I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that we believe there’s nothing better than a bit of the Alpine outdoors. Combine that with some white knuckle courses (and one tour) and you’ve got nothing less than a match made in heaven.
Alpine Sport Climbing Course – Malaysia
The first mountaineering training center in South East Asia, Mountain Torq offers climbing experiences like no other. This unforgettable experience sees you pit your wits against the sheer faces of Mt Kinabalu in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro, you’re never likely to encounter such alpine climbing conditions such as these that are completely free of ice and snow. Yes that’s right, no ice, and no snow. And with courses to suit all levels of climber, what more could you ask for?
Mountain Biking in the Himalayas – Nepal
Ok, ok, so we cheated a little on this one. This is actually a tour rather than a course, but how could we not put this on the list just for the scenery alone! Mountain biking through the Kathmandu Valley, taking in the breathtaking views and meeting the amazing locals. What’s not to love about this! It’s an exhilarating trip that’s sure to push you to the limits as you climb and descend along trails more commonly used by farmers and mountain goats. It’s an unbelievable experience that’s worthy of any serious alpine sports lover’s bucket list. For more info check out the Himalayan Trails website.
Ski/Snowboard Instructor Course – Canada
Ever looked at your instructor and thought “I can do that”? Well if you think you’ve got what it takes why not try a ski instructor courses from Basecamp? The courses are held Banff, one of Canada’s and perhaps North America’s finest resorts for pure ski enthusiasts. The programs run for 6-12 weeks depending on the qualification you’re going for, but once you’re qualified you could be living the dream and spending everyday on the slopes.
Ice Climbing Course at La Grave – France
Known as the French Mecca for ice climbers, La Grave is fast becoming a popular destination for would be ice climbers as they take advantage of the many courses on offer. The Haute Romanche Valley is an ice climbers dream but is often wrongly overlooked by those looking for beginner courses. The area has a huge variety of routes for every level of climber and they even offer courses when the ice has melted. For more info on booking an ice climbing course check out Guide La Grave.
Dog Sledding License and Expedition – Greenland
As far as adventures go this is right down Bear Grylls’ alley. Head to Tasiilaq where you do your basic dog sledding training and get to know your team of dogs before heading out on an 8 day mini expedition. You’ll pass by Fjords, sled over glaciers, and even camp out on the sea ice and do a spot of ice fishing. Following that your team will lead you on a 475 meter ascent taking you into some of the most awe inspiring scenery you’ll ever lay your eyes on. As far as the eye can see, it’s just you, your guide, and your dogs. Head over to the Greenland travel site for more info on this once in a lifetime experience.
So there you have it, if you have a bit of time on your hands and are feeling a bit adventurous, you couldn’t do much better than taking one of these amazing trips.