5-Day Mountaineering Course

Group Size

4 people per guide

Duration

5 days

COVID-19 policy

Program Overview:

Access the Alpine's 5-day Mountaineering Course is a comprehensive introduction to the world of mountaineering.

Over the course of five days, you'll explore the stunning glaciers of Mount Baker and learn essential techniques for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, winter camping, and route-finding. You'll be guided by experienced instructors who will teach you the skills needed to safely navigate the mountain. This course is perfect for novice climbers looking to gain fundamental skills or experienced climbers seeking to hone their abilities.

Curriculum:

• Introduction to glacier mountaineering

• Understanding glacial features and formations

• Navigation and route planning on glaciers

• Glacier safety and hazard management

• Proper use of mountaineering equipment

• Rope work and glacier travel techniques

• Crevasses: identification, crossing, and rescue procedures

• Self-arrest and ice axe techniques

• Glacier camping and bivouacking skills

• Strategies for acclimatization and altitude sickness prevention

• Basic snow and ice climbing techniques

• Glacier navigation

• Emergency procedures and wilderness first aid specific to glacier environments

• Leave No Trace principles for glacier environments

Day 0:

Zoom chat which will address any needed equipment, necessary training, and any other topics of interest before going into the course.

Day 1:

• Meet at the designated trailhead in the morning and receive a comprehensive orientation from the course leader.

• Hike to camp

• Discuss safety protocols, equipment usage, and essential mountaineering skills.

• Practice basic ice axe techniques and self-arrest drills.

• Learn about glacier travel.

• Spend the night at the base camp, getting to know your fellow participants and preparing for the days ahead.

Day 2:

• Begin the day by reviewing the principles of roped glacier travel.

• Learn about route finding, navigation, and assessing conditions on the glacier.

• Practice various knot tying and rope management techniques.

• Put theory into practice with a guided glacier trek, applying the skills learned throughout the day.

• Return to base camp for dinner and rest.

Day 3:

• Undertake a challenging glacier traverse, applying the skills mastered in the previous days.

• Focus on snow climbing techniques, including step-kicking and using crampons efficiently.

• Learn about proper use of mountaineering ropes and anchor systems.

• Practice self-rescue and companion rescue scenarios on steeper sections of the glacier.

• Return to the established campsite and celebrate the successful completion of the mountaineering portion of the course.

• Enjoy dinner in the breathtaking alpine environment.

Day 4:

• Prepare for a summit attempt of a nearby peak under the guidance of experienced instructors.

• Ascend the peak using a combination of mountaineering skills learned throughout the course.

• Savor the incredible views and sense of achievement upon reaching the summit.

• Descend to base camp, reviewing the course highlights and reflecting on the acquired knowledge and experiences.

Day 5:

• Depart from base camp in the morning, heading back to the trailhead with newfound mountaineering skills and unforgettable memories.

Physical Readiness:
Mountaineering demands a unique set of physical skills: cardiovascular health, stamina, core strength, flexibility, and balance. While other sports may be helpful, they typically are not enough. Even fit runners can find it tough to navigate steep, irregular terrain while carrying a heavy pack. Don't underestimate climbing-specific training.

You must meet certain fitness criteria to enjoy this course and for safety reasons. If you can't maintain the guide-set pace, you may be turned back. For your safety, adhere to the following guidelines:

• Ability to hike uphill for 1 hour, punctuated by 10-minute rests, for up to 12 hours.
• Capability to ascend 3,000 feet per day with a backpack weighing at least 45 pounds.

Preparation should ideally start 3-6 months ahead of the course. An amazing resource we recommend is The Uphill Athlete which has specific training programs which are well worth the time and money.