Climbing course overlooking the Mediterranean in Finale Ligure

After breakfast, we take the van to a sector chosen based on the amount of sunshine and the group’s ability level. In Finale Ligure, with over 3,000 routes spread across dozens of crags, every day offers a new climbing area.

Once there, we’ll refine our footwork on the slabs, tackle steeper sections and work on pacing ourselves over several pitches. We’ll receive practical advice and technical exercises tailored to each individual. Between routes, the olive-covered hills and the Mediterranean provide the backdrop for short breaks.

After two action-packed days on the cliffs, it’s time for a more relaxed day to fully soak up the atmosphere of the Ligurian coast. You can explore the medieval streets of Finalborgo, stroll along the beaches of Finale Ligure, take a dip in the Mediterranean or simply soak up the Italian charm on a terrace.

For those who’d like to, Patrick is organising a half-day climbing trip so you can carry on climbing in one of his favourite areas. At the end of the day, everyone gets together for a lovely meal to share the day’s experiences before resuming the course the following day.

The day is devoted to independent climbing: route preparation, setting up and checking belays, choosing anchor points and managing your ascent are the focus of the exercises.

The guide stays close by and supervises each stage, correcting technique and checking that anchors are secure. Everyone takes on more responsibility and practises these techniques under supervision to build confidence. Depending on the group’s dynamics, Patrick adapts the programme and offers either more challenging routes or targeted technical workshops.

The aim is to develop muscle memory so that the group’s progress is smoother over the following days.

For this final big day in Finale Ligure, Patrick chooses the sectors based on the conditions and the group’s preferences. We divide the routes amongst ourselves gradually to put into practice everything we’ve learnt over the week: route reading, efficient movement, mental management and communication within the rope team.

On the rock, the guide corrects our footwork and suggests practical exercises to improve fluidity and efficiency of movement. We also work on managing stress before key sections and communicating at belay stations to boost confidence and safety.

Patrick continuously adapts the programme to ensure everyone leaves with practical tips and clear guidelines.

We make the most of one last morning to climb a few nearby routes. We consolidate the technical skills we’ve learnt and put safety and climbing techniques into practice.

We have a personalised review with Patrick to discuss your progress and work out together what to focus on next. We return to our accommodation by late morning and pack away our kit. The course finishes at around noon.