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Height Phobia Coaching & Training | Staying safe and capable of taking action in exposed terrain
Your heart beats faster, the view down into the depths leaves you paralysed, and every step along narrow paths takes a great deal of effort: a fear of heights is a natural protective response from your body. But it doesn’t have to stop you from experiencing the mountains. In our expert training courses on the fear of heights in Switzerland, we combine the mental expertise of federally certified organisational mentor Helen Meyer with the alpine technical experience and safety expertise of federally certified mountain guides. Instead of being in a seminar room, we start right out in the open – on the rock face and along mountain trails. Step by step, you’ll learn to better understand your reactions, apply helpful strategies and develop confidence in yourself and your abilities.
From dizziness to self-determination: our step-by-step approach to overcoming a fear of heights
A fear of heights can rarely be dispelled with rational arguments, as the nervous system reacts in a flash. Our approach therefore does not aim to force the fear aside, but rather to provide you with practical tools for everyday life that will help you direct your attention, regulate your body’s signals and remain capable of acting even in challenging situations.
To help you work through this at your own pace, we offer coaching to overcome a fear of heights in a series of progressive modules in very small groups (max. 3–6 participants):
| Module & Level | Venue & Focus | Who is it suitable for? | Support |
| Level 1: Mountain hike | T3 mountain trail (Brisen / Haldigrat), easily walkable, with exposed sections | If narrow mountain paths, ridges or the view down into the depths are holding you back whilst you’re out walking. | Led by mentor and coach Helen Meyer (4–6 participants) |
| Level 2: Via ferrata | K2–K4 via ferrata routes (Brunnistöckli / Eiger Rotstock) with iron rungs and ladders | Anyone who wants to take the next step on the rock face or is already keen to tackle their first via ferrata routes. | Dual supervision: Mentor Helen Meyer and Mountain guide (max. 3 participants) |
| Personalised training | Bespoke (e.g. suspension bridges, viewing towers in the Zurich/Winterthur area or on the Wunschberg) | If you have a specific route in mind or want to practise in a private, one-to-one setting. | Exclusive one-to-one coaching or in your group with mentor Helen Meyer |
Double the expertise for your breakthrough
- Psychological and mental support: Helen Meyer (federally certified workplace mentor) helps you to recognise your personal triggers, calm your breathing and shift your focus from your inner turmoil to the next step.
- Objective alpine safety: Our mountain guides possess the necessary rope-handling skills, terrain assessment expertise and a calm, composed demeanour, allowing you to focus entirely on your inner state.
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Advanced training for those with a fear of heights on via ferrata routes | The next step towards greater safety in exposed terrain
Would you like to gain a deeper understanding of how to deal with a fear of heights and find out how you feel on a via ferrata? In this coaching session, you’ll put specific strategies into practice and learn to trust in your abilities and remain capable of taking action, even in more challenging situations.TechnicsEnduranceDaily, date on request
Height Phobia Coaching: Mountain Hike | The first step towards greater confidence in exposed terrain
Would you actually like to be out and about in the mountains, but do exposed sections make you feel insecure or anxious? In this coaching course, you’ll learn to better understand your fear of heights and will be able to try out some initial strategies in mountainous terrain to ensure you remain capable of taking action even on exposed sections.TechnicsEnduranceDaily, date on request
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Frequently asked questions about coaching and training to overcome a fear of heights in the mountains – and how to stop your knees from ‘dancing the samba’ every time you look down? ¿
Is it really possible to overcome a fear of heights?
The aim of the training is not to completely eliminate natural fear – it is an important protective mechanism. Rather, you will learn to recognise the physical signs at an early stage and to regulate them using specific techniques such as focusing your gaze, conscious breath control and stopping negative thoughts. This will help you prevent your anxiety from escalating and enable you to remain calm, capable of taking action and making decisions, even in challenging situations.
What is the difference between vertigo and a fear of heights (acrophobia)?
Vertigo is a normal visual disturbance of the sense of balance that occurs when the eye lacks reference points for depth. We speak of a fear of heights when the body reacts with severe stress (weak knees, a racing heart, paralysis), even though the location is objectively safe and wide enough. Both phenomena can be noticeably alleviated through practical exercises in the field.
I hardly dare set foot on a mountain path – is the via ferrata course too extreme for me?
If you’re just starting out, we strongly recommend Level 1 (mountain hike on the Haldigrat). There, we’ll be following a mountain trail (T3) with no risk of falling, where you can ease yourself into it gradually. The via ferrata course builds on these basics.
How big are the groups in the fear-of-heights training sessions?
To ensure maximum safety and personalised support, group sizes are deliberately kept small: a maximum of 4 to 6 people on the mountain hike and a maximum of 3 people for via ferrata coaching (accompanied by a coach and a mountain guide).
Do you also offer one-to-one coaching sessions?
Yes. For those who prefer discreet one-to-one training or wish to work on a specific challenge (e.g. a particular suspension bridge, ridge crossing or viewing tower in the Zurich/Winterthur area), we offer bespoke one-to-one training sessions. Simply get in touch with us using the form.