Skip to Main Content
International School of Mountaineering
Classic Alpine Ascents

International School of Mountaineering

Mountaineering expertise and passion since 1965

Start Exploring

Why Choose ISM?

Our pedigree speaks for itself

Founded in 1965, ISM is a prestigious English speaking climbing and mountaineering school based in Leysin Switzerland. We are by far the longest established provider of Alpine mountaineering courses to English speaking clients and attract clients from all over the world.

More About Us
Icefall Climbing 4
Off Piste Skiing 3

Sharing Our Knowledge

Visit Our Knowledge Base
Dave on sighting

On-sighting - Tips and Techniques

Verb - To climb a route that you’ve not climbed before, leading it from bottom to top without resting or…

Read More
Kalymnos 2011 063 PS

Red-Pointing - Tips and techniques

Verb - To climb a route from bottom to top cleanly without any artificial rests such as sitting on the…

Read More
The nuts

New Routes in the Canadian Rockies

Every day’s a road trip, as we thread our way through the beautiful mountains of the Canadian Rockies in search…

Read More
Calum e5 Langdale 2

Climbing Motivation

Some thoughts on motivation and raising your climbing standard.

Read More
DSC04458 2

Which Boots do I need?

Boot and footwear choice represents perhaps the single most important decision of all when considering your mountaineering equipment.

Read More
Kyrgyzstan 8597

Some thoughts on rope choice linked into decision making

So, as a BMG IFMGA Mountain Guide and climber what ropes do I use?

Read More
James Brown Original Route 2

Traditional Climbing on a Single Rope

So, traditional climbing on a single rope - old school or maybe just a modern take on things?

Read More
Kevin Borrowdale

Why We Love British Trad Climbing!

Why we love British trad climbing!

Read More
Kyrgyzstan 2019 5711

The Art of Making Traditional Kyrgyz Bread!

Reflecting on a special day in the Pamir Mountains, Kyrgyzstan 2019

Read More

Testimonials For ISM

The classic alpinism course last week led by Swedish Daniel was excellent! The itinerary was really well planned taking into account the less than perfect weather and the abilities and aspirations of the group - we all learned loads.

Chris Ward
Classic AlpinISM (Instructional Course)

Thank you very much for an enjoyable and inspiring week in the Alps, and for your patience and good humour throughout. You have a completely satisfied customer and I hope to join another ISM course sometime in the future.

Michael Firth
Classic AlpinISM (Instructional Course)

"I loved the course and Terry was great. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun and feel confident and secure in my technique".

BT
Summits & Skills 4000m (Instructional Course)

Our Partners

UIAGM / IFMGA Guide Award Equipment Partner Retail Partner Retail Partner