Alpine Climbing and Skiing is physically and mentally demanding so we'd like to be sure you have a suitable level of fitness and ability before arrive in the Alps. A course that is too hard will be less enjoyable for you, and possibly less safe - tired legs are more likely to trip over. Most weeks are planned with an easier "rest" day mid-week, but doing a full 6 day week in the Alps is always tiring - turning up fit means you can do more, and enjoy it more!
Running, cycling and gym sessions (in fact, any regular sport) all provide good fitness training for summer alpine courses, but it's hard to beat good days out in the hills. If you don't have easy access to hills, your gym training will need to be carefully planned - mountain days are long, low-intensity exercise, which is hard to replicate in short gym sessions. Strength exercises (squats, step-ups, stair-climbing with a rucksack) are gaining favour over speed exercises (running, spinning).
Experience using axe and crampons is helpful but not essential - skills can be taught from beginner level. Likewise, roped climbing experience is not required but good fitness is necessary to enjoy this course. Alpine hut approaches can involve 1000m ascents or more, and summit days can be up to 10 hours and 1200m of ascent, and the itinerary is flexible to allow for some easier days. You should be comfortable with UK hill walking fitness, carrying up to 10kg rucksack, and have a good head for exposure - classic UK ridges like Striding Edge on Helvelyn, or Crib Goch on Snowdon.
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