Lesson 1Navigation and Talking Gear: Map/Compass/GPS Basics for Alpine Paths, Height Meter Use, VHF/PLB/Satellite Talker Choices and Battery PlansLooks at navigation and talking tools for alpine paths, including map, compass, GPS, and height meter use, plus VHF, PLB, and satellite talkers, with focus on extras, batteries, and cold weather power handling.
Map and compass for alpine pathsGPS use, paths, and pointsHeight meter setting and checksVHF, PLB, and satellite talkersBattery plans in coldLesson 2Clothes and Layer Systems for High Alpine Ice: Base Layers, Middle Layers, Warm Shells, and Hand Skill vs Warmth ChoicesDetails clothes systems for cold alpine ice, including wet-managing base layers, active middle layers, shell choices, and hand systems that balance skill and warmth while stopping sweat build and quick heat loss.
Wet-managing base layersActive warm and middle layersShell coats and soft pantsGlove systems and skill choicesHandling sweat, wind, and rest stopsLesson 3Emergency and First Help Kit Things: Hurt vs Wild First Help Items, Supports, Blister Care, Cold Sickness Treatment Items, Leave PackingSets a small emergency kit for alpine ice, splitting hurt care from wild problems, with supports, blister care, cold sickness tools, and light packing that helps make-do leaves in steep land.
Hurt supplies for blood stopSupports and hold still choicesBlister stop and treatmentCold sickness spot and answerLeave packing and carriesLesson 4Footwear, Ice Spikes, and Leg Covers: Boot Hardness, Ice Spike Models (Step-In vs Mixed), Anti-Snow Ball Solutions and Fit StepsLooks at boots, ice spikes, and leg covers for alpine ice, stressing boot hardness, ice spike tie styles and fit, anti-snow ball solutions, and step-by-step fitting that stops hot spots and lost spikes.
Boot hardness and warm levelsStep-in vs mixed ice spike tiesFront point shapes for WI3–WI4 iceAnti-snow ball plates and careIce spike fit checks and changesLesson 5Ropes and Stop Devices: Single vs Half/Dual Ropes for Alpine Land, Dry Treatments, Length Choices, and Rub Devices for Down and Rope DropLooks at rope choices for WI3–WI4 alpine routes, comparing single and half ropes, dry treatments, and best lengths, with stop and rope drop devices fit for thin, icy ropes and good multi-pitch changes.
Single vs half and pair rope systemsDry covers and water takeRope thick, length, and handleStop devices for thin icy ropesDown, rope drop, and extrasLesson 6Packing and Weight Handling: Grouping Things by Use, Less Show While Keeping Extras, and Before-Trip Gear ChecksFocuses on packing ways that balance safety and good work, grouping things by use, less show time at stops, keeping need extras, and using before-trip gear checks to catch big misses.
Grouping gear by use and partBalance extras and smallPack setup for quick getShared team gear and load shareBefore-trip and before-climb gear checksLesson 7Ice Tools and Tool Picking: Straight vs Mixed Tools, No-Rope/No-Rope Talk, Pick Types, and Backup Tool ThoughtsLooks at picking ice tools for WI3–WI4 routes, comparing straight and mixed designs, no-rope vs rope setups, pick shapes and metal hard, and carrying backups or fix kits for far alpine goals.
Straight vs mixed tool shapeNo-rope vs rope setupsPick shapes, teeth, and metalGrip rests and handle easySpare tools, picks, and partsLesson 8Harness, Head Guard, Personal Safety Things: Harness Fit, Leg Loops, Change vs No-Change, Head Guard Fit and Change RulesCovers picking and fitting harnesses and head guards for long ice days, including size, change, fit with winter layers, check routines, and change times to keep comfort and hit protection.
Harness size over winter layersLeg loop styles and changeGear loop setup for ice setsHead guard fit, cover, and comfortCheck and stop use rulesLesson 9Protection Parts: Ice Screw Types, Lengths, and Materials; V-Thread/Abalakov Rope Choices; Alpine vs Sport Ice HoldsCovers ice protection parts for WI3–WI4, including screw types, lengths, and materials, v-thread rope and tools, and building strong alpine holds that differ from thick sport ice protection ways.
Metal vs light metal ice screw choicesScrew lengths and set makeSharpen, caps, and storeV-thread tools and rope pickAlpine hold ways vs sport
