Alpine Skills Course
Alpine Skills Course
Get familiar with the sharp end of alpine travel
29 or 30 August 2026 | Mount Hotham
A practical introduction to selecting, fitting and safely using crampons and an ice axe in Australian alpine terrain.Learn fundamental crampon footwork, basic ice axe use, equipment compatibility, snow-surface assessment, route selection and how to recognise when terrain or conditions are beyond your current skills.The workshop uses a gradual progression from equipment familiarisation and instructor demonstrations through to supervised movement and a short practical journey on low to moderate-angle snow.Thanks to Edelrid, participants can demo NEMO crampons and FIRN GUIDE ice axes during the workshop, with an opportunity to purchase gear if you find the right fit.
Meeting point: Davenport Drive Playground, Mount Hotham
You must bring: suitable alpine clothing, waterproof gloves, helmet, crampon-compatible boots, food and water. Bring your own crampons, ice axe or ski boots if you have them; loan equipment will also be available.This is an introductory workshop. It does not include self-arrest, steep snow climbing, ice climbing, rope systems or technical mountaineering.
Join us at Mount Hotham on 29 or 30 August for a practical introduction to crampons, ice axes and safer movement on Australian alpine snow.
Sharps Fundamentals will help you understand how to choose and fit the right equipment, develop fundamental movement skills and assess when terrain or conditions are within your capability. You’ll progress from equipment familiarisation and instructor demonstrations to supervised practice and a short journey on low to moderate-angle snow.
Thanks to Edelrid, NEMO crampons and FIRN GUIDE ice axes will be available to demo—with an opportunity to purchase gear if you find the right fit.