Lesson 1Gloves and hand protection: layering, dexterity vs insulation, waterproofing, glove careUnderstand types of gloves and how to layer them for cold, wet hill conditions. You will balance hand movement and warmth, compare ways to keep water out, and learn easy drying, storing, and fixing methods to make gloves last longer on your trips.
Liners, insulating gloves, and shell over-mittsBalancing dexterity with warmth and bulkWaterproof membranes and over-mittsSpare gloves and emergency hand warmersDrying, cleaning, and small field repairsLesson 2Ice axe: types (technical vs. general mountaineering), length selection, pick and shaft inspectionExplore ice axe types for general hill climbing versus technical work, and how to choose the right length. You will check the pick, shaft, and spike for damage, and learn basic tying, marking, and care before and after your outings in the mountains.
General mountaineering vs technical axesChoosing correct axe length for terrainPick, adze, and spike wear indicatorsShaft integrity, head attachment, and leashesCleaning, rust control, and safe transportLesson 3Navigation and electronics: map reading, compass basics, smartphone GPS use, power management and protective casesReview key navigation tools for basic hill climbing: map, compass, and smartphone GPS. You will practice protecting your devices from cold and wet, planning power use, and carrying extras for important tasks on your solo or group trips.
Selecting suitable topographic mapsCompass basics and simple bearingsOffline smartphone GPS and map appsBattery care in cold and power budgetingProtective cases, lanyards, and backupsLesson 4Footwear: types of mountaineering boots, fit, stiffness, sole compatibility with cramponsLearn categories of hill climbing boots, warmth levels, and sole hardness, and how they work with crampons. You will practice fitting boots for safety and comfort, and checking soles and tops for wear or damage before heading out.
B1, B2, and B3 boot categories and usesSingle vs double boots and insulation levelsSizing, toe room, and heel hold checksLacing methods for ascent and descentSole wear, delamination, and seam checksLesson 5Helmet: standards, fit, when to wear, inspecting for damage and replacement guidelinesUnderstand helmet rules, shell and foam designs, and how to get a secure, comfortable fit. You will learn when to wear a helmet on hill routes, how to check for cracks or hits, and when to stop using or replace damaged gear for safety.
UIAA and EN helmet safety standardsAdjusting suspension, straps, and chin buckleWhen to wear a helmet on mountaineering routesInspecting shell, foam, and attachment pointsService life, impact history, and retirementLesson 6Basic first aid and emergency kit: essential items for one-day outing, blister care, wound care, carrying and using a whistle and space blanketBuild a small first aid and emergency kit for one-day hill trips. You will pick items for blisters, small cuts, and pain relief, and learn how to pack, protect, and use a whistle, space blanket, and basic papers to stay safe alone.
Core first aid items for day ascentsBlister prevention, padding, and treatmentCleaning and dressing minor woundsUsing a whistle and signaling patternsSpace blanket use for wind and hypothermiaLesson 7Harness (if used) and simple attachments: when to include a harness, using slings or a lightweight harness for route protection or retrieval tasksDecide when a harness is needed for beginner hill routes and simple ice or steep snow travel. You will review light harness choices, basic slings, and simple tying methods for protection or getting things back safely on your journey.
When to include a harness on easy routesTypes of lightweight mountaineering harnessesFitting and donning over boots and layersUsing slings for simple protection tasksBasic attachment to partner or fixed pointsLesson 8Pre-trip gear inspection checklist: checklist elements and pass/fail criteria for each key itemCreate a proper pre-trip gear check list that covers important items like boots, crampons, helmet, axe, and clothes. You will set pass or fail rules and practice a quick but full final check to ensure everything is ready for the mountains.
Listing all essential personal gear itemsVisual and functional checks for each itemPass or fail criteria for safety-critical gearTiming and sequencing the final inspectionRecording issues and planning replacementsLesson 9Backpack and load management: capacity selection, packing order, load distribution, emergency items placementLearn how to choose backpack size for day and light overnight hill climbing. You will practice packing order, weight spread near the back, and placing emergency and often-used items for easy reach during your travels.
Choosing pack volume for route and seasonUsing frame, hipbelt, and compression strapsPacking order for stability and accessBalancing weight close to the spinePositioning emergency and wet-sensitive gearLesson 10Footwear and crampon compatibility checklist: how to verify compatibility before leaving homeDevelop a step-by-step way to confirm boots and crampons match before going out. You will check boot edges, sole hardness, and attachment type, then do movement tests to make sure they stay secure on the trail.
Identifying boot categories and sole stiffnessMatching welts to crampon binding typesDry fitting crampons to each boot at homeWalk, front-point, and sidehill fit testsDocumenting which crampons fit which bootsLesson 11Crampons: designs (strap, semi-automatic, automatic), adjustment, fitting to boots, maintenanceLearn crampon types, how they attach to different boots, and how to size and adjust them safely. You will also practice basic care, stopping rust, and safe storage to keep points sharp and attachments strong for your climbs.
Strap, hybrid, and automatic crampon designsBoot welts and crampon binding compatibilityAdjusting length bar and heel lever settingsChecking fit with walk and kick testsRust prevention, sharpening, and storageLesson 12Clothing system: base, insulating, shell layers, materials, layering strategies for late-spring mountain conditionsBuild a useful clothing system for late-spring hill climbing, using base, warm, and outer layers. You will compare fabrics, handle moisture and wind, and plan extra layers for breaks and surprise weather changes on the way.
Moisture-managing base layer optionsInsulating midlayers for cool spring tempsShell jackets and pants for wind and wet snowAdjusting layers during ascent and descentCarrying spares and emergency warm layers
