Alpinism

Alpinism is climbing mountains with rock, snowfields, glaciers and ice…. With alpinism you are on great highs and in less accessible terrain then with other climbing disciplines. Usually a route takes one or more long days. In between you can stay at a big mountain hut, an unguarded bivouac or you can take your stuff with you and find yourself a place to sleep.
Alpinism usually has the goal to reach the summit of a mountain, but another characteristic point or the route itself can also be the goal. There are alpine routes where you hike and climb to the top by a long journey over glaciers and snowfields. Beside that, there are also routes in which the glaciers are combined with boulders and ridges, where your climbing skills are of great importance. Alpinism offers something for everyone!
The word alpinism comes from climbing in the Alps, where the sport originated. Today the term is used for mountaineering in general. In the early years, alpinism was purely aimed at reaching a the summit of the mountain and the easiest route was often sought for this. Today, the easiest routes to the summit have already been climbed often and alternative challenging routes are being sought.

Alpine courses

Would you also like to explore new heights? Would you like to learn how to move safely on the glacier? Do you want to learn how to plan and prepare so that you can go into the mountains independently? Then a C1 course at the NSAC might be just the thing for you! During this course you will learn all alpine basic techniques to move in rock, snow and ice.
If you have already gained some experience in a C1, you can also opt for a C2 course. The NSAC offers a C2+ course, where you will make many beautiful trips, learn how to belay in all types of terrain and you will gain enough knowledge to make trips independently.
If you have completed a C2 and you want to challenge yourself even further, meet new tourmates and undertake tough tours, then the C3+ course is a possible next step. This is also a valuable stepping stone if you have the ambition to become an Alpine Instructor.
Participation in these courses is subject to entry requirements in the field of fitness, climbing skills and rope techniques. Prior to the selection day, the NijSAC Alpine Committee will organize an evening where you can learn or repeat the requested rope techniques. More information about the courses and the selection criteria can be found at the nsac site. If you have any questions, please contact ac@nijsac.nl.