Lesson 1Gloves and hand protection: layering, dexterity vs insulation, waterproofing, glove careGet to grips with glove types and layering for cold, wet alpine conditions. You'll balance dexterity and warmth, compare waterproofing options, and master simple drying, storage, and repair tricks to make gloves last longer.
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 inspectionCheck out ice axe types for general mountaineering versus technical climbs, and how to pick the right length. You'll inspect pick, shaft, and spike for wear, plus learn basic leashing, marking, and care routines before and after trips.
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 casesGo over key navigation tools for basic mountaineering: map, compass, and smartphone GPS. You'll practise shielding gadgets from cold and wet, planning battery use, and packing spares for vital functions.
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 cramponsDive into mountaineering boot types, warmth levels, and sole stiffness, and how they match crampons. You'll try fitting boots for a snug, comfy feel, and check soles and uppers for damage or wear.
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 guidelinesKnow helmet standards, shell and foam builds, and how to get a secure, comfy fit. You'll learn when to don a helmet, spot cracks or impacts, and decide when to bin or replace battered gear.
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 blanketPut together a compact first aid and emergency kit for single-day alpine jaunts. You'll choose bits for blisters, small cuts, and pain relief, and learn packing, protection, and use of whistle, space blanket, and basic docs.
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 tasksFigure out when a harness suits beginner mountaineering routes and easy glacier or steep snow travel. You'll review light harness choices, basic slings, and simple tie-ins for protection or recovery.
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 itemMake a proper pre-trip gear check list covering must-haves like boots, crampons, helmet, axe, and clothes. You'll set pass/fail rules and run quick but thorough final checks.
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 to choose backpack size for day trips and light overnights in mountaineering. You'll practise packing sequence, keeping load near your back, and placing emergency and often-used items for easy reach.
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 homeBuild a step-by-step way to ensure boots and crampons match before heading out. You'll check welt shapes, sole stiffness, and binding type, then test movement for solid attachment.
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, maintenanceMaster crampon types, how they fit various boots, and sizing/adjusting for security. You'll also do basic upkeep, rust-proofing, and storage to keep points sharp and straps trusty.
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 conditionsAssemble a solid clothing setup for late-spring mountaineering with base, mid, and shell layers. You'll weigh materials, handle moisture and wind, and plan extra layers for breaks and surprise weather.
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
