IClimb Pilot Program
MCS AlexClimbWhat is a "pilot" mountaineering, ice climbing, or rock climbing program?
I'm often asked: you've been to so many places, traveled so much! Do you want to go (climb) anywhere else? Do new places excite you?
Of course I do want, and definitely new places excite me! Would I be involved in such a strange business as mountaineering if I didn't enjoy traveling, discovering, and sharing with my friends the new, stunning mountains and routes?!
In addition to the approximately 200 completed mountain programs worldwide for commercial clients, I have a small number of, so to speak, unfinished projects – peaks, ice and rock climbing areas, the specifics and logistics of which are not yet clear to me. I would be very interested in exploring such places better.
Of course, collecting groups for such events would be unfair to the participants – with unclear, unsettled logistics, all sorts of difficulties are possible, which are completely inappropriate for a commercial program.
On the other hand, developing new locations or entire climbing destinations requires a certain amount of time and money – doing it alone is frustrating in every way.
For this reason, several programs in my collection have been categorized as "Pilot Programs."
Examples of successfully completed "pilot" programs by the IClimb Club:
Rock Climbing in Madagascar - Antsiranana
Ice Climbing in the Lofoten Islands
Climbing Ojos del Salado Volcano from Argentina
"Pilot" programs waiting to happen:
- Trekking to the Southern Ice Plateau in Patagonia
- Rock Climbing in Ibiza (tentatively December 2025)
- Multipitch climbing routes in Southern Madagascar
- Ice Climbing in Val d'Aosta, Italy
- Climbing Volcano Pissis - Argentina
A "pilot" program is an event currently in development and testing. This category includes programs that, for one reason or another, I cannot yet sell as a finished product.
Such programs are typically conducted by a very small team of verified participants – guides or assistants from the MCS AlexClimb School.
In some cases, I offer pilot programs to my regular clients, clearly stating that the program is not commercial.
The terms of participation in "pilot" projects depend on each specific program.
As a rule, the cost of a pilot program is lower than the cost of a standard, serial program. Of course, programs in this category always carry the risk of unexpected additional expenses and complications.
For whom the participation in the Pilot Program is convenient?
Primarily, for those who already have experience participating in my School's programs. This is a crucial requirement, as Pilot Programs require much more loyalty and adventurism from participants than standard, repeatedly tested programs.
The Pilot Program for mountaineering, rock climbing, or ice climbing that is an adventure for experienced travelers who will enjoy overcoming challenges together and solving unusual and unexpected organizational issues!
Author of the text, pilot programs, and photographs: Alex Trubachev
International mountain guide, rock climbing and ice climbing coach
MCS EDIT 2025