Snow travel, crampon use, and ice axe arrest are the basic building blocks of mountaineering in the Cascades. This course will teach you how to travel on snowfields and lay the foundation for traveling on glaciers or through steeper mountain terrain. You'll become familiar with the different types of equipment available, apply basic cramponing techniques, and learn to self-belay and self-arrest with mountain axes. This course is appropriate for first time mountaineers or for those looking to brush up on skills. Crampons, Ice Axe and Helmet provided. This outing is weather and snow condition dependent and the curriculum will be adjusted to fit the conditions at the time of the course.
Learn and practice techniques to safely climb and descend snow slopes
Learn and practice self-belay
Learn and practice self arrest
What to bring with you
Gear list
A list of required and optional gear items to bring to class, as well as gear provided by REI.
Bring to class:
(Required)
2 Liters of Water - At least two one-liter water bottles, such as a Nalgene bottle, or a large hydration bladder.
Base Layers - Wool or synthetic.
Daypack - Large enough to carry water, food and layers.
Insulated Mountaineering Boots
Personal Prescription Medications - Including, but not limited to, epinephrine auto-injectors for anaphylactic allergies.
Rain Gear - Waterproof/resistant jacket, pants and hat.
Snacks
Sun Protection - Lip balm, sunscreen, wide-brim hats, etc.
Sunglasses
Synthetic/Wool Layers - Clothing that retains warm when wet.
Warm Gloves
Warm Hat
Warm Jacket - Down or Synthetic.
Warm Socks - Wool or Synthetic.
Wide Brim Hat w/ Retainer - Sun protective & safe in case of wind
(Optional)
Lip Balm/Protection
Personal Climbing Harness
Personal Climbing Helmet
Provided by REI:
Climbing Harness
Climbing Helmet
Crampons
Gaiters
Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses
Ice Axe
Mountaineering Hardware - All necessary.
Snow Anchors
Static Rope - Minimum of 100 feet for anchors and fixed lines.
