Introduction to Snow Climbing Skills

If you’ve only ever been hiker or a peak trekker this is the next step in being able to access new terrain. During this Intro to Snow Climbing course participants will learn:

• Basic use of crampons and footwork.
• Basic movements such as kicking steps, plunge stepping, and traversing slopes.
• Self belay, self arrest and how to use an ice ax to climb snow.
• Basic snow anchors and rope techniques for steep snow climbing.
• How to assess snow quality.
• Clothing and gear selection,
• After taking this climbing course participants should feel capable of climbing steep snow slopes in unglaciated terrain.

No previous climbing experience is necessary. While helpful primarily participants must be able to take care of themselves in cold, wet alpine environments.