Pre-Course Learning
Prepare for your next mountain adventure with our collection of pre-course learning videos.
Designed to help you get the most out of your training with Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures, these resources cover essential outdoor skills, safety practices, and practical techniques. Whether you’re preparing for a climbing, mountaineering, skiing, or backcountry course, our instructional videos will help you build confidence, refresh your knowledge, and arrive ready to learn.
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How To Tie A Flat Figure 8 Knot
Learn how to tie the initial figure-eight knot with MSAA, using two crossings and a final pass-through to begin a figure-eight follow-through.
How To Tie A Girth Hitch
Learn how to tie a girth hitch with MSAA’s climbing tutorial, including personal anchor attachment and a tree anchor demonstration.
How To Minimize Rope Drag (Advanced Trad Climbing Skills)
Learn how to reduce rope drag with MSAA, using quickdraws, alpine draws and slings to manage rope bends on wandering climbs.
Crag Hazards & Ethics – Outdoor Rock Climbing
Learn crag safety and climbing etiquette with MSAA, from rockfall awareness and tidy gear to Leave No Trace and respectful route sharing.
Advanced Trad Climbing (Matching Cam Size to Body Part)
Learn how to estimate cam sizes using your hands and crack-climbing jams with MSAA’s practical tip for choosing trad climbing gear.
How To Tie A Figure 8 Follow Through Knot
Learn how to tie a figure-eight follow-through with MSAA, including harness tie-in, dressing the knot, tail length and final safety checks.
How To Tie A Figure 8 On A Bight Knot
Learn how to tie a figure-eight on a bight with MSAA, including forming the knot, dressing the strands and adjusting the loop size.
How To Tie a Flat Overhand Bend (For Joining Rappel Ropes)
Learn how to tie a flat overhand bend to join rappel ropes with MSAA’s climbing tutorial, including dressing, tightening and checking the tails.
How To Tie A Barrel Knot
Learn how to tie a barrel knot with MSAA’s climbing tutorial, including two wraps, tightening the knot and leaving at least 30 cm of tail.
How To Tie A Prusik Hitch
Learn how to tie a Prusik hitch with MSAA’s climbing tutorial, including three wraps, dressing the hitch and checking its grip in both directions.
How To Tie A Munter Hitch
Learn how to tie a Munter hitch with MSAA’s climbing tutorial, including loop formation, carabiner setup and a final function check.
Can I Use My Alpine Ski Setup Touring?
Can you use an alpine ski setup for touring? MSAA explains ski suitability, boot walk modes, touring bindings and compatibility checks.
Everything You Need to Know About Using Skins in the Backcountry
Learn how to fit, attach, remove and care for ski touring skins with MSAA’s beginner guide for AST 1 and Intro to Backcountry courses.
How To Do A Munter Mule Overhand
Learn how to tie a Munter mule overhand with MSAA, combining a Munter hitch, mule hitch and overhand backup for a releasable tie-off.
How To Do A Munter Mule Overhand With A Prusik
Learn how to tie a Munter mule overhand with a Prusik in this climbing tutorial from Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures.
What To Pack For An AST 1 or Intro To Backcountry Field Day
Learn what to pack for your AST 1 or Intro to Backcountry field day, from avalanche safety equipment to clothing and personal essentials.