What do I need to learn multi-pitch climbing?

For our multi-pitch beginner courses, you should already have experience of lead climbing (approximately grade 4c on rock) and be confident in belaying at a climbing wall. As we’ll be climbing high above the ground, a head for heights and a good level of fitness are essential for a long day on the rock face.

Is multi-pitch climbing suitable for beginners?

If you’re a complete beginner at climbing, we recommend you start with one of our Beginners’ courses at the climbing wall . But if you’re already climbing outdoors and want to take the next step, our “Multi-pitch Beginners” Course” is just the thing for you. We’ll ease ourselves up to the heights gradually and practise the new techniques on the ground first.

What exactly will I learn on the multi-pitch climbing course?

The focus is on rope-team procedures: You’ll learn how to set up safe and comfortable belay stations (series belay, compensating anchors), how to belay the second climber efficiently, how to manage the rope systematically at the belay station, and how to abseil independently multiple times over several pitches. Reading topos (route maps) is also a key part of the course.

Do we use a single rope or twin ropes on the course?

When climbing multi-pitch routes in Switzerland, we usually use half-ropes. These reduce rope friction on uneven terrain and allow you to use the full length of the rope (usually 50 or 60 metres) when abseiling. We’ll teach you in detail how to handle and belay with half ropes during the course.

What happens if we have to abort a multi-pitch route?

Knowing how to abort a climb safely and in a planned manner is an integral part of multi-pitch climbing. On the course, we’ll practise the various retreat techniques extensively. You’ll learn how to set up an abseil belay and abseil down the wall safely should the weather take a turn for the worse or if you run out of time.

What additional equipment do I need for this course?

As well as your usual sport climbing kit (harness, helmet, climbing shoes), for multi-pitch climbs you’ll need, amongst other things, a belay sling, screw-lock carabiners, a descender (Tuber) and a Prusik loop. We are happy to provide any missing technical equipment for our courses. You’ll receive a detailed packing list when you book.

Introductory Course in Multi-Pitch Climbing: Your first step into multi-pitch climbing

Leave the climbing wall behind and take your first step towards longer routes! In our multi-pitch courses, you’ll learn everything you need to know for your first independent multi-pitch climbs. From route planning and setting up belay stations to smart rope management and abseiling – our mountain guides will prepare you perfectly for your goals. With us, you’ll build the confidence to enjoy multi-pitch climbing to the full.

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Climbing course overview

The basic courses are for beginners and require little or no prior knowledge. The application courses are advanced and require corresponding prior knowledge (see the course description in each case).

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Our multi-pitch courses: your first longer routes

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Questions and answers about climbing on big walls, and how can you learn to avoid the ultimate tangle of ropes at the belay station? ¿

What do I need to learn multi-pitch climbing?
For our multi-pitch beginner courses, you should already have experience of lead climbing (approximately grade 4c on rock) and be confident in belaying at a climbing wall. As we’ll be climbing high above the ground, a head for heights and a good level of fitness are essential for a long day on the rock face.
Is multi-pitch climbing suitable for beginners?
If you’re a complete beginner at climbing, we recommend you start with one of our Beginners’ courses at the climbing wall. But if you’re already climbing outdoors and want to take the next step, our “Multi-pitch Beginners” Course” is just the thing for you. We’ll ease ourselves up to the heights gradually and practise the new techniques on the ground first.
What exactly will I learn on the multi-pitch climbing course?
The focus is on rope-team procedures: You’ll learn how to set up safe and comfortable belay stations (series belay, compensating anchors), how to belay the second climber efficiently, how to manage the rope systematically at the belay station, and how to abseil independently multiple times over several pitches. Reading topos (route maps) is also a key part of the course.
Do we use a single rope or twin ropes on the course?
When climbing multi-pitch routes in Switzerland, we usually use half-ropes. These reduce rope friction on uneven terrain and allow you to use the full length of the rope (usually 50 or 60 metres) when abseiling. We’ll teach you in detail how to handle and belay with half ropes during the course.
What happens if we have to abort a multi-pitch route?
Knowing how to abort a climb safely and in a planned manner is an integral part of multi-pitch climbing. On the course, we’ll practise the various retreat techniques extensively. You’ll learn how to set up an abseil belay and abseil down the wall safely should the weather take a turn for the worse or if you run out of time.
What additional equipment do I need for this course?
As well as your usual sport climbing kit (harness, helmet, climbing shoes), for multi-pitch climbs you’ll need, amongst other things, a belay sling, screw-lock carabiners, a descender (Tuber) and a Prusik loop. We are happy to provide any missing technical equipment for our courses. You’ll receive a detailed packing list when you book.

Introductory Course in Multi-Pitch Climbing: Your first step into multi-pitch climbing

Climbing course overview

Basic courses

Application courses

Application tours

Climbing trips

Our multi-pitch courses: your first longer routes