Lesson 1Gloves and Hand Guards: Layers, Easy Movement vs Warmth, Water-Proofing, Glove CareLearn about glove kinds and layers for cold, wet mountain weather. You will balance easy hand moves with warmth, look at water-proof ways, and learn easy drying, keeping, and fixing tricks to make gloves last longer.
Inner layers, warm gloves, and outer mittsBalancing hand ease with heat and sizeWater-proof covers and outer mittsExtra gloves and quick hand warmersDrying, cleaning, and small fixes in the fieldLesson 2Ice Axe: Kinds (Skill vs General Climbing), Length Pick, Pick and Handle CheckLook at ice axe kinds for general climbing against skill use, and how to pick right length. You will check pick, handle, and end for breaks, and learn basic tying, marking, and care before and after trips.
General climbing vs skill axesPicking right axe length for groundPick, side tool, and end wear signsHandle strength, head fix, and tiesCleaning, rust stop, and safe carryLesson 3Navigation and Electronics: Map Reading, Compass Basics, Phone GPS Use, Power Save and Safe CasesLook over key navigation tools for basic climbing: map, compass, and phone GPS. You will try keeping electronics from cold and wet, plan power use, and carry extras for important jobs.
Picking good land mapsCompass basics and easy directionsOff-line phone GPS and map appsBattery care in cold and power planSafe cases, ties, and extrasLesson 4Footwear: Kinds of Climbing Boots, Fit, Hardness, Sole Match with Spike ShoesLearn climbing boot groups, warmth levels, and sole hardness, and how they change spike shoe use. You will try fitting boots for safety and ease, and check soles and tops for wear or breaks.
B1, B2, and B3 boot groups and usesOne vs two boots and warmth levelsSize, toe space, and heel grip checksLace ways for up and downSole wear, split, and join checksLesson 5Helmet: Rules, Fit, When to Wear, Checking for Breaks and Change RulesLearn helmet rules, shell and soft inside designs, and how to get safe, easy fit. You will learn when to wear helmet, how to check for cracks or hits, and when to stop using or change broken tools.
UIAA and EN helmet safety rulesFixing inside, straps, and chin clipWhen to wear helmet on climbing pathsChecking shell, soft part, and fix pointsUse time, hit past, and stop useLesson 6Basic First Aid and Emergency Kit: Key Items for One-Day Trip, Blister Care, Wound Care, Carry and Use Whistle and Warm BlanketMake a small first aid and emergency kit for one-day mountain trips. You will pick items for blisters, small wounds, and pain ease, and learn how to pack, guard, and use whistle, warm blanket, and basic papers.
Main first aid items for day climbsBlister stop, pads, and fixClean and cover small woundsUse whistle and sign waysWarm blanket use for wind and cold shakeLesson 7Harness (If Used) and Simple Ties: When to Add Harness, Use Bands or Light Harness for Path Guard or Get TasksDecide when harness fits for new climber paths and easy ice or steep snow moves. You will look at light harness choices, basic bands, and simple tie ways for guard or getting back.
When to add harness on easy pathsKinds of light climbing harnessesFitting and putting on over boots and layersUse bands for easy guard tasksBasic tie to friend or fixed spotsLesson 8Pre-Trip Gear Check List: List Parts and Pass/Fail Rules for Each Key ItemMake a step-by-step pre-trip gear check list that covers main items like boots, spike shoes, helmet, axe, and clothes. You will set pass or fail rules and try a quick but full last check.
List all main personal gear itemsLook and work checks for each itemPass or fail rules for safety gearTime and order for last checkWrite issues and plan changesLesson 9Backpack and Load Handle: Size Pick, Pack Order, Load Spread, Emergency Items PlaceLearn how to pick backpack size for day and light night climbing. You will try pack order, load spread near back, and place emergency and often used items for quick reach.
Pick pack size for path and timeUse frame, waist belt, and tight strapsPack order for steady and reachBalance weight near backPlace emergency and wet-safe gearLesson 10Footwear and Spike Shoe Match Check List: How to Check Match Before Leaving HomeMake a step-by-step way to make sure boots and spike shoes match before going home. You will check edge shapes, sole hardness, and tie style, then do move tests to make sure safe fix.
Find boot groups and sole hardnessMatch edges to spike shoe tie kindsDry fit spike shoes to each boot homeWalk, front point, and side fit testsWrite which spike shoes fit which bootsLesson 11Spike Shoes: Designs (Band, Half-Auto, Auto), Adjust, Fit to Boots, Keep UpLearn spike shoe kinds, how they fix to different boots, and how to size and adjust safe. You will also try basic keep up, rust stop, and safe store to keep points sharp and ties strong.
Band, mix, and auto spike shoe designsBoot edges and spike shoe tie matchAdjust length bar and heel lift setsCheck fit with walk and kick testsRust stop, sharpen, and storeLesson 12Clothing Set: Base, Warm, Outer Layers, Materials, Layer Plans for Late-Spring Mountain WeatherBuild a real clothing set for late-spring climbing, using base, warm, and outer layers. You will compare materials, handle wet and wind, and plan extra layers for rest and surprise weather.
Wet-managing base layer choicesWarm middle layers for cool spring heatOuter coats and pants for wind and wet snowChange layers on up and downCarry extras and emergency warm layers
