The International School of Mountaineering

The International School of Mountaineering Ltd, an organisation dedicated to sharing the skills, enjoyment and adventure of mountaineering in all its aspects.

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 - but we are not institutionalised. We take great pride in gearing our activities to individual needs, and our satisfaction lies in seeing our clients develop into competent mountaineers who often achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Our long experience has given us unrivalled knowledge of the Alps, enabling us to take full advantage of the amazing variety of alpine areas within reach of our Leysin base. Several ISM Guides live in the Alps all year round, keeping closely in touch with conditions in the mountains. As a guiding team having a range of specialities, we work closely together and constantly 'pool' our knowledge. This expertise is reflected in our courses, helping us to achieve more with our clients and to maintain an outstanding safety record.

The Alps & Leysin

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 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:

Leysin Tourism, Case Postale 100, CH - 1854 Leysin
Tel: +41 24494 2244 (Fax: 1616) Email: tourism@leysin.ch

For an ISM information sheet on the Grand Chalet and things to do in Leysin please Click Here

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