Lesson 1Navigation and Talk Gear: Map/Compass/GPS Basics for Alpine Approaches, Altimeter Use, VHF/PLB/Satellite Messenger Choices and Battery PlanningLooks at navigation and talk tools for alpine approaches, including map, compass, GPS, and altimeter use, plus VHF, PLB, and satellite messengers, with focus on extra, batteries, and cold-weather power handling.
Map and compass for alpine approachesGPS use, tracks, and waypointsAltimeter setting and checksVHF, PLB, and satellite messengersBattery plan in cold weatherLesson 2Clothing and Layer Systems for High-Alpine Ice: Base Layers, Mid Layers, Warm Shells, and Hand Work vs Warmth TradesDetails clothing systems for cold alpine ice, including wet-managing base layers, active mid layers, shell choices, and hand systems that balance hand work and warmth while stopping sweat build and quick heat loss.
Wet-managing base layersActive warm and mid layersShell jackets and softshell trousersGlove systems and hand work tradesHandling sweat, wind, and rest stopsLesson 3Emergency and First-Aid Kit Things: Trauma vs Wilderness First Aid Items, Splints, Blister Care, Cold Sickness Treatment Items, Evacuation PackingSets a small emergency kit for alpine ice, splitting trauma care from wilderness issues, with splints, blister care, cold sickness tools, and light packing that helps made-up evacuations in steep land.
Trauma supplies for bleeding controlSplints and holding still choicesBlister stopping and treatmentCold sickness spotting and answerEvacuation packing and stretchersLesson 4Footwear, Crampons, and Gaiters: Boot Hardness, Crampon Models (Step-In vs Hybrid), Anti-Balling Fixes and Fit StepsLooks at boots, crampons, and gaiters for alpine ice, stressing boot hardness, crampon binding styles and fit, anti-balling fixes, and step-by-step fitting that stops hot spots and accident crampon loss.
Boot hardness and warm levelsStep-in vs hybrid crampon bindingsFrontpoint shapes for WI3–WI4 iceAnti-balling plates and upkeepCrampon fit checks and changesLesson 5Ropes and Belay Tools: Single vs Half/Dual Ropes for Alpine Land, Dry Treatments, Length Choices, and Friction Tools 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 tools fit for thin, icy ropes and good multipitch changes.
Single vs half and twin rope systemsDry covers and water takeRope thickness, length, and handlingBelay tools for thin icy ropesLowering, rappelling, and backupsLesson 6Packing and Weight Handling: Grouping Items by Job, Lessening Exposure While Keeping Extra, and Pre-Trip Gear ChecksFocuses on packing ways that balance safety and good work, grouping items by job, lessening exposure time at belays, keeping key extra, and using pre-trip gear checks to catch big misses.
Grouping gear by job and phaseBalancing extra and smallnessPack setup for fast reachShared team gear and load splitPre-trip and pre-climb gear checksLesson 7Ice Tools and Tool Picking: Vertical vs Mixed Tools, Leash/No-Leash Talk, Pick Types, and Backup Tool ThoughtsLooks into 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 fix kits for far alpine goals.
Vertical vs mixed tool shapeNo-leash vs leashed setupsPick shapes, teeth, and steelGrip rests and pommel easeSpare tools, picks, and hardwareLesson 8Harness, Helmet, Personal Safety Items: Harness Fit, Leg Loops, Adjustable vs Non-Adjustable, Helmet Fit and Change RulesCovers picking and fitting harnesses and helmets for long ice days, including sizing, change, fit with winter layers, check routines, and change times to keep ease and hit protection.
Harness sizing over winter layersLeg loop styles and changeGear loop setup for ice racksHelmet fit, cover, and easeCheck and retirement rulesLesson 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 sure 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 pickAlpine anchor ways vs sport
