Climbing and Training courses
On Everest you climb very steep snow slopes with sections between 30° to 50° with the crossing of the Icefall along hanging seracs. Climbing on ladders and crossing open crevasses are also part of the climb and involves good stamina and climbing experience.
Climbing Everest is an extreme challenge. We strongly recommend that you have summitted an 8000m peak before booking your Everest expedition. You’ll increase your chances of success if you have previously experienced life in an expedition base camp, crossed crevasses, used fixed ropes, climbed with oxygen and are aware of the physiological and psychological effects when climbing above 7,500m altitude.
A training course also helps to prevent, recognise and treat altitude frostbites.
Thus, we strongly recommend that you attend a pre-expedition training and we suggest you undergo a basic first-aid or medical training course.
o ACCLIMATISATION PROGRAM : Mera peak (alt. 6,470m)
Mera is an easy climb that allows you to get a taste of high altitude whilst gaining mountaineering skills. You walk on a glaciated terrain using crampons, ropes and harness. Your guide will organise a training session at Mera La to make sure that everyone is self-confident and ready to tackle higher altitude. From the summit, you have a very rewarding view of 5 of the most awe-inspiring 8,000m peaks, including Everest and Lhotse!
> Book a Mera Peak trip with your Everest expedition and save 10% on the Mera Peak price
o BASIC TRAINING : Ifremmont medicine training course
Ifremmont Mountain doctors provide quality training suitable for all participants. Tailored courses are offered (theoretical, practical and refresher) to bring you the necessary knowledge when travelling in remote areas. Book a basic multi-topic training course (3 days) followed by the Practical initiation workshop (1 day). The training is open to all.
> Download the PDF full program or email at formation@ifremmont.com
o CLIMBING TECHNIQUES: Mountain skill training course
Take part in our Mountain Skill Training Course in the French Alps with a UIAGM Guide from the Chamonix valley. It is a Tailored 5 day course to learn basic crampon and ice-axe techniques in a friendly atmosphere.
> Book a training course in Chamonix
You must be in excellent physical and mental condition to endure the effort and remain in very good health. You have to be physically prepared and should train everyday to climb in strenuous conditions and high altitude. Walking, climbing, long distance running, cycling or/and swimming at least 2 hours a day is highly recommended one year before departure.
Learn more about the training >
It is also important that you take enough rest before climbing. Nervousness, anxiousness, tiredness or stress is known to increase AMS. You must have sufficient knowledge about AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), including symptoms, prevention and treatment.
Further info about AMS >
The physical exertion put together with high altitude means that you need to hydrate regularly. You need to drink 4/5 liters of liquid every day and increase your usual calorific intake to 3500/4000 calories. On climbing days, eat plenty of snacks, chocolate bars, dry fruit and energy food to thwart the burn out.
In remote area and at high altitude, you are more likely to be exposed to illness, injury and sickness related to altitude.
Before the expedition, medical advice and certificate must be obtained from a mountain doctor or a travel medical expert. It is not recommended that you seek advice from your local or a general practitioner as you may suffer from acute mountain sickness and related diseases (HACE, High altitude cerebral edema and Pulmonary edema).
A test of effort is firmly recommended prior booking your expedition. You must inform us if you have heart disease, blood pressure problem or have had AMS or frostbite prescription.
