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This Alpine Summer Skills Handbook was first published in 2013 and is intended for hikers, climbers and mountaineers who wish to progress in the practice of their favourite activity by acquiring additional knowledge and skills. The Handbook is the result of close collaboration between the UIAA, the Petzl Foundation and the Alpine Club of Canada. A new and fourth edition of the Handbook was recently released in English at 2024 UIAA General Assembly. Print copies can be ordered by UIAA member associations here. A digital format will be available to purchase from June 2025.

How to order a digital copy

The latest version of the UIAA Alpine Summer Skills Handbook will be available to purchase in English and is coming soon.

Once you have purchased a copy of the Handbook, you will be sent a link to download a PDF version. Each PDF version is encrypted with a code unique to the individual user.

Republishing or sharing of the Handbook is strictly forbidden.

PURCHASE THE DIGITAL
UIAA ALPINE SUMMER SKILLS HANDBOOK

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How to order a print copy

For climbers:
Print versions are available to order from UIAA member associations. Please contact the UIAA member association in your territory for further details.

For UIAA member associations:
Any member associations wishing to order the book in English can do so by completing the following form.

Translations of the new version are already underway courtesy of UIAA member associations based in Catalonia (in Spanish), Chinese Taipei (Mandarin), Cyprus (Greek), Estonia (Estonian), Poland (Polish), the UAE (Arabic). A version in Farsi has been published with translations into Portuguese and Russian also commissioned. Translated version will only be available to purchase via UIAA member associations.

Previous Editions

Previous editions of the Handbook are available in different languages (see below) having been translated in partnership with UIAA member associations worldwide. More specifically, member federations gain the following privileges:

  • The opportunity to order print copies of the latest version in English is exclusively for UIAA member associations. Member associations can order copies here. Any individual wishing to purchase a copy should contact their closest UIAA member association. See a full list of UIAA members here.
  • UIAA member associations can order print copies of the English language version by contacting the UIAA Office.
  • Details on how to access the latest English language digital version will be communicated in early 2025.
  • Previous versions of the Handbook (v1 or v2) are available in the following languages and from the UIAA member association indicated:
    Albanian (Albanian Mountaineering Federation)
    Chinese (Chinese Taipei Mountaineering Association)
    Czech (Czech Mountaineering Association)
    French (Alpine Club of Canada, FFCAM)
    Japanese (Japan Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Association)
    Korean (Korean Alpine Federation)
    Mongolian (Mongolian National Climbing Federation)
    Romanian (Romanian Alpine Club)
    Serbian (Mountaineering Association of Serbia)
    Turkish (Turkish Mountaineering Federation)

What is in the Handbook?

Over 400 pages and several chapter the Handbook focuses primarily on summer Alpine Hiking, Climbing and Alpinism activities. Its goal is to put forth proven techniques that should be learned and mastered through proper technical training as provided by an instructor. Chapters and subjects include: Meteorology, Orientation, Navigation, Group Management, Decision-Making, Adapting to the Environment, Rescue, Alpine Hiking, Equipment, Belaying, Multi-Pitch Route, Rappelling, Snow and Ice and Crevasses. Some sample pages are provided below.

UIAA Winter Skills Handbook

The UIAA is working on a new edition of the Winter Handbook, with a release date tbc. The Winter Handbook will cover topics related to winter mountaineering and climbing activities, such as ice climbing, ski mountaineering, and snow and ice anchors. Like the Summer Alpine Handbook, the Winter Handbook is expected to be available in both print and digital formats and in multiple languages.

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