Lesson 1Navigation and communication gear: map/compass/GPS principles for alpine approaches, altimeter use, VHF/PLB/satellite messenger options and battery planningReviews navigation and communication tools for alpine approaches, including map, compass, GPS, and altimeter use, plus VHF, PLB, and satellite messengers, with focus on extras, 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 conditionsLesson 2Clothing and layering systems for high-alpine ice: base layers, mid layers, insulating shells, and dexterity vs warmth tradeoffsDetails clothing systems for cold alpine ice, including moisture-handling base layers, active mid layers, shell choices, and hand systems dat balance hand movement and warmth while stopping sweat build and quick heat loss.
Moisture-handling base layersActive warmth and mid layersShell jackets and softshell trousersGlove systems and hand movement tradeoffsHandling sweat, wind, and rest stopsLesson 3Emergency and first-aid kit contents: trauma vs wilderness first aid items, splints, blister care, hypothermia treatment items, evacuation packagingDefines a small emergency kit for alpine ice, separating injury care from wild problems, with supports, blister care, cold sickness tools, and light packaging dat helps quick evacuations in steep ground.
Injury supplies for bleeding controlSupports and holding still optionsBlister stopping and treatmentCold sickness spotting and responseEvacuation packaging and carriersLesson 4Footwear, crampons, and gaiters: boot stiffness, crampon models (step-in vs hybrid), anti-balling solutions and fit protocolAnalyzes boots, crampons, and gaiters for alpine ice, stressing boot hardness, crampon binding styles and fit, anti-ball solutions, and a step-by-step fitting plan dat stops hot spots and accidental crampon loss.
Boot hardness and warmth levelsStep-in vs hybrid crampon bindingsFrontpoint shapes for WI3–WI4 iceAnti-balling plates and upkeepCrampon fit checks and changesLesson 5Ropes and belay devices: single vs half/dual ropes for alpine terrain, dry treatments, length choices, and friction devices for lowering and rappelExamines rope picks 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 quick multipitch changes.
Single vs half and twin rope systemsDry covers and water takingRope thickness, length, and handlingBelay tools for thin icy ropesLowering, rappelling, and backupsLesson 6Packing and weight management: grouping items by function, minimising exposure while preserving redundancy, and pre-trip gear checksFocuses on packing plans dat balance safety and speed, grouping items by use, reducing exposure time at belays, keeping key extras, and using pre-trip gear checks to catch big misses.
Grouping gear by use and stageBalancing extras and smallnessPack setup for quick reachShared team gear and load sharingPre-trip and pre-climb gear checksLesson 7Ice tools and tool selection: vertical vs mixed tools, leash/no-leash debate, pick types, and backup tool considerationsExplores 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 outlines, teeth, and steelGrip rests and handle comfortExtra tools, picks, and partsLesson 8Harness, helmet, personal safety items: harness fit, leg loops, adjustable vs non-adjustable, helmet fit and replacement criteriaCovers picking and fitting harnesses and helmets for long ice days, including sizing, changes, matching with winter layers, check routines, and replacement times to keep comfort and hit protection.
Harness sizing over winter layersLeg loop styles and changesGear loop setup for ice racksHelmet fit, cover, and comfortCheck and retirement rulesLesson 9Protection hardware: ice screw types, lengths, and materials; v-thread/Abalakov cordage choices; alpine vs sport ice anchorsCovers ice protection parts for WI3–WI4, including screw types, lengths, and materials, v-thread cord and tools, and building strong alpine anchors dat differ from thick sport ice protection plans.
Steel vs aluminum ice screw choicesScrew lengths and rack makeupSharpening, caps, and storageV-thread tools and cord pickAlpine anchor plans vs sport
