Mountaineering school of Iceland

Your path towards mountain guiding

This program focuses on Glacier Guiding and is 60 credits. It can be completed over two or four semesters. The program is designed to strengthen students’ skills in all areas of mountaineering and prepares them for both glacier and hiking guiding.

The study track is called Guide Specializing in Glacier Guiding.
Students who complete the program earn certification from the Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides (AIMG), first aid training from ICE-SAR (Landsbjörg), and take courses in mountaineering, climbing, avalanche science, winter travel, ski mountaineering, high-glacier travel, and more.

The program consists mainly of practical, field-based courses, along with some theoretical online learning.

The cost of the program is ISK 350,000 per semester or ISK 700,000 for the full year. For part-time students, the fee is ISK 200,000 per semester.
Students must cover their own travel, accommodation, and food expenses during training sessions.

This program focuses on Alpine Trekking Guiding and is 60 credits. The program is taught over two semesters, and completion of the basic mountaineering program at FAS is a prerequisite for participation.

The study track is called Guide Specializing in Alpine trekking, and it is an advanced specialization in mountaineering.
In the advanced program, students deepen the knowledge gained in the basic program and undertake demanding certification courses such as AIMG Alpine trekking Level 1 and Wilderness First Responder (ICE-SAR). Students also have the option to take AIMG Glacier Guiding Level 2 and Ranger Certification.

Other courses include:

  • Ice climbing

  • Ski mountaineering

  • Avalanche theory and guiding

  • High-glacier travel 2

  • Expedition on Vatnajökull

  • Advanced rock climbing

  • International exchange programs

The program consists mostly of practical, field-based modules, along with some theoretical online learning.

The cost of the program is ISK 350,000 per semester or ISK 700,000 per year.
For part-time studies, the fee is ISK 200,000 per semester.
Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and food expenses during training sessions.