Climbing Holidays

Why go on a climbing holiday?

There are lots of different types of climbing available, from mountaineering to rock and anything in between. They all require different equipment and are very different sports which rely on different skills. However, for all of them a course is probably the best (and safest) way to get started.

Where to go climbing?

Different countries and areas of the world are better for different types and standards of climbing. Closest to the UK are the Alps for mountaineering and Scotland in winter. The UK is more widely known for its trad climbing areas whereas France and other areas is Europe have a huge range of bolted roots, and for those who want good weather for their climbing there is Kalymnos

Different Types of Climbing

Rock climbing is the most popular type of climbing; it is highly accessible with most people being not too far from an indoor wall or outdoor climbing area. However, even if you are a good indoor climber it can be useful to go on a course when transitioning outdoors, particularly in areas where there is little outdoor sport climbing, such as the UK. Traditional (trad) climbing is quite different  from sport climbing as you have to place your own protection which is quite a skill in itself. 

Mountianeering and ice climbing are a few steps away from rock climbing, however, they are steps into a dangerous new sports arena with different rules, gear and skills. It would be advisable to do a mountineering course even if you are a good rock climber as ice, snow and the associated risks of avalanches present dangers which require a different skill set and knowledge to rock climbing at local crags. With the necessary skills, mountaineering and ice climbing presents a whole new sense of achievement in an amazing environment that most do not get to see.