. However, our mountain guides speak good English, as do many of the participants. If you speak English, you are of course very welcome. Depending on the tour, it may be worth asking us in advance whether the guide and the group are comfortable speaking English.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, preferably via the Contact form.
Accommodation
Hotel Cristallina
The only ecologically managed hotel in the Maggia Valley and the Locarno region, which promotes hiking and many other sustainable activities in and with nature and where ecology is integrated into the corporate philosophy. The Cristallina is the ideal place for families with children and ideal for organising seminars. Our rooms, the restaurant with its natural cuisine and the wellness facilities will make your stay unforgettable.
Highlights: Advanced Multi-Pitch Climbing Course in Ticino
This is how you can gain more knowledge on multi-pitch routes with us:
The weekend of 3–4 October 2026
The weekend of 10–11 October 2026
The weekend of 17–18 October 2026
The weekend of 24–25 October 2026
As Private Tour on your desired date with your group:
As Voucher give your favourite as a gift:
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