INTRODUCTION TO MOUNTAINEERING COURSE OVERVIEW

An introduction to alpine climbing and mountaineering for those with no prior climbing experience. This 3-day mountain climbing course is based in either the Sawtooth Ridge area near Bridgeport or on Mount Abbot near the Mammoth Lakes area, two of the most spectacular alpine climbing areas in California...and also the least crowded. Both locations offers year-round snow and great alpine rock climbing which makes it a perfect venue for a beginner mountaineering skills course.

For those who are looking to move beyond backpacking and want an introduction into all aspects of alpine climbing including snow climbing techniques with ice axe and crampons and basic alpine rock climbing skills. A great course for those who have done some backpacking and are looking to gain the skills to more safely move into higher alpine terrain.

Includes mountaineering training in:

  • Basic rock climbing

  • Rope management & belaying

  • Snow Climbing

  • Ice axe self arrest & crampon training

  • Route finding in alpine terrain

  • Alpine navigation

We put it all together in a climb of Matterhorn Peak (12,300 ft), via the East Couloir, or Mount Abbot (13,711 ft) via the NE ridge which involves snow climbing and basic rock climbing skills. This course will give you the proper introduction into the world of mountaineering. This is an all-inclusive course so we provide everything you'll need at no extra cost. All you have to bring is your clothes and footwear!

If you are looking for a more in-depth mountaineering course in alpine climbing check out our 6-day Alpine Climbing Course. 

Looking for a winter mountaineering course from Dec-Apr? Check out our Intro to Winter Mountaineering Courses

Why Learn With International Alpine Guides

  • Over 40 years Sierra experience teaching thousands of people to safely climb in the mountains

  • IFMGA certified and AMGA certified & trained guides. Learn world class techniques from qualified, highly experienced mountain guides

  • Local Eastern Sierra based mountain guide service. We live in the mountains!

  • A better value. We include any gear you need at no extra cost

“Overall, we all felt that we learned a tremendous amount on the intro to mountaineering course, had a huge amount of fun, and absolutely enjoyed our time”
— Walt W.
 
 
 

EXPERIENCE & PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

  • No previous climbing or mountaineering experience required.

  • Previous backpacking experience highly recommended.

  • Previous off trail hiking experience on uneven required.

  • Very good to excellent physical condition required.

  • Climbing a Sierra peak is strenuous! You must train accordingly.

    Curious how to rate your physical ability? Check out our Physical Ability Page

2025 DATES

May 9-11 (Matterhorn Peak)
May 24-26 (Matterhorn Peak)
June 6-8 (Matterhorn Peak)
June 20-22 (Mount Abbot)
July 4-6 (Mount Abbot)
July 18-20 (Mount Abbot)
August 8-10 (Mount Abbot)
August 30 - September 1 (Mount Abbot)
September 12-14 (Mount Abbot)

Custom dates also available for private courses

COST: $995

We include all technical gear & camping gear at no extra cost! No hidden rental fees.

INCLUDES

  • Professional AMGA trained or certified mountain guides

  • Breakfast & dinner prepared by your guide

  • Ice axe, crampons, harness & Helmet

  • Use of backpack, sleeping bag & Pad and other gear if needed ($30 cleaning fee for using our sleeping bags).

  • Tents and all group gear

  • Mountaineering boot rentals available at $10 per day

For more info on this trip please fill out the form below:

INTRO TO MOUNTAINEERING ITINERARY

Day 1
MATTERHORN PEAK:
We meet at the trailhead located at the Mono Village resort on the shores of Twin Lakes, near the town of Bridgeport. After a pack check and gear discussion we begin our hike into base camp up the Horse Creek drainage into the heart of the Sawtooth Range. We begin on a trail that eventually peters out and we hike the last bit to base camp cross-country. Our base camp is beside a beautiful tarn (alpine pond) with views up towards Matterhorn Peak. The late afternoon is spent acclimating and setting up camp and covering some basic mountaineering skills such as knots and navigation. In the evening we enjoy a hearty backcountry meal prepared by your guide.

MT. ABBOT:
We meet at the Mosquito Flat trailhead up from Tom’s Place in the Eastern Sierra. After a pack check and gear discussion we begin our hike into base camp up the Rock Creek drainage and on passed Ruby Lake and into the spectacular and remote Mills Creek drainage where we establish camp. We spend the late afternoon working on some basic skills time permitting.

Day 2
MATTERHORN PEAK & MT ABBOT:
Today is skills and acclimating day. We spend the morning learning basic rock climbing skills with the use of a top rope. You will learn basic movement on rock as well as belaying technique and rope management. The afternoon is spent in snow school learning ice axe use and basic snow climbing skills including cramponing techniques as well as ice axe self arrest. There will also be discussions of "mountain sense" and what to do if things go wrong.

Day 3
MATTERHORN PEAK:
After an early "alpine start" we begin our climb of Matterhorn Peak, using your new found skills. We scramble up to and across the small Matterhorn Glacier where we enter the East Couloir (gully) that takes us to the crest of the Sierra Nevada. The couloir involves moderate 38 degree snow climbing and ice axe use (depending on season). Once on the ridge, we rock scramble up easy 3rd-4th class rock to the summit of the California Matterhorn. We then descend to base camp and back to the trailhead arriving around 4-5pm back at the cars.

MT ABBOT:
After an early “alpine start, we climb towards Mt Abbot. Using the skills learned the day prior, we encounter a snow couloir and small “glacierette” and climb this and some 3rd class rock to gain the narrow NE Ridge of Mount Abbot. After some short 4th class ridge climbing we tackle the final easy summit slopes up to the summit of Mt Abbot, enjoying spectacular views. We then descend back to camp, pack up and head back to the trailhead usually arriving in the late afternoon.

Itinerary subject to change