Let's learn mountaineering right in the middle of the Alps!
Places filled: 4/6
Opportunity to get your first mountaineering experience and learn the basics in an accelerated program, guided by Hendrik Erikson.
Do you want to go to the mountains, but lack knowledge?
The 7-day practical training focuses on learning technical skills in a real mountain environment. The goal of this trip is not to climb famous peaks, but to master mountaineering techniques in the high Alps. We will go to the mountains during the day and stay in a tent at night. In the evenings we will learn theory at the campsite, which we will try out in practice the next day near the snow line (of course in controlled and safe conditions). We will visit glaciers, via ferrata, trails as well as rock routes. A mountaineering camp is a good way to combine vacation, mountain hiking, and acquiring and practicing useful knowledge.
The training takes place in the beautiful Saas Valley (Saastal) in Switzerland, a popular ski area in winter and a favorite destination for mountaineers in summer. The Saas Valley has trails leading to the top of several technical and less technical mountains. The area is also well-equipped with gondolas to get you up to the top for easy training.
During the training, we will learn and practice, among other things, how to move on a glacier and rescue from a crevasse, as well as building stations, belaying on a rock route, and descending on a support and double rope. We will also get an idea of how to rock climb with a backpack and mountain boots. Exciting, right?
The mountaineering camp is intended for anyone who feels like their heart is calling them towards the mountains, but doesn't know where to start acquiring the necessary skills. No previous climbing or ropework skills are required to attend the camp, but a good physical condition is helpful, as the hikes are intense.
The camp is also suitable for those who already have some knowledge of mountaineering, but who do not yet feel confident enough to venture into the mountains on their own. In any case, the camp will provide you with good experiences!
But what kind of mountaineering camp is this if we don't go to any peaks?
Let's go! During the trip, we will practice the learned theory on several 3000-4000 meter high mountain peaks. The exact plans depend on the participants - how much motivation they have, how physically fit they are, and how effectively they will acquire what they have learned. Therefore, each alpine camp is unique!
Overview - short & sweet
Objective: Learning mountaineering skills in the Swiss Alps
Dates: 21.-29.07.2025
Activity: mountain climbing, mountain hiking
Adventure guide: Hendrik Erikson
Technical difficulty level: 2/5 (suitable for beginners)
Route difficulty: to PD
Physical difficulty: 3/5 (requires good physical fitness)
Group size: 6 (including 1 guide)
Trip price — €1045
Please note: For community members discount -5% (990 €) applies
👉 SEE EQUIPMENT LIST HERE 👈
Cost of training
Price includes
Two experienced Elamus+ guides
Accommodation in a comfortable tent camp throughout the trip (tent rental not included in the price)
All local transport: buses, gondolas
Stylish sports shirt with a special design
Climbing technical group equipment (ropes, express, etc.)
Group pharmacy
Equipment for cooking communal meals at the campsite (stove, pot, pan)
Certificate proving completion of training
Elamus+ mountaineering preparation package (valued at €200)
Access to online mountaineering webinars
Winter mountaineering training day
Summer trial hike/training
Price does not include
Transport to Saas-Grund and back (flight tickets from €200, train tickets ~€100)
Food (price according to everyone's taste; we also cook together)
Insurance (travel insurance and MANDATORY sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking)
Personal hygiene products and medications
Personal hiking and climbing equipment (can also be rented) Elamus Pluss)
Tents and personal cooking equipment at the campsite (it is wise to share with a tent companion)
Unscheduled excursions, transportation, etc. (or if you want to do something extra)
Registration for training
Before registering, please read travel conditions. To secure your place on the trip, a deposit (20%) must be paid within 3 business days of receiving the confirmation and invoice by email; if there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more: frequently asked questions ja package tour information sheet.
Schedule
Day 1 (21.07): Arrival
All participants must gather in Saas-Grund on Monday, July 21st at 18 p.m. Campingplatz am Kapellenweg to the campsite. There are four options for getting there:
Fly to Geneva, then take the train to Visp, from where you can take the bus to Saas-Grund.
Fly to Bern, then take the train to Brig, from where you can take the bus to Saas-Grund.
Fly to Milan, then take the train to Visp, from where you can take the bus to Saas-Grund.
Stack a car on top of the participants and take a road trip to Switzerland
Swiss trains are more expensive than Estonian ones, but you don't have to worry about catching the train. Trains run every 20-30 minutes. In addition, the train price includes unforgettable views of Europe's highest mountain range. The most convenient way to buy tickets is from a machine at the train stop.
The accommodation is a classic European campsite (camping area) with amenities, including toilets, washing facilities, Wi-Fi, electrical outlets in the common room wall, etc.
On the first evening, we will meet and set up a detailed schedule. We will also map the skills of the participants and, if necessary, create separate groups for advanced and beginners.
Days 2-4 (22.-24.07): Rock routes
We'll start by getting to know the rocky terrain. We'll review how natural belaying works on low-tech rock routes without using stations and anchor points. We'll learn about potential dangers on a scree slope.
We continue learning the stations and climbing from station to station in a double connection. We will try this via ferrata, on the track, where we use extra security via ferrata, sets. The goal is to learn to climb with a rope on a somewhat more technical route.
To reinforce the theme, we climb to the top of Jegihorn (3206 m) or Mittaghorn (3143 m).
If the weather is good, we will also try staying overnight in the mountains without the luxuries of a cabin.
Days 5-8 (25.-28.07): Glaciers
We will learn how to tie into a rope harness before going to the glacier. We will answer questions about what to do with the excess end of the rope? Why does the rope need to have enough free end? We will also discuss the dangers lurking on the glacier, how to choose the optimal route between crevasses, and how to avoid hidden crevasses. We will learn what to do if someone from the harness falls into a crevasse, and how to retrieve them.
Once the theory is learned “dryly”, we go to the glacier and test what we have learned in practice. New problems arise: the rope gets stuck under our feet, the cats get caught in the bootlaces of the other foot, the partners are too fast/slow, etc. This twisted dance with the rope takes a lot of getting used to.
On the snow, we can also try self-braking with a pickaxe, which is necessary if you stumble and start sliding down the slope. Again, practice on a real glacier is more important than theoretical knowledge here.
At the end of the trip, we will climb to the top of a 4000+ m mountain. The choice is Allalinhorn (4027 m), Alphubel (4206 m) and Weissmies (4017 m). When choosing, we will primarily base our choice on glacier conditions, based on which we can make a joint risk assessment of which summit route is most appropriate for our achieved skill level. NB! Be prepared that we will go through a real alpine summit climb - we will move higher with tents, eat a dry food pack for dinner and set off towards the summit in the dark, in the early hours of the day. Still for full money!
Day 9 (29.07): Home
We will hand out certificates proving that you have completed the training and everyone can continue their journey back home. Or do you have to go home now that you have already arrived in the Alps? Why not take a few days now and put the skills you have learned into practice.
NB! There may be minor (or major) changes to the schedule and planned activities — for example, due to weather and conditions or passenger requests.
Don't worry, let's do it!
My altitude record is Munamägi. Can I still do it?!
Of course! This trip does not require any prior knowledge or skills in mountaineering. It is an opportunity for beginners to get their first mountain experience in a safe environment.
However, it is important to be in good physical shape. It is difficult to define good shape, but if you can comfortably run 10km in an hour, hike for 8 hours with a heavy backpack, and/or are otherwise physically active on a regular basis (at least 3 times a week), then you will be able to handle this trip.
But I don't have any travel gear, who can afford to buy it?
You'll still have to spend a little money, but not much at first. Hiking and climbing equipment can be rented for a very reasonable price or borrowed from friends. In addition, you can use any kind of clothing you have - for example, a ski jacket is also very good for the mountains. The more resourceful can manage almost without additional expenses. But one thing you shouldn't skimp on is a pair of decent, stiff-soled mountain boots - without them it's hard to walk around with cats day after day.
I've heard that Switzerland must be terribly expensive?
Depending on what and where you buy, Switzerland can be very expensive. This opinion can actually be misleading... when shopping, you just have to make sure you buy local goods, which are sometimes cheaper than equivalent Estonian products. Switzerland has imposed such high taxes on imported goods that foreign goods are 3-4 times more expensive. Eating in a restaurant is also expensive - the cost of dinner should be around 30-50€/person.
NB! In Switzerland, payments are made in Swiss francs (1 CHF = 1,03 €), but many businesses also accept euros. However, card payment options are so widespread in the country that cash is unlikely to be needed during this trip.
But can I make an Insta story from the top of the mountain?
When going to Switzerland, you should consider that it is not a member state of the European Union and mobile data with an Estonian package is unreasonably expensive. We recommend downloading the Airalo app and purchasing an e-SIM through it (make sure your phone supports it before purchasing). You can also simply use the campsite's free WIFI in the evening to upload videos taken during the day.
Will I survive?
It's an extreme sport/hobby, but don't be too afraid. Of course, there are certain dangers in the mountains and you have to take that into account. The most important thing for the group leader is to ensure the safety of the participants - to do this, we learn and use correct mountaineering techniques and turn around if the weather gets too bad. The point is still to have an enjoyable experience and not let the mountain go away. ;)
Okay, I registered. Now what?
Well, theoretically you could just vanish into thin air and show up on a plane, but then you risk discovering “oops, I have the wrong cats and should I have brought a tent?” on the spot. That’s possible, but we highly recommend participating in preparatory events – it’s part of the fun. We organize preparatory hiking training, give advice on suitable insurance and equipment, where to rent cheaply, what to train for, etc. We will definitely review the equipment you have collected just before the start of the trip and send reminders about important things.
Read more also frequently asked questions.
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
ID card/passport;
sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable sports insurance policy must be carried and is a prerequisite for participating in the mountain hike;
travel insurance.
Plan your training early and start training for it. We will organize several trial trips, training sessions and recommend training plans beforehand. It would be a shame if you couldn't participate in the practical part just because of your physique. It's also a good opportunity to get in shape. ;)
Summits are not guaranteed. As you might expect, weather is king in the mountains. So it is entirely possible that weather or dangerous conditions will prevent us from even attempting the summit. Nevertheless, it will definitely be an awesome experience!
Although at the end of the day everyone is still responsible for their own actions and consequences, we do our best to mitigate the risks associated with mountaineering. As a result, the group leader has the right to make ongoing decisions about the competence of the participants, the suitability of their equipment, physical/mental capacity, etc. and, if necessary, for example, to prohibit participation on summit day if it endangers the health of the group or the participant themselves. Hopefully, of course, there will be no need for this.
Read also travel conditions.
