For over 20 years, the Global Mountain Basic Mountaineering Course, led by the proven experience of our Guides, has equipped dozens of enthusiasts (not only from Cuneo) with the essential skills to move safely on rocky terrain. Through hands-on learning in the use of harnesses and ropes, this course has marked the beginning of the vertical adventure for many mountaineers.

Who is it for

This is a BASIC course, designed specifically for those taking their first steps in the fascinating world of mountaineering. It doesn't matter if you approach these disciplines with a background of previous climbing or mountaineering experience, or if you are a complete beginner: this training program is structured to welcome you and provide you with the essential foundations to progress safely.

It represents the ideal transition for those coming from the world of trekking and hiking who wish to explore the vertical dimension of the mountains. If you are familiar with trails, elevation gains, and the alpine environment in general, but feel the desire to go beyond the limits of traditional hiking and tackle more challenging terrain, this course will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary for this transition.

During the lessons, we will start from the basics, introducing fundamental concepts such as proper equipment management, basic notions of knots and ties, and progression techniques on easy terrain. The primary objective is to build a solid foundation of skills that will allow you to approach your first mountaineering experiences with awareness and safety.

This course requires no specific technical prerequisites. Enthusiasm for the mountains and the desire to learn are the only fundamental requirements. We will guide you step by step, transforming your passion for the alpine environment into practical and safe competence for tackling your first vertical adventures.

Program

This course is a complete immersion in the fundamental techniques for safely and competently tackling the typical terrain of the Maritime Alps, the beating heart of this training experience. We will focus on easy rock climbing, exploring routes such as panoramic rocky ridges, PD (slightly difficult) level alpine itineraries, and the classic Normal Routes, where the use of the rope becomes an essential element for progression and safety.

As with all our training programs, the curriculum develops along two parallel and interconnected tracks: PROGRESSION TECHNIQUE and SAFETY TECHNIQUE. Both are indispensable for experiencing mountaineering not only as a physical challenge, but also as a rewarding and, above all, safe activity.

BASIC KNOT-TYING EVENING SESSION

• When and Where: At our headquarters at Global Wall in Borgo San Dalmazzo, at 8:00 PM, for approximately 2 hours.
• Content: This introductory evening will be essential for getting to know each other, presenting the course's educational program in detail, and illustrating the individual and collective equipment necessary for the practical outings. We will focus on learning basic knots, true pillars of mountain safety.

FIRST OUTING: FIRST VERTICAL STEPS AT THE CRAG

• Objective: Experience rock climbing in a controlled environment and become familiar with specific equipment.
• Activities: We will spend a day at an equipped crag, an ideal environment for taking the first steps in the vertical world. We will learn the correct use of the harness, rope, and carabiners, key elements for safety. In addition to basic climbing techniques, we will focus on building secure belays and the essential maneuvers for progression on multi-pitch routes.

SECOND OUTING: THE ART OF MULTIPITCH PROGRESSION

• Objective: Put into practice roped progression techniques on multi-pitch routes.
• Activities: We will tackle multi-pitch rock routes, an experience that simulates the alpine environment. We will delve into building robust and reliable belays, techniques for safely bringing up the second climber, and the correct procedures for rappelling, a fundamental maneuver for safely returning to the valley.

THIRD OUTING: SNOW OR ROCK, THE MOUNTAINEER'S ADAPTABILITY

• Objective: Acquire skills for progression on snowy or rocky terrain, depending on environmental conditions.
• Activities: Based on snow conditions in the Maritime Alps, this day will be dedicated to learning progression techniques on snow gullies using ice axe and crampons, essential tools for tackling this type of terrain. Alternatively, if snow conditions do not permit, we will explore a rock route, introducing an important progression technique: "moving together".

FOURTH OUTING: TOWARD THE SUMMIT WITH "MOVING TOGETHER" PROGRESSION

• Objective: Understand and apply the "moving together" technique to tackle longer and more demanding routes.
• Activities: This day will be dedicated to "moving together" progression, a fundamental technique for mountaineers who wish to move quickly and efficiently along the great classics and Normal Routes. We will experience a true summit ascent in a magnificent alpine environment, putting into practice the skills acquired during the course and experiencing the thrill of reaching the summit safely.

Necessary materials

Clothing:

• thermal shirt
• mountaineering/climbing pants
• technical fleece/microfleece
• buff
• beanie
• waterproof/windproof shell in Gore-Tex or similar
• gloves

Technical Equipment:

• harness
• helmet
• approach shoes or mountain boots with Vibram sole
• climbing shoes (rental available at GlobalWall)
• 25L backpack
• one 2.8m Kevlar cord and one 1.4m cord
• belay device such as "Reverso"
• 3 HMS carabiners (wide base) with screw-gate or twist-lock closure
• 2 D-shaped carabiners with screw-gate or twist-lock closure
• ice axe, crampons, and mountaineering boots (depending on the program)

The technical equipment listed above is mandatory for course participation. All personal protective equipment (harness, helmet, carabiners, etc.) must be in the student's possession by the first outing and will not be provided free of charge (rental available for harness, helmet, and climbing shoes). Any questions or doubts about the necessary technical equipment will be discussed extensively during the introductory evening.

Useful information

IMPORTANT NOTICES (WHATSAPP GROUPS)

• Primary Communication Channel: All course-related communications, including logistical updates, outing details, and last-minute information, will be sent via dedicated WhatsApp groups for participants. It is essential to be active and check these groups regularly to stay up-to-date.

LOGISTICAL DETAILS (MEETING TIME AND PLACE)

• Weather-dependent Updates: The exact meeting time and location for each outing will be communicated by the guides 1 or 2 days before the scheduled date. This timing is necessary to be able to accurately evaluate the weather forecast and choose the most suitable and safe location for the activity.

LUNCH AND HYDRATION (INDEPENDENCE)

• Individual Responsibility: Lunch is a packed lunch, so each participant is responsible for bringing enough food for the entire day in the mountains. Likewise, it is crucial to ensure you have an adequate supply of water or other beverages to stay hydrated during physical activity. Guides can provide advice on this, but individual preparation is essential.

LOCATION OF OUTINGS (MARITIME ALPS AND POSSIBLE VARIATIONS)

• Main Geographic Area: The practical outings of the course will take place preferably in the splendid Maritime Alps, a territory rich in opportunities for learning alpine techniques on rock and snow.
• Possible Transfers: However, in order to optimize environmental conditions (weather, crowding, specific terrain) and ensure the best possible training experience, it is possible that some trips may be organized in Liguria (Finalese area), renowned for its cliffs and coastal environment, or in the Monviso area, an iconic mountain with unique mountaineering characteristics. Any changes in location will be communicated promptly via WhatsApp groups.