Activity Description
This is a super intensive yet fun way to spend half a day. Learn how to use crampons (or any traction), properly. Understand the choreography between the ice axe your feet… the dance that is solely that of the mountaineer is far from random. Learn to rest step onto the higher ridges to conserve energy, and learn to breathe when the air thins as you climb. Learn how to self arrest with an ice axe, and even learn some rope tricks that can save your days — and maybe your life — or that of another. The primary focus, however, is to teach you proper crampon techniques. While knowing self-arrest methods is awesome, a must-have, if you can stay on your feet and in control you will always be ahead of the game.
Activity Offerings
We have considered trying to run this course in the off-season, utilizing gravel banks, but it would be less than adequate. Therefore, the best experiences will occur when there is snow and ice on the ground making the availability of this course range from as early as December to as late as May (since we have access to secret stashes of snow at lower elevations, late season classes are possible). This is available as half-day course lasting 3-4 hours, or so, and sometimes longer (depending on group size). It is also available as a full day course lasting 6-8 hours covering the material, plus some, in greater depth, plus more intense custom programs available. Call for pricing and more information. Training for something special? Please include any special objectives or learning desires you may have, if applicable, in the comments box of our Booking Form.
What to Wear
This course takes place entirely outdoors (not too, too far from the urban world) and will literally involve rolling around in the snow. Therefore your clothing should consist of layers: at least one to keep you warm and another to protect you and your under layers. You may also opt to wear mountaineering gear if you own such clothing and are training for something else. The course provides a great shakedown opportunity. In any case, these general guidelines can help:
- Think layers. While a ski jacket, for example, may be warm and waterproof, if the insulation can’t be separated from the rain/snow protection layer, it really isn’t suitable. You will overheat if you need rain/snow protection while mountaineering, training or otherwise. Bring independent layers. Having our “Ready Pack” will help.
- Never wear cotton, even at the underwear level. Synthetic materials, wool, and especially performance/wicking materials should be your clothing of choice. For mountaineering, since cotton won’t dry and doesn’t insulate while wet, it can pose a hazard. You will want to wear sports or mountaineering clothing and you will want to bring extra.
- For footwear, wear proper winter mountaineering boots with step-in crampons (which can be rented, even done for you as a convenience if we lack your size). That said, for this course, you may opt to use stiff winter hiking boots and strap-on crampons. For this course, this footwear is adequate. You will still learn the correct techniques. That said, using the real deal is strongly recommended for the optimum experience.
Necessary Gear
For your mountaineering skills course gear needs, in addition to your own non-cotton base layers, hiking/climbing pants with shirt, and footwear, as described above, plus rain pants/jacket, we offer three options. Click to expand.
Gear Option 1 - Open
Gear Option 1 - Close
- Personal first aid kit/meds.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Camera/phone (weather-protected).
- Lip balm, sun block.
- Sunglasses (glacier glasses).
- Proper footwear (see information above).
- Proper clothing layering (see information above).
SPECIAL NOTE: You may get an “Alpine Ready Pack, Lean” without food and water for $60/person/day.
SPECIAL NOTE: You can also order just food and water for $15/person/day. (Available with any option.)
Gear Option 2 - Open
Gear Option 2 - Close
- A lined pack with hip belt and room for the items below (~40-50 liters).
- Hardshell jacket and pants, or rain poncho (don’t bring your best set).
- Mountain-rated insulated layer (mountains are much colder than in town).
- Winter-rated mid-layer, maybe a soft shell (much colder).
- Food for the day, plus extra.
- Water for the day, at least 2 liters, plus extra.
- Seasonally-rated hat, gloves/mittens.
- Headlamp with spare batteries (or backup device).
- Whistle or sound-making device (sternum strap whistles are okay).
Plus any of these specialty items also available from the master rental list, below…
- Ice/Snow Axe.
- Mountaineering Boots.
- Mountaineering Crampons.
- Mountaineering Harness.
- Climbing Helmet.
- General Rental Gear Pricing
-
- Empty Backpack: $15/person/day.
- Headlamp w/ Batteries: $5/person/day.
- Trekking Pole Set: $5/person/day.
- Bushwhack Kit (Compass/Glasses): $5/person/day.
- Food and Water (Lunch Kit): $15/person/day.
- Summer Clothing/Layers Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Fleece (Midlayer): $5/person/day.
- Puffy Jacket (Midweight): $20/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day.
- Light Gloves: $5/person/day.
- Climbing Gloves: $10/person/day.
- Winter Clothing/Layers Pricing – Add to List Above
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Puffy/Parka (Heavyweight/Winter): $25/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day (Gaiters Req. w/ Crampon Use).
- Mitts/Overmitts: $10/person/day.
- Watchman’s Hat: $5/person/day.
- Balaclava: $5/person/day.
- Face Protection (Faceglove/Mask): $5/person/day.
- Ski Goggles: $5/person/day.
- Gaiters (Winter): $10/person/day.
- Winter Rental Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Light Traction: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Snowshoes: $15/person/day.
- Mountaineering Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Ice/Snow Axe: $10/person/day.
- Whippet: $10/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Winter Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Ice Climbing Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Technical Ice Tools: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Boots: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Beacon: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Probe: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Shovel: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Kit: $40/person/day.
- Summer Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Rock Climbing Shoes: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Chalk Bag w/ Chalk): $5/person/day.
- Personal Flotation Device: $10/person/day.
- Backpacking Gear Pricing
-
- Sleeping Bag (Rated): $20/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Foam): $5/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Inflatabe): $15/person/night.
- Tent (1-2 People): $20/person/night.
- Tent (3-4 People): $30/person/night.
- Stove w/ Fuel: $15/person/night.
- Other Gear-Related Pricing
-
- Gear Insurance (Regular/Hiking): $10/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Alpine/Winter): $20/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Backpacking): $30/person/day.
- Outsourced Gear (Pick Up Fee): $40/person/day.
Gear Option 3 - Open
Gear Option 3 - Close
Okay… Let’s Do This!
What follows below is the pricing and other information you’ll probably want or need to know.
| Half Day Mountaineering Skills Pricing | |
|---|---|
| For one person | $175 |
| For two people | $125 each |
| For three people | $110 each |
| For four or more | $100 each | Full Day Mountaineering Skills Pricing |
| For one person | $275 |
| For two people | $200 each |
| For three people | $175 each |
| For four or more | $150 each | Mountaineering Skills Premiums |
| Make it private | INCLUDED |
Other Information
- The difficulty of this activity is as requested but it’s not tough.
- This activity has up to a 1:4 instructor/student ratio.
- The maximum group size is 8 with 2 guides.
- For parties larger than 8, please contact us.
- Gratuities not included; 15-25% is customary for a good job.
A little more than you need? Try out our Hiking Intro or Winter Skills courses instead. Or maybe just choose a nice Hike. But if you’re ready to rock and roll, as they say, go ahead and BOOK IT NOW!