Basic Mountaineering Course

Lesson 1 • Mountain Environment Overview

Covers terrain types, elevation zones, and weather patterns unique to mountains. Provides the environmental context needed for all subsequent technical training.

Lesson 2 • Physical and Mental Preparation

Outlines fitness benchmarks and psychological resilience required for alpine objectives. Connects physical readiness directly to performance and safety outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Leave No Trace and Mountain Ethics

Teaches environmental stewardship principles and ethical conduct on shared terrain. Establishes the professional standards expected of all mountaineers.

Lesson 1 • Footwear and Crampon Systems

Covers boot categories, crampon compatibility, and proper fitting procedures. Correct footwear selection is foundational to safe movement on snow and ice.

Lesson 2 • Ice Axes and Trekking Poles

Introduces ice axe anatomy, sizing, and carrying techniques for varied terrain. Students connect tool selection to specific slope angle and objective demands.

Lesson 3 • Packs, Shelters, and Bivouac Gear

Addresses pack fitting, load distribution, and emergency shelter options. Efficient packing and shelter knowledge are critical for multi-day alpine objectives.

Lesson 4 • Clothing and Layering Systems

Explains the three-layer system for thermal regulation in alpine conditions. Proper layering directly reduces hypothermia and frostbite risk.

Lesson 1 • Glacier Travel Fundamentals

Introduces roped travel protocols and crevasse recognition on glaciated terrain. Rope teams reduce individual exposure to crevasse fall hazards.

Lesson 2 • Basic Snow Travel Techniques

Teaches step-kicking, plunge-stepping, and rest-stepping on snow slopes. These techniques form the movement vocabulary for all alpine ascents.

Lesson 3 • Crampon Techniques on Snow and Ice

Develops French, German, and American crampon techniques for varied slope angles. Proper footwork prevents falls and reduces fatigue on technical terrain.

Lesson 1 • Essential Knots for Mountaineering

Teaches the figure-eight family, clove hitch, bowline, and prusik knots. Each knot is tied to its specific mountaineering application for retention.

Lesson 2 • Harness Fitting and Attachment

Covers sit harness fitting, tie-in points, and chest harness construction. Correct harness use is the foundation of all roped safety systems.

Lesson 3 • Rope Team Management

Addresses team rope configurations, coiling methods, and communication protocols. Effective rope team management prevents crevasse falls and rope drag.

Lesson 1 • Rock Anchor Fundamentals

Teaches natural anchors, sling placements, and basic gear anchor principles. Rock anchors complement snow and ice systems on mixed alpine routes.

Lesson 2 • Snow Anchor Construction

Covers deadman, picket, and bollard anchors for varying snow conditions. Snow anchor strength depends on placement angle and snow density assessment.

Lesson 3 • Belay Techniques and Devices

Covers hip belay, plate device, and assisted-braking device operation. Belay method selection depends on anchor strength and terrain steepness.

Lesson 4 • Ice Anchor Systems

Introduces ice screw placement, V-thread construction, and ice bollards. Ice anchors require precise technique to achieve rated holding strength.

Lesson 1 • Map Reading in Alpine Terrain

Develops contour interpretation, scale use, and feature identification on topographic maps. Accurate map reading is the foundation of all mountain navigation.

Lesson 2 • Route Selection and Terrain Reading

Develops skills for identifying safe lines, avoiding objective hazards, and adapting routes. Good route selection balances efficiency with hazard avoidance.

Lesson 3 • Altimeter and GPS Use

Covers altimeter calibration for position fixing and GPS waypoint management. Electronic tools supplement but do not replace map-and-compass skills.

Lesson 4 • Whiteout and Night Navigation

Teaches dead reckoning, pace counting, and headlamp use for low-visibility travel. These skills prevent disorientation during storms and pre-dawn starts.

Lesson 1 • Building a Hauling System

Covers Z-pulley and C-pulley construction using prusiks and carabiners. Mechanical advantage systems allow a small team to raise a loaded victim.

Lesson 2 • Team Rescue Coordination

Integrates arrest, anchor building, and hauling into a coordinated team rescue. Practiced role assignments reduce rescue time and victim exposure.

Lesson 3 • Crevasse Fall Arrest and Holding

Teaches immediate arrest response and transitioning from arrest to a held system. Fast, correct arrest prevents the victim from falling deeper into the crevasse.

Lesson 1 • Expedition Planning and Logistics

Covers objective selection, permit requirements, food and fuel calculations, and team roles. Thorough planning reduces in-field decision load and resource shortfalls.

Lesson 2 • Acclimatisation Schedules

Teaches climb-high-sleep-low protocols and acclimatisation indicators for high-altitude objectives. Proper acclimatisation prevents altitude illness and improves performance.

Lesson 3 • Turnaround Discipline and Descent

Develops firm turnaround time commitment and safe descent protocols under fatigue. Most mountaineering accidents occur during descent due to reduced vigilance.

Lesson 4 • Summit Day Execution

Addresses alpine start timing, pacing, and real-time hazard monitoring during ascent. Disciplined execution on summit day is where all prior training converges.