www.alpin-ism.com
THE
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MOUNTAINEERING - '
ISM'
"....because it's there...." Mallory,
"....because it's fun...." Joe Brown
The International
School of Mountaineering was founded in 1965 by American and British
mountaineers living in the Swiss Alps. It quickly became the best-known
mountaineering school in the world and is still
widely recognised as the
foremost organisation of its kind.
|
Mountaineering is no dry academic subject. It is a shared
adventure that gives joy and lasting satisfaction to those who
participate. The International School of Mountaineering is a 'school' in
that we teach best and safest practice in all the arts of mountaineering',
at every level from a broad introduction to the most advanced technical
skills. We are not
institutionalized - our
central belief is that clients are individuals and should progress as fast
and as far as ability allows..
For
nearly forty years ISM has been running
the most extensive programme
of mountaineering courses available to English-speakers internationally.
Countless people have discovered the mountains through ISM; experienced
climbers return time after time to enjoy our
wide range of alpine courses
and to
share the
great adventure of an ISM expedition. |
 |
The ISM Team
The fully accredited UIAGM Guides and Aspirant Guides who make up
the ISM team are not only dedicated professionals; they are also devoted
amateurs who pursue their sport for pleasure. The best climbing courses
are run by people with a passion for the mountains - a key factor in the
ongoing success of ISM.
Our long experience has given us unrivalled knowledge of
alpine areas. Several ISM Guides live in the Alps all year round, keeping
us closely in touch with conditions in the mountains. This expertise is
reflected in our courses, helping us to achieve more with our clients and
to maintain an outstanding safety record.
Student Alpine Weeks
 Each
summer we offer a special programme - the Student Alpine Week - to
introduce young people to mountaineering at a much lower cost than our
regular courses. This course is scheduled once into our programme but can
be run at any time in the summer for small and medium-sized groups. Anyone
over the age of sixteen may book on to our scheduled course and we can
accommodate groups of younger-aged children by special arrangement. Once
students arrive in Leysin we take care of everything involved with the
course - full board and accommodation, all transport and use of technical
equipment. Students just need to be properly dressed for the mountains and
have suitable mountain boots.
Student Haute Routes
Haute Routes are journeys through
the high alps, crossing glaciers and high passes and taking in 'trekking
peaks'. On them you learn many mountaineering skills including rope work
and the use of ice axe and crampons. We normally offer six haute routes
each summer and again we can arrange these for student groups at a very
favourable price. Please call or email our office to enquire.
Accommodation on our Haute Routes is in comfortable mountain huts where
bedding is provided.
|
The Alps
Easy accessibility, favourable weather and an abundance of
superb routes on snow, ice and rock have guaranteed that the Western Alps
remain the most popular 'mountaineering playground' in the world. A
tremendous amount of climbing can be packed into an alpine holiday,
particularly if it is spent in the company of a Guide with intimate
knowledge of the region. The sport of mountaineering has its roots in the
Alps and the rich history and tradition add a unique element to alpine
climbing. |
 |
ISM is strategically situated between the famous alpine
centres of Zermatt, Chamonix and Grindelwald.
Thus our activities range throughout the prime alpine areas, taking
advantage of the best climbing conditions and avoiding crowds.
Leysin
Leysin is a village perched high above Lake Geneva in the
Swiss 'Prealpes', a region of limestone peaks in the 'crook' of the
Western Alps. Thanks to a sunny aspect and pure mountain air, Leysin
thrived as a sanatorium until the 1950's. This is still reflected in its
architecture. Above the village stand the Leysin Tours, impressive
limestone monoliths each with an easy scramble to its summit.
Much of the high land around the Tours is a nature reserve
and the rest is classic Swiss pasture dotted with chalets and farms. The
region is served by a network of well-marked hiking and mountain-biking
trails and this, combined with the range of sports facilities within the
village, makes Leysin a popular destination for an active holiday and a
pleasant place to spend time before or after a course. A full information
pack on Leysin and its environs may be obtained from the
Tourist
Office: Tel:
+41 24494 2244 (Fax: 1616) Email:
tourism@leysin.ch
Getting to Leysin
Travel to Leysin is quick and straightforward from Geneva
International Airport with a journey time of less than 2 hours. The
railway platform is situated immediately below the airport lobby and
English is spoken at the ticket office.
A scenic train journey around the shore of Lake Geneva
brings you to the town of Aigle, where the train connects with a cog
railway going straight up the mountainside to Leysin.
If driving
from the UK on
the Autoroutes, allow approximately
8-10
hrs from the Channel.
Contacting ISM
The most comprehensive source of information
about every aspect of ISM is our website
www.alpin-ism.com
We are always delighted to answer questions and discuss
your requirements by
telephone: 01766 890441
A brochure summarising all ISM activities
can be sent out on request, and supplementary information is available for
Haute Routes, Expeditions and courses which do not convene in Leysin.
www.alpin-ism.com
 |
