Five Essential Skills You’ll Master at the Peru Climbing School

If you’re looking to build real alpine climbing skills in a high-altitude environment, the Peru Climbing School is one of the best options out there. Set in Peru’s stunning Cordillera Blanca, this course gives climbers hands-on experience with technical skills in glaciated terrain. Whether you’re working toward bigger mountains or just want to become a more competent and self-sufficient climber, here are five essential skills you’ll master during this program.

1. Glacier Travel

Learning how to move safely and efficiently on glaciers is a foundational skill for any alpine climber — and one of the first things you’ll master in Peru. From roping up for glacier travel to navigating crevasses and assessing snow conditions, you’ll get direct experience moving through complex glaciated terrain. You’ll also sharpen your crampon and ice axe technique, critical for maintaining security on snow and ice. These skills translate directly to other expeditions that focus on glacier travel, like our Ecuador Climbing School, offering another incredible venue to refine your climbing systems.

2. Crevasse Rescue Systems

Knowing how to get a teammate out of a crevasse is one of the most important safety skills in the mountains. You’ll spend time learning how to build snow and ice anchors, set up mechanical advantage systems, and perform crevasse rescues efficiently. You’ll practice hauling a climber out of a crevasse and managing complex rope systems under tension. This training prepares you for any future expedition involving glacier travel, including technical peaks like Alpamayo and Artesonraju — two of the most iconic climbs in Peru.

3. Ice Climbing and Multi-Pitch Techniques

The steep ice faces of the Cordillera Blanca are the perfect venue for honing your ice climbing and multi-pitch skills. You’ll learn how to swing tools effectively, use precise crampon footwork, and manage multi-pitch systems, including belay transitions and rappels. These techniques are essential for moving confidently on more technical alpine routes. If you’re looking for more training on the rock side of multi-pitch, check out our Intro to Multi-Pitch Climbing Course in Lake Tahoe to round out your skillset.

4. Anchor Building in Snow, Ice, and Rock

Solid anchors are critical for safe glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and climbing. In Peru, you’ll learn how to build secure anchors in snow, ice, and rock, including ice screw placements, snow pickets, and proper equalization. You’ll also work on anchor management in real climbing scenarios. These skills give you the tools to handle everything from technical summits in the Cordillera Blanca to more remote alpine climbs around the world — like Alpamayo, often a next step for those who complete the Peru School.

5. Expedition Planning and High-Altitude Systems

At the Peru Climbing School, you don’t just learn technical skills — you also learn how to function as a climber on high-altitude expeditions. You’ll cover systems for managing gear, layering, nutrition, hydration, and pacing — all while operating around 16,000 feet. This is critical preparation for future high-altitude climbs like Aconcagua or other peaks in South America and beyond.

Ready to get these skills dialed? Book a time to chat with Griffin, our International Client Manager, to see if Peru Climbing School is right for you: calendly.com/griffin-alpenglow