Alpine Medicine Course
Chamonix
Specialist alpine medicine training in one of the world’s most iconic mountain environments.
This five-day Alpine Medicine course is designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop the clinical judgement, practical skills, and decision-making required to work safely and effectively in mountainous and high-altitude environments.
Set in the Chamonix Valley at the foot of Mont Blanc, the course combines focused teaching, practical workshops, and field-based learning delivered by experienced medical faculty, IFMGA mountain guides, and local rescue professionals. You’ll explore how altitude, terrain, weather, and remoteness shape risk, assessment, and treatment, and how medical care must adapt when conditions are unpredictable and resources limited.
This summer alpine course offers a balance of classroom learning and time spent in the high mountains, allowing you to apply expedition medicine principles directly to a technical alpine setting.
Your Teaching Faculty
Course Content
Adam
Fantastic idea. I’ll be coming back for other courses, and hopefully bringing friends : )
Alexandra
Thank you everyone for your patience, commitment, enthusiasm, knowledge and passion
Silviu
Great team from admin to delivering in a very unforgettable environment.
Tamas
Thanks to everyone involved in running and preparing the course; it was superb!
What's Included?
Expert Faculty Teaching
A structured programme delivered by experienced medical faculty and local mountain professionals, designed to give you a grounded, realistic understanding of how alpine medicine works in practice.
Workshops, Group Learning, Practical Skills
Interactive teaching throughout the course, including facilitated discussions, small-group work, and practical sessions to help you apply frameworks and build capability in alpine settings.
Accommodation, Meals, and Passes
Your course fee includes lift passes, ropes & climbing equipment, accommodation and meals for the duration of the programme, so you can stay on-site, focus fully, and get the most out of the experience.
CPD Hours and Course Certification
This course has been awarded 30 CPD hours by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. On completion, you’ll receive a certificate of attendance recognising your training in alpine and high-altitude medicine.
Book Now
GBP £2,025.00
In stock
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course right for me?
This course is designed for healthcare professionals and students who want to understand and apply alpine medicine principles in real-world mountain settings. It’s well suited to those exploring expedition work, mountain medicine, remote practice, or anyone wanting to strengthen their ability to deliver care where terrain, altitude, and limited access change what “good care” looks like.
While prior mountain experience helps, you don’t need to be an expert climber. You do need curiosity, professionalism, and a willingness to learn in demanding environments.
Do I need previous expedition or wilderness medicine training?
It is recommended. This Alpine Medicine course builds on expedition fundamentals and applies them to technical mountain environments, where movement, terrain risk, and rescue considerations become central.
If you’re unsure whether it’s the right next step for you, we recommend using the Course Fit Checker or booking a discovery call.
What level of fitness is required?
You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but a good level of fitness will help you get the most from the course. As a guide, you should be able to walk for extended periods over uneven ground while carrying a pack, and repeat this over consecutive days.
The focus is on learning, judgement, and practical application — but fatigue and exposure are part of the reality of alpine work, so preparation matters.
What course content is covered?
This Alpine Medicine course provides a structured, practical introduction to delivering medical care in alpine and high-altitude environments. Teaching is supported by workshops, small-group learning, and scenario-based sessions guided by faculty experience in mountain settings.
Content includes:
- Expedition Planning for Alpine Environments
- Risk Assessment and Terrain Assessment
- Personal and Technical Equipment
- Avalanche Awareness and Risk Management
- Medical Management of Avalanche Victims
- Trauma in Technical Alpine Environments
- Crevasse Rescue Techniques
- Overnighting in Alpine Environments
- Cold Injury Management
- Acute Mountain Sickness
- HACE & HAPE
- Navigation Awareness
- Rescue and Extrication in Technical Terrain
- Alpine Trauma Simulation
- PGHM Tour and Case Study Discussion
- ENSA Tour & Case Study (when available)
What kit do I need to bring?
Please follow the kit guidance and bring adequate kit. You need to be prepared for sun, wind, cold, and sudden changes in mountain conditions, even in summer.
A full kit list is available below and should be reviewed carefully before booking and travel, more information will be provided in your joining instructions upon booking.
Essential Clothing
- Mountaineering boots – minimum B2 or B3 rated (must fit step-in crampons)
- Base layers, upper and lower – merino or synthetic (check out our blog to help you find the perfect base layer!)
- Light mid layers – thinner layers with zips/hoods for thermal control
- Softshell trousers
- Hard shell jacket and trousers – Waterproof and breathable (Gore-Tex or Neoshell recommended)
- Light insulating jacket – synthetic or down
- Warm insulating jacket – synthetic or down
- Full range of gloves (liner, lightweight, warm waterproof, mittens)
- Appropriate socks, beanie, neck gaiter/buff, and gaiters
- Casual clothes
Technical Equipment:
- Crampons – compatible with your boots (10 or 12 points with front points)
- Alpine/climbing axe (50/65cm in length with a steel head)
- Helmet
- Climbing harness with adjustable leg loops
- Belay plate and carabiner
- Ski goggles
- Gaffa/duct tape
Other Essential Gear:
- Backpack: 50-60 litres
- Head torch
- Compass – Silva Expedition Type 4
- Sunglasses – wrap around, minimum category 3 lenses
- Sun protection – SPF 50
- Sleeping bag liner – for use in the Winter Hut
If you have any questions about kit, just give us a call or send an email.
Do I need specialist equipment?
Yes. This course requires specific alpine equipment (such as compatible boots, crampons, helmet, and technical kit outlined in the kit list). Please review the kit list on the page carefully to ensure you arrive appropriately equipped.
If you have questions about suitability, contact the team before travel.
What are the conditions like?
This is an alpine course delivered in a real mountain environment. Conditions can vary significantly across the week, and you should be prepared for heat, cold, wind, rain, and potential snow at higher elevations.
Some elements are weather-dependent, and plans may adapt to conditions to maintain safety while still meeting learning objectives.
Do I need travel insurance to attend?
Yes. Travel insurance is essential and must include appropriate cover for mountain activity and emergency evacuation. For safety and security, access to the course may be refused if adequate insurance details cannot be provided.
What support is available before the course starts?
Ahead of the course, you’ll receive joining information to help you plan travel, arrival, and what to expect on the day. A WhatsApp group is used for this course, we’ll share access details closer to the start date so you can connect with the cohort, ask questions, and coordinate plans.
If you have questions at any stage, the team is happy to help.
I have another question
If you wish to learn more or have any additional questions, we invite you to book a 30-minute discovery call with our team.
→ Click here to book a discovery call.
The call will be with the team who organise our courses and work closely with our medical teaching faculty. They’re best placed to explain what our attendees really get out of attending a course with us.
You can choose between a video or voice call — whatever suits you best.
Register for a time that works for you, and we look forward to speaking with you soon.
Prefer email? Then feel free to contact us.
Your Safety
The comprehensive curriculum and field scenarios are carefully designed to push your limits while mitigating risks.
We take every precaution to keep participants safe by:
- Rigorous gear checks before all expedition days
- Mandatory evacuation insurance policies
- Close coordination with local emergency responders
