Mountaineering Skills - Snow Travel
Description: The use of an ice axe and crampons is critical to anyone who wants to be able to move with comfort and safety in the mountains. This course will prepare you to deal with high summer snowfields and start to develop the skills needed for mountaineering adventures. We will cover snow travel, self-belay with an ice axe, self arrest and crampon use. This course is appropriate for first time mountaineers or climbers looking to brush up on skills. This course is very weather and condition dependent and the curriculum will be adjusted to fit the conditions at the time of the course. The next step in the mountaineering progression is the Rope Team class after that it is time to put it all together and join us for a winter ascent.
Skills you'll learn:
Learn and practice techniques to safely climb and descend snow slopes, Learn and practice self-belay, Learn and practice self arrest
Duration: 8.0 hours
Required Legal Form:
This course requires the participant to read and sign a liability release form before participating. Please see "Required Legal Form" for the session you are registering for. You will need to print, sign and bring the form to your class.
Mountaineering Skills - Snow Travel Information
- Activity Level (3) Moderate
- Skill Level (2) Intermediate
- Minimum Age: 15
MOUNTAINEERING SKILLS - SNOW TRAVEL
- Class Details
- Gear List
Mountaineering Skills - Snow Travel Gear List
Gear to bring to class:
(Required)
- Warm Jacket - Down or Synthetic.
- Warm Hat
- Rain Gear - Waterproof/resistant jacket, pants and hat.
- Pocketknife
- Warm Socks - Wool or Synthetic.
- Hiking Boots
- Extra Warm Synthetic Clothing
- Base Layers - Wool or synthetic.
- Sunglasses
- Daypack - Day pack large enough to carry water, food and layers.
- Lip Balm/Protection
- Water Bottle
- 2 Liters of Water - At least 2 Nalgene sized water bottles or a large Camelback style reservoir
- Gaiters
- Matches or Lighter - A ten essentials item for backcountry travel.
- Sun Protection - Lip balm, sunscreen, wide-brim hats, etc.
- Warm Gloves
- Lunch & Snacks
- Headlamp/Flashlight
(Optional)
- Foam sit pad - Used for insulation when sitting in snow.
- Personal Camera
- Energy Snacks
- Personal GPS
- Hiking Poles - REI will provide but you are welcome to bring your own.
- Personal Compass
- Thermos with warm drinks
- Hydration Compatible Day Pack - 1000-2000 cubic inches with 70-100 oz water bladder
Gear provided by REI:
- Climbing Harness
- Climbing Helmet
- First Aid Kits
- Ice / Mountain Axe
- Dynamic Climbing Rope - At least a 60m rope.
- Topographical Maps - Local course area maps.
- Crampons - Spikes that fit on sturdy boots to help with traction on ice.

Black Diamond Climbing Gear
Mammut Climbing Gear
La Sportiva