Mountain Experience Course. Photo by Camilla Stoddart. www.camillastoddartphotography.com

Mountain Experience Course (MEC)

The MEC is Alpine Guides' week-long basic level climbing course - an introduction to mountaineering, based in Mt Cook National Park New Zealand. You will learn the basics of mountain and snow craft, and how to camp/bivouac in an alpine environment.

A Complete Introduction To Mountaineering

No prior knowledge of rope systems is required. You need a good level of fitness, and a background in hiking/tramping. If your imagination has been captured by high mountain places, the MEC is the perfect starting point.

The MEC is ideal training for:

High altitude trekking in Nepal/Tibet
Non-technical alpine pass crossings
General mountaineering and alpine travel, anywhere in the world
Undertaking a future Technical Mountaineering Course (TMC) ›

Route to Mueller Hut. Photo by Camilla Stoddart. www.camillastoddartphotography.com

Instruction Topics Include:

Equipment - what to bring and how to use it
Snow skills: including using crampons, ice axe, and self arrest
Climbing on snow and ice
Introduction to rock climbing
Alpine camping/bivvying
Route finding and awareness of terrain

Annette Plateau and Mt Sefton. Photo by Camilla Stoddart. www.camillastoddartphotography.com

Experience Required:

Moderate-high level of aerobic fitness
Hiking / tramping experience
Able to carry a 12-15 KG pack for 4 to 5 hours continuously

MEC In The Press

Read Camilla Stoddart's "Learning the Ropes" story from her MEC in December 2010. Keep in mind the publisher briefed Camilla to "make it sound dramatic" - so it sounds more white-knuckle hardcore than a typical MEC! Great images.