Lesson 1Gear for Navigation and Talking: Map/Compass/GPS Basics for Alpine Approaches, Using Altimeter, VHF/PLB/Satellite Messenger Choices and Battery PlanningLooks at navigation and talking tools for alpine approaches, including map, compass, GPS, and altimeter use, plus VHF, PLB, and satellite messengers, with focus on extras, batteries, and managing power in cold weather.
Map and compass for alpine approachesUsing GPS, tracks, and waypointsCalibrating and checking altimeterVHF, PLB, and satellite messengersBattery plans in cold conditionsLesson 2Clothing and Layering for High Alpine Ice: Base Layers, Mid Layers, Warm Shells, and Tradeoffs Between Hand Skill and WarmthDetails clothing systems for cold alpine ice, including base layers that handle moisture, active mid layers, shell choices, and hand systems that balance hand skill and warmth while stopping sweat build-up and quick heat loss.
Base layers that manage moistureActive warm layers and mid layersShell jackets and softshell trousersGlove systems and tradeoffs for hand skillManaging sweat, wind, and rest stopsLesson 3Things in Emergency and First-Aid Kit: Trauma vs Wilderness First Aid Items, Splints, Blister Care, Items for Treating Low Body Heat, Packaging for EvacuationDefines a small emergency kit for alpine ice, separating trauma care from wilderness issues, with splints, blister care, tools for low body heat, and light packaging that helps make-do evacuations in steep land.
Supplies for trauma to control bleedingSplints and ways to hold stillPreventing and treating blistersSpotting and responding to low body heatPackaging for evacuation and stretchersLesson 4Footwear, Crampons, and Gaiters: Boot Stiffness, Crampon Types (Step-In vs Hybrid), Solutions Against Balling Up and Fitting StepsLooks at boots, crampons, and gaiters for alpine ice, stressing boot stiffness, crampon binding styles and fit, solutions against balling up, and a step-by-step fitting way that stops hot spots and losing crampons by accident.
Boot stiffness and warm levelsStep-in vs hybrid crampon bindingsFrontpoint shapes for WI3–WI4 icePlates against balling and upkeepChecks and changes for crampon fitLesson 5Ropes and Belay Devices: Single vs Half/Dual Ropes for Alpine Land, Dry Treatments, Length Choices, and Friction Devices for Lowering and RappelLooks at rope choices for WI3–WI4 alpine routes, comparing single and half ropes, dry treatments, and best lengths, along with belay and rappel devices suited to thin, icy ropes and good multi-pitch changes.
Single vs half and twin rope systemsDry coatings and taking in waterRope thickness, length, and handlingBelay devices for thin icy ropesLowering, rappelling, and backupsLesson 6Packing and Managing Weight: Grouping Items by Use, Lessening Exposure While Keeping Extras, and Gear Checks Before TripFocuses on packing ways that balance safety and good use, grouping items by use, lessening time exposed at belays, keeping needed extras, and using gear checks before trip to catch big misses.
Grouping gear by use and stageBalancing extras and keeping lightPack setup for quick reachShared team gear and splitting loadsGear checks before trip and before climbLesson 7Ice Tools and Picking Tools: Vertical vs Mixed Tools, Leash/No-Leash Talk, Pick Types, and Thinking About Backup ToolsLooks at picking ice tools for WI3–WI4 routes, comparing vertical and mixed designs, no-leash vs leashed setups, pick shapes and steel hardness, and carrying backups or repair kits for far alpine goals.
Vertical vs mixed tool shapesNo-leash vs leashed setupsPick shapes, teeth, and steelGrip rests and pommel comfortExtra tools, picks, and hardwareLesson 8Harness, Helmet, Personal Safety Items: Harness Fit, Leg Loops, Adjustable vs Non-Adjustable, Helmet Fit and When to ReplaceCovers picking and fitting harnesses and helmets for long ice days, including sizing, changes, working with winter layers, check routines, and times to replace to keep comfort and hit protection.
Harness sizing over winter layersLeg loop styles and changesGear loop setup for ice racksHelmet fit, cover, and comfortChecks and when to stop usingLesson 9Protection Hardware: Ice Screw Types, Lengths, and Materials; V-Thread/Abalakov Cord Choices; Alpine vs Sport Ice AnchorsCovers ice protection hardware for WI3–WI4, including screw types, lengths, and materials, v-thread cord and tools, and building safe alpine anchors that differ from thick sport ice protection ways.
Steel vs aluminium ice screw choicesScrew lengths and rack makeupSharpening, caps, and storageV-thread tools and cord picksAlpine anchor ways vs sport
