Private Matterhorn and Eiger climber training weekend

If you are planning to climb the Matterhorn or The Eiger in the coming summer, it’s a great idea to participate in one of our training and warm up weekends in Snowdonia. This is a great way to hone the necessary skills, increase fitness and enjoy some great climbing. By making an early investment in your fitness and skill-base you can enhance your forthcoming trip and ultimately increase your summit success.

Our weekends offer quality instruction from IFMGA guides and the opportunity to meet like-minded people in a splendid environment. We can offer valuable feedback on your level of fitness and advice on your personal training schedule. In addition, we can review your equipment and make sure it is just right before your trip starts.

A successful ascent of the Matterhorn and The Eiger demands a lot from the mountaineer.  Fitness and determination are paramount but also technical competence and sure-footedness are hugely important.  On the summit day, you will need to be fit and confident, climbing fluidly on the easier ground and then able to step-it-up for the short, steep pitches and fixed ropes. Mental preparation is also important with the ability to concentrate on a long 8-11 hour day. On easier alpine peaks, simply having good fitness is enough, and the technical work can be learned ‘on the go’.

However, the Matterhorn/Eiger requires a more structured and determined approach. The best type of training is to mimic the Matterhorn itself by climbing up and down as many grade  2 and 3 scrambles as possible to get comfortable with the terrain. The priority is mountain fitness and efficient movement skills wearing the same boots as you will use on the Matterhorn, and carrying a rucksack. There are plentiful opportunities to do these types of days in Snowdonia. Examples of circuits could include:

• Beginning at Idwal Slabs and continuing up Seniors Ridge and descending the Gribin Ridge
• Little Gully on Tryfan, on to Bristly Ridge, down Gribin, across to Bwlch Tryfan, climb Tryfan and descend the North Ridge
• The Snowdon Horseshoe, possibly going up via Lliwedd and down via Crib Goch

Please note the route and daily objectives may vary depending on weather, snow conditions, and group experience. 

2026

The price includes:

• 2 full days guiding & instruction fees & expenses
• use of all climbing hardware
  
  

The price does not include:

• accommodation
• food & drink
• uplift costs
• local transfers & travel
  
  

*local transfers may be possible if your guide will have enough space in a car

Discounts

We’re pleased to offer an exclusive discount to members of the Ski Club of Great Britain.

This offer applies to eligible bookings made by 31 December 2026 when a valid discount code is entered at checkout.

Click here to find your discount code.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

When you book with Mountain Tracks, your money is protected.

Please read on to understand how different types of holidays are protected.

Package holiday with flights

If you have booked a package holiday with flights departing the UK, your money is protected under our Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Our ATOL number is 4488. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, accommodation and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection/.

In the unlikely event that Ski Safari becomes insolvent, the CAA will arrange any refund of your money paid to us before the start of your holiday. If you are already on holiday, the CAA will arrange your repatriation to the UK.

Package holiday without flights

If you have booked a package holiday without flights departing the UK, your money is protected through our membership of ABTA. Our ABTA membership number is Y3035. We have provided a bond to ABTA to meet the requirements of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 and you have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and ABTA go to www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/is-my-money-protected.

In the unlikely event that Ski Safari becomes insolvent, ABTA will arrange any refund of your money paid to us before the start of your holiday. If you are already on holiday, ABTA will arrange your repatriation to the UK.

Ski extras only bookings

Bookings for ski extras only (season passes etc.) are also protected through our membership of ABTA and our bond.

Payments

We accept payment by secure bank transfer direct to our account or by card (not Amex). We do not accept payment by cheque or in cash.

• Equipment Required for UK Alpine Skills Trips

  This list contains our recommended clothing and equipment for our UK based Alpine Training Weekends.  It is ideal if you can have 2-3 thin layers that you are able to put on/take off as the conditions change. Thin layers also allow better movement as opposed to one layer of bulky clothing. If you are uncertain or need further information, please contact us.

  • Base Layer Top and Bottoms
  • 1-2 thermal tops and 1 pair longjohns
  • 2 midweight fleece tops or 1 fleece and 1 lightweight duvet jacket
  • Lightweight trekking trousers
  • Walking shorts or pair of trousers with zip-off legs
  • Weather Layer Top
  • Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable jacket
  • Lightweight over-trousers with long side zips
  • Sun hat and warm hat
  • Light, thin gloves plus a pair of insulated gloves in case of cold weather
  • Gaiters - Good fitting pair of ankle gaiters to keep socks and boots dry
  • 2-3 pairs of good quality socks

  For these trips you need a B2 rated boot.

  B2 boots are the best option for most alpine mountaineering trips. These are semi-rigid boots available in either leather or plastic/composite options. Leather boots tend to be more comfortable and breathable whereas plastic/composite boots are warmer and more waterproof. They are compatible with C1 and C2 crampons.

  Key features of a good alpine mountaineering boot include vibram soles, a reversed leather upper (which protect the best side of the leather from scuffing and abrasion and improves durability and water resistance) and ankle flex and a higher cut which give control, mobility and support.

  Boots can be hired but to avoid discomfort it is strongly recommended that you have your own pair which need to be worn-in.

  These items are essential for all alpine mountaineering courses. All items can be hired from Mountain Tracks or from sports shops in the Alps. These items cost about £35-£45 each for 6-8 days hire payable in local currency in resort.

  • Ice Axe (Not Required in North Wales)
  • general mountaineering axe – 55-70cms long depending on your height (Not Required in North Wales)
  • Boot crampons with anti-balling plates - (Not Required in North Wales)
    
  • Climbing Harness with adjustable leg loops. Must be large enough to be worn over your outerwear
  • 2 Prussik loops, slings and karabiners
  • Rucksack - A simple and lightweight pack with a capacity of between 30-35 litres
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre) or Thermos
  • Headlamp with batteries - this may not be required for UK weekends 
  • Penknife
  • Personal medications and first aid kit for blisters, sunburn and headaches (Note: Guides will have comprehensive first aid kits and are qualified in mountain first aid)
  • Adjustable trekking pole(s) - Optional
  • Sun Glasses
  • Sunscreen and Lip Protection
  • Snack food - fruit or crunchy bars are better than chocolate as a rule. Biscuits to take with afternoon tea are good too
  • Passport
  • Money

   

• Insurance

  It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.

  For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.

  For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/
  If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.
   

• ETIAS & EES

  What is ETIAS?

  • Starting in late 2026, travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries will need a travel authorization called ETIAS to enter 30 European countries for short stays.
  • ETIAS is designed to enhance security by checking traveler details before arrival. It works similarly to the ESTA (USA) or eTA (Canada).

  Who Needs ETIAS?

  If you hold a British passport or a passport from any other visa-exempt country, you’ll need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Europe.

  How Much Does ETIAS Cost?

  • The official ETIAS application costs €20.
  • You do not need to pay if:

  You are under 18 or over 70

  You are a family member of an EU national and meet the conditions

  How Long Can I Stay in Europe?

  With a valid ETIAS:

  • You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the countries that require ETIAS.

  Important: Cyprus counts its stay separately, so check local rules if visiting.
  
  How Long is ETIAS Valid?

  • ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
  • You can enter and exit multiple times during this period, as long as you stay within the overall 90-day limit.

  For the latest, up-to-date information, visit the official ETIAS website here. https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias

   

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  EES (Entry/Exit System)

  The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system developed by the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems. Its primary purpose is to register travellers from third countries each time they cross an EU external border. Here are the key points:

  1. What is EES?

     • The EES is an automated IT system designed for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay.
     • It records and stores the date, time, and place of entry and exit when these travellers cross the external borders of European countries using the EES.
     • The system calculates the duration of the authorized stay and generates alerts to EU Member States when the authorized stay expires.

  2. Who Is Affected?

     • The EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180 days) to European countries using the EES.
     • Exemptions apply; for example, holders of EU or Schengen Area passports or valid visas are exempt from EES registration.

  3. Advantages of EES:

     • Saves time by replacing manual passport stamping.
     • Automates border control procedures for more efficient travel.
     • It helps identify travellers who overstay or use fake identities or passports.
     • Contributes to preventing, detecting, and investigating serious criminal offences.

  • EES Official Website

   Remember, additional information about the EES system will be confirmed by authorities, including application acceptance details. For further resources, check out the ETIAS and the official EES website. 
  
    

• Alpine Mountaineering - Guides

  All our mountaineering trips are run by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides. 

• Trip level & Stamina requirements

  To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, all participants must meet the specified skill and stamina levels required for each trip, as outlined on the trip’s page at the time of booking.

  Please keep the following in mind:

  1. Trip Requirements: Before booking your trip, please review and confirm that you meet the necessary skill and stamina levels. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

  2. Guides' Discretion: Our guides and instructors are dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards. They have the authority to exclude any participant who does not meet the required skill or stamina levels or whose participation could compromise the group's safety. This decision will be made with the utmost consideration.

  3. Responsibility for Costs: Should you be unable to continue with the trip due to inadequate skill or stamina, any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our goal is to provide a memorable and safe adventure for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  For further information please refer to the Terms & Conditions. 

• Mountain Tracks Benefits Community

  When you book with Mountain Tracks, you’re not just securing your adventure—you’re joining our exclusive benefits community. As part of this community, you'll receive discounts from trusted suppliers, including retailers, transfer companies, rental shops, and more. Ski more, spend less!

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  Knowledge

  • WeMountain: 90% of avalanches are triggered by the victim or someone in their party. WeMountain offers e-learning courses that aim to educate and inform, helping to reduce accidents and save lives in the mountains. Enjoy a 20% discount with our code.
    Use code: SAFEWITHMOUNTAINTRACKS
  • Backcountry Books: Guidebooks and maps for ski touring, off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Please contact us directly for your discount code. 

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  Equipment

  • Lockwoods: Enjoy 15% off store-wide and 20% off avalanche safety equipment at this specialist ski and outdoor store.
  • Profeet: Get 10% off at Profeet, a London-based store known for their BASI certified platinum* boot fitting services.

  Note: For discount codes, please contact us directly. Existing clients will find these in our newsletter.

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  Rentals

  • Intersport: Save 10% on all rentals..
  • Alpy (formerly AlpinResorts). Enjoy 5% off rentals.
  • Skiset: Enjoy 5% off rentals

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  Transfers

  • Mountain Drop-Offs: Get 10% off transfers.
    Use code: MTRKCHX
  • Alps2Alps: Save 5% on transfers.
    Use code: mountaintracks
  • LiftsTo

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  With these exclusive discounts, we make it easier for you to enjoy your mountain adventures. If you have any questions or need more details, don’t hesitate to contact us!