Generally, a guide takes 6 people.

Generally, you have to be 18 or over. However, there are some exceptions mentioned in the list of courses.

Usually, the length of the course includes the return journey on public transport. The courses themselves usually begin at midday and finish in the afternoon. Half days (e.g. 2.5 days) mean that the course begins late afternoon or in the evening.

The information about meals and accommodation usually applies to most of the nights. Occasionally however, certain packages aren’t available for all the evenings. Participants usually stay in rooms with several beds or in dormitories.

Information concerning the availability of places on our courses is updated every day on our website. For more information, call us (+41 (0)31 370 18 44) or send us an email.

No, participants in SAC courses aren’t entitled to any income compensation allowances.

No, the SAC does not provide course material or equipment.

At specialist mountaineering retailers (e.g. Bächlisport).

Approx. 3–4 weeks prior to course begin by email and post.  

According to our General Terms & Conditions (GTCs), the cancellation fee is CHF 50.00 excluding insurance up to 31 days before the course starts.

30-20 days prior to course begin: 50% of the course fee.

19-10 days prior to course begin: 75% of the course fee.

09-0 days prior to course begin: 100% of the course fee.

By email or by letter – deregistration/cancellation must always be submitted in writing.  

The course has reached the maximum number of participants and is currently fully booked. The person(s) on the wait list are not definitely enrolled in the course but will be considered in the event of a cancellation. The person(s) on the wait list will be contacted by the SAC by email or telephone. They may either cancel or confirm their participation at no extra cost. This may happen at very short notice.

We offer courses in which the participant is subsidised by the respective section in which they are a member. As a rule, the participant thereby agrees to organise and lead tours or other activities in the section. The subsidy application must be signed by the tour leader of the section in question.

This is possible providing the desired course takes place in the same course year (December to November) and is not yet fully booked. Requests to reschedule a course must always be submitted in writing.