The Alpine Combine

I've decided to get serious about training for mountaineering, and that starts with benchmarking your fitness.

Currently one of the the most popular benchmarks is the Alpine Combine from Training for the New Alpinism. The test consists of measuring:

• Speed on a hike with 1000ft (300m) vertical gain while wearing a pack with 20% of your bodyweight
• Dips in 60 seconds
• Sit-ups in 60 seconds
• Pull-ups in 60 seconds
• Box Jumps in 60 seconds
• Push-ups in 60 seconds

Probably the best spot close to Melbourne for the first test is the Glasgow Road Track on Mt Dandenong. My plan is to head out there on Thursday morning with water drums in my pack and time myself hiking up the 341m over 2km in my stiffest hiking boots.

Then come back to the club rooms and do the rest of the test.

Open to anyone who wants to join me! 

I will not be at the clubrooms on Tuesday 12/12/23, so please email me at if you'd like to come along.