INTRO TO BASIC MOUNTAINEERING

IN THIS COURSE, YOU WILL LEARN THE BASIC MOUNTAINEERING SKILLS NEEDED TO SAFELY CLIMB A SNOW AND ICE PEAK.

BOOK NOW Price: $439.00 /per person Book Now

BOOK NOW Price: $439.00 /per person

Book Now

INTRO TO BASIC MOUNTAINEERING

Association of Canadian Mountain Guides Logo

Join one of our Professionally Certified ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) guides and let them share their passion for this sport. 

Visit our Guides Page to find out more about your guide.

Book online or contact our office to ask any questions: 1-604-938-9242 or info@mountainskillsacademy.com

COURSE INFORMATION

In this course, you will learn the basic mountaineering skills needed to safely climb a snow and ice peak.

On day one we will focus on skill development and on day 2 we will put your skills to use by climbing on a snow and ice alpine peak.

Course Location: Whister Blackcomb. The Whistler Alpine hosts a world-class learning environment easily accessible by the lift system. This allows us to cut out the approach time and maximize learning over the two days of this course.

Although not a prerequisite, it is highly recommended that participants take a Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel course prior to taking this course as most peaks require a glacier approach.

Course Location: Both days of this course will be run on Whister Blackcomb. *A lift ticket will be required for both days.

Day 1: Meet the guide at 8:15am at a the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre. The guide will have everyone sign a waiver, before performing a gear check, having a safety discussion and giving a brief overview of the course. The group will then use the Whistler Blackcomb lift system to access the best learning environment in the Coast Mountains.

The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a short debrief of the day, and a brief discussion of Day 2’s objectives.

Day 2: The meeting time will be determined at the end of Day 1. The guide will discuss the weather and the day’s objectives. The group will then head out to climb on a peak suitable for the objective and current conditions. (The objective is not necessarily to reach a summit but is planned for participants to put the skills into practice).

The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a course debrief and a discussion of what the next steps will be for students.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals we have teamed up with local rental companies to provide discounted rentals. Visit our rental page HERE for more information!

Weather conditions constantly change in the alpine. Be prepared for heat, cold, and rain. There are several rain-protected climbing venues we can use, but it is essential that you pack enough clothing to be prepared for any weather conditions. So please dress according to the forecast for the course days.

We recommend the following:
  • Head lamp with extra batteries
  • Soft shell type climbing pants
  • Insulating top and bottom under-layers and socks
  • Synthetic or wool t-shirt
  • Mid layer fleece top
  • Weatherproof shell jacket
  • Down or synthetic insulated “puffy” jacket
  • Warm hat and ballcap
  • Warm mountain or ice climbing gloves
  • Light gloves
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Daypack 35-45 L
  • Camera
  • A hiking pole is recommended
Equipment
  • Mountaineering boots
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Mountaineering axe
  • Crampons
  • Belay device

If you have taken a crevasse rescue course, bring your crevasse rescue equipment

If you own your own climbing gear we highly recommend that you use it as it is best to be familiar with your own equipment. Please let us know when you register.

Day 1:
  • Mountain Environment & Mountain Conditions
  • Use of Ice Axes, chopping steps, piolet traction position, ice climbing, down climbing and dealing with low angled ice or steep
  • Crevasse rescue review
  • Situational awareness
  • Mock Alpine steep snow & Ice climbing technique
  • The mountain environment - risk and hazard management
Day 2:
  • Put skills into practice
  • Students share leads with direct supervision

Click HERE for the full curriculum

The important details:

Season: May – September

Duration: 2 Days (8:30am – 4:30pm)

Location: Whistler

Max Ratio: 6 Clients to 1 Guide

Minimum Age: 16 yrs

Prerequisites: Crevasse Rescue is an asset 

BOOK COURSE:

Price: $439/per person | $1899/private (up to 6ppl)

Book Now

NEXT STEPS

PRIVATE MOUNTAINEERING & INSTRUCTION

If you have a route or objective in mind that you don’t see listed on our site, why not consider taking a privately guided trip to help you achieve your mountaineering goal.

SUMMER CREVASSE RESCUE & GLACIER TRAVEL

Learn safe and efficient glacier travel, crevasse incident avoidance and response.