China Mountain Development Institute (CMDI)

The Chinese Mountaineering Development Institute was founded in 2007 as a joint project of the Chinese Mountaineering Association (CMA) and Ozark outdoor gear. It was first launched as a guide training course for candidates from mountaineering schools in the provinces of China. The program was taught by Olivier Balma, from ENSA, and Chinese instructor Kang Hua.

Since then, many additional programs have begun, and training takes place in such places as Sichuan, Getu Valley and Yangshuo, as well as international alpine training in France.

Terratribes founder, Qin Qing Xiang, is a qualified trainer with the CMDI, having undertaken training and climbing in France and all over China.

Climbing skills development courses include:

• Basic rock skills
• Advanced rock skills and bolting
• Traditional climbing
• Alpine rock and mountaineering skills

Guiding certifications include:

• Rock guide

The CMDI curriculum is recognized by the CMA. Courses are conducted in Mandarin Chinese, but CMDI welcomes inquiries from any interested climber.

For more information about the development of training in China, check out this article in the American Alpine Journal by Chinese alpinist Yan Dongdong.