Summit Mountain Skills
Summit Mountain Skills is a company based in Stoke-on-Trent, England that specializes in providing rock climbing instructors for individuals interested in sports and hobbies.
Introduction to Summit Mountain Skills
Summit Mountain Skills is a UK-based company that was founded with the aim of providing expert rock climbing instructors to people who are interested in pursuing the sport as a hobby or profession. The company has a rich history of training climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced climbers. What makes Summit Mountain Skills unique is their approach to teaching, which focuses on safety, technical training, and environmental sustainability.Services & products
Summit Mountain Skills offers a range of services to their customers, including rock climbing courses, private coaching sessions, and guided climbing trips to some of the most beautiful and challenging mountains in the UK. They also sell a range of climbing gear and equipment, including ropes, harnesses, and climbing shoes.Location
Summit Mountain Skills is located in Biddulph, a small town in the Stoke-on-Trent area of England. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with many hiking trails and outdoor activities available. Visitors to the area can expect to find a mix of small shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a few larger stores and supermarkets. The nearest public transportation options are the Biddulph bus station, which is a 10-minute walk from the company's location, and the Congleton train station, which is a 15-minute drive away.Benefits
Customers should choose Summit Mountain Skills because of their commitment to safety, their experienced instructors, and their focus on environmental sustainability. The company's instructors are highly trained and certified, and they prioritize the safety of their clients above all else. They also have a strong commitment to protecting the natural environment and minimizing the impact of their activities on the areas where they operate.Good to know
Customers should be aware that rock climbing can be a dangerous sport, and it is important to follow the guidance of the instructors at Summit Mountain Skills at all times. It is also important to bring appropriate clothing and equipment, as well as any necessary medications or medical supplies.Reviews
Customers have praised Summit Mountain Skills for their knowledgeable and friendly instructors, as well as their commitment to safety and environmental sustainability. Many reviewers have noted that they feel confident and well-prepared after taking courses with the company, and that they would recommend Summit Mountain Skills to anyone interested in taking up rock climbing as a hobby or profession.Amenities
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harness -
helmet
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rope
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shoes
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belay device
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chalk bag
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climbing holds
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crash pad
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carabiner
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instructional book
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instructional video
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training program
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certification
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experience
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safety protocols
FAQ
What qualifications do your instructors have, and what kind of experience do they have in rock climbing?
Our instructors are certified by the Mountain Training Association and have years of experience in rock climbing. They have climbed all over the world and are highly skilled in various climbing techniques.Do you provide equipment, or do customers have to bring their own?
We provide all necessary equipment for our courses and sessions, including ropes, helmets, harnesses, and climbing shoes. However, customers are welcome to bring their own equipment if they prefer.What beginner-level courses do you offer, and how long do they generally last?
We offer several beginner-level courses, including Introduction to Rock Climbing and Basic Climbing Techniques. The length of each course varies, but they generally last between 1-3 days.What is the instructor-to-student ratio during a typical course or session?
We maintain a low instructor-to-student ratio to ensure that each participant receives individual attention and can progress at their own pace. Our ratio is typically 1:4 for beginner-level courses and may be even lower for more advanced courses.What kind of safety measures do you have in place during climbs, and what is your emergency protocol?
Safety is our top priority, and we have several measures in place to ensure the well-being of our participants. These include thorough safety briefings, regular equipment checks, and the presence of a qualified first aider at all times. In the event of an emergency, we have a detailed emergency protocol in place that includes contacting emergency services and providing first aid if necessary.Reviews
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jeremy haughton
Just spent a fantastic (and cold) couple of days in Scotland with Mick . I learned a huge amount and consolidated existing skills with a trip to Nepal with Mick coming up later this year . Can't recommend his training and attention to detail enough.
27-01-2023
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Murray Luckas
I cannot speak highly enough of Mick. He is endlessly knowledgeable and patient! I would highly recommend to anyone interested in mountaineering
27-01-2023
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Caroline Williams
I chose Mick to reassess me when I got deferred on my summer ML navigation, having been trained by him 3 years earlier. I had remembered him as being a great teacher who really wants to help people to learn and become competent leaders and can adapt to the different needs of different people. Even though I had done a lot of preparation, I was as nervous as it is possible to be and yet, right from the start, Mick somehow convinced me that we were simply heading off for a nice day in the hills together and that is really what it felt like. I was set great tasks, which felt fair and planned carefully to test exactly what he needed to see without any unnecessary angst. Mick gave me the opportunity to talk through what I was doing, where I was etc as necessary for the assesment but I also felt relaxed enough to ask questions and I feel I learnt a lot while being very skillfully assessed. At the end of the day I was totally amazed to say that I'd had a really enjoyable hill walk.....and I passed. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mick - he's highly skilled, knows exactly how to tailor a day to the person, and manages to bring out the best in even the most terrified.
27-10-2022
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Duncan Ratcliffe
I first met Mick in 2017 whilst undertaking some navigation and mountaineering training for the Scout Movement, whilst he was directing an ML Assessment. I was instantly struck by his professional and enthusiastic approach, and the way he spoke with his candidates about all subjects mountaineering. The way he took his time to dilligently yet carefully explain various aspects of the course content, as well as his understanding of people listening and querying elememts, was amazing to watch. Since that first meeting i have ventured out with him on many occasions. We have completed a scrambling course, a resin to rock course and i also undertook an improvised rescue course with him to be able to further enhance my safety, and that of others, when climbing. These course were absolutely brilliant. Informative, professional approach, with all the seriousness that is demanded by such dangerous hobbies and pastimes, yet packed with fun, laughter, camararderie and just general good craic. Mick is a consummate professional. His knoledge is beyond reproach, and he has a vast sum of experience mountaineering around the world. On all of my trips out with him and his company, i have always felt that nothing was ever too much trouble and he always goes the extra mile to help you in whatever field of mountaincraft you wish to improve with. Even outside of the courses themselves, Mick has been a constant source of support for me in my mountaineering journey. We regularly stay in touch and he is always there to assist with any queries, tips, kit advice, locations, suggestions for next steps, training techniques and even searching out deals on kit for me in his own time! Mick is not just a teacher, mentor, or a guide for me, he has become a firm friend who i can go to at anytime for all things mountaineering. If you book a training course with Summit Mountain Skills, you are booking with one of the best mountain professionals out there.
27-10-2022
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Alan West
I've known Mick for about five years now, on courses from Mountain Leader to winter climbing, and I have to say he is the single best instructor I've ever had (and there's been a few over the years...), knowledgeable, safe and caring, and I've had some great times. I've got some more winter climbing booked with him in 2023, and am really looking forward to it. Thanks, Mick!
27-10-2022
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Steve Mycroft
Mike at summit mountain skills is awesome, I have been instructed by Mike and his knowledge is second to none, his calm demeanour and great teaching manner ensures he gets the best out of everyone. I will be using summit mountain skills again in the near future on a trip to Everest basecamp where Mike has an expert team.
27-09-2022
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E Ralph X
What takes Mick's leadership to the peak of mountaineers is his passion for the outdoors and natural affinity to project his passions into the adventures he leads. Knowledgeable, approachable and genuine. Thanks Mick 🤙
27-09-2022
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Bev
A very experienced mountain guide and trainer; Mick has a vast knowledge of the UK mountains and Europe, as well as extensive knowledge of rope skills, and rope systems. If your a beginner or seasoned walker/climber then Summit Mountain Skills is one to contact.
27-09-2022
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B W
Summit Mountain Skills is a fantastic provider of courses, bespoke training and practical guidance for all things outdoors. I originally wanted to further my knowledge on winter skills and over the years learning under Mick I will now be heading to the Himalayas. No matter your skill level they can improve your climbing and mountaineering knowledge and that’s why I always go back to them
27-09-2022
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Nick Manning
I first used Summit Mountain Skills when undertaking some rock climbing training and they played a big part in my Rock Climbing Instructor qualification training and assessment. I have subsequently used Mick for training and CPD prior to going on trips to the Alps, Scotland in the Winter and to generally improve my base skill set. Mick is very knowledgeable and professional and is always willing to offer advice either on messenger or if I bump into him in the Cairngorm car park in the depths of Scottish winter.
27-09-2022
