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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 and the Petzl Foundation. 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 can be purchased here. Further details below.

How to order a digital copy

The latest version of the English language UIAA Alpine Summer Skills Handbook is now available to purchase. 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.

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 have been completed in Farsi and in Arabic. Additional translations are underway in Spanish, Mandarin, Greek, Estonian and Polish. Translations into Portuguese and Russian have also been commissioned. Translated versions 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.

  • 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.
  • 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 chapters 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 still to be confirmed. 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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