Details for Intro to Winter Mountaineering

Dates Cost Prerequisites Location Guide/Instructor Itinerary/Objectives Equipment Logistics Related programs Registration

• Recognition of hazards specific to winter alpine climbing
  
• Review of basic rope management techniques (belaying methods, knots, rope coiling, tying-in and double-checking)
  
• Efficient movement through Alpine terrain in winter conditions
  
• Movement on steep snow with crampons and ice ax
  
• Steep ice climbing technique
  
• Climbing techniques for steep snow and mixed rock/snow/ice
  
• Ongoing technique coaching and skill development matched to your individual level
  
• Alpine climbing anchor construction with considerations for winter snowpack variability
  
• Avalanche safety and awareness
  
• Winter survival tips
  
• HAVING FUN!!

• Boots - plastic mountaineering boots - Scarpa, Koflach, etc
  
• Crampons - adjusted to your boots (1 pr)
  
• Snowshoes - preferably mountaineering style w/crampons; make sure they fit your boots
• Sleeping bag - preferably synthetic; good to -15 Celsius (1)
  
• Sleeping pad - Ensolite or Therma rest type (1)
  
• Backpack - internal frame; 60-80 litres (1)
  
• Day pack (optional - using your internal frame backpack will also suffice)
  
• Lightweight camp slippers (1 pair optional for around camp)
  
• Outer layer jacket with hood - Gore-Tex style (1)
  
• Full-zip pants or bibs - Gore-Tex style (1 pair)
  
• Thermal top & bottom, Polypro, Capilene, etc. (1 pr)
  
• Climbing pants - fleece, pile, Schoeller, etc. (1 pr)
  
• Gaiters (1 pr)
  
• Gloves (medium weight) - wool or poly-pro (2 pr)
  
• Expedition style gloves or mitts w/removable liners (1 pr)
  
• Over-mitts or over-gloves (1 pr)
• Warm parka - down, fleece or pile (1)
  
• Sweater or vest - wool, fleece or down (1)
  
• Toque/warm hat - wool or fleece (1)
  
• Sunglasses with side shields and nose shield (1pr)
  
• Ski goggles (1 pr)
  
• Headlamp with extra set of batteries and extra bulb
  
• Eating utensils - cup, bowl, spoon etc.
  
• Personal kit - toothbrush, blister kit, toilet paper, etc.
  
• Maps and compass - specific map #'s will be given at the pre-trip evening (optional)
  
• Notepad and pencil - (optional)
  
• Personal 1st aid (blister kit, medications, etc.)
  
• Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
  
• Water bottles w/insulation - minimum 1 litres
  
• Small "thermos" for hot drinks
  
• Knife - Swiss army style
• Sunscreen (min. 15 spf & waterproof)
  
  
Technical equipment (supplied by CWMS if required):

• Climbing harness - lightweight seat harness only (1)
• Helmet
  
• 3 locking carabiners
  
• 1 belay device
  
• 7mm accessory cord - 2 x 5 m length, and 1 x 1.75 m length
  

Equipment required that may be shared for communal use

• 3-4 person tents (supplied if required)
  
• Single burner stoves and fuel (1 stove per 2-3 people)
  
• Cooking sets (2 pots per 3 people)

CWMS supplies all other technical & safety equipment including carabiners, ropes, etc.