Lesson 1Gloves and hand protection: layering, dexterity vs insulation, waterproofing, glove careLearn about different glove types and how to layer them for cold, wet mountain conditions. You will find the right mix of hand movement and warmth, look at ways to keep water out, and pick up easy tips for drying, storing, and fixing gloves to make them last longer on your trips.
Liners, insulating gloves, and shell over-mittsBalancing hand movement with warmth and sizeWaterproof layers and over-mittsExtra gloves and quick hand warmersDrying, cleaning, and small fixes in the fieldLesson 2Ice axe: types (technical vs. general mountaineering), length selection, pick and shaft inspectionLook into ice axe kinds for everyday mountaineering compared to technical work, and how to choose the right length. You will check the pick, handle, and end for any damage, and learn basic ways to tie it on, mark it, and care for it before and after your mountain outings.
Everyday mountaineering vs technical axesPicking the right axe length for the landSigns of wear on pick, adze, and endHandle strength, head fit, and tiesCleaning, stopping rust, and safe carryingLesson 3Navigation and electronics: map reading, compass basics, smartphone GPS use, power management and protective casesGo over key navigation tools for basic mountaineering: maps, compasses, and phone GPS. You will practice keeping your devices safe from cold and wet, planning how to use power wisely, and carrying extras for important tasks on your solo or group trips.
Choosing good topo mapsCompass basics and easy directionsPhone GPS and map apps without internetBattery care in cold and power planningProtective covers, straps, and backupsLesson 4Footwear: types of mountaineering boots, fit, stiffness, sole compatibility with cramponsLearn about boot types for mountaineering, warmth levels, and how stiff the soles are, and how this affects using spikes. You will try on boots for a good fit and comfort, and check soles and tops for wear or breaks to ensure safety on rough paths.
B1, B2, and B3 boot types and their usesSingle vs double boots and warmth levelsSizing, toe space, and heel grip checksLacing ways for going up and downSole wear, separation, and seam checksLesson 5Helmet: standards, fit, when to wear, inspecting for damage and replacement guidelinesUnderstand helmet rules, outer shell and inside padding designs, and how to get a safe, comfy fit. You will learn when to put on a helmet, how to check for cracks or hits, and when to stop using or replace broken gear for your protection.
UIAA and EN helmet safety rulesAdjusting inside straps, bands, and chin clipWhen to wear a helmet on mountain pathsChecking shell, padding, and connection spotsUse life, hit history, and when to retireLesson 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 small first aid and emergency kit for one-day mountain trips. You will choose items for blisters, small cuts, and pain relief, and learn how to pack, protect, and use a whistle, space blanket, and basic papers to handle surprises safely.
Main first aid items for day climbsBlister stopping, padding, and fixingCleaning and covering small woundsUsing a whistle and signal waysSpace blanket for wind and cold sicknessLesson 7Harness (if used) and simple attachments: when to include a harness, using slings or a lightweight harness for route protection or retrieval tasksDecide when a harness is needed for easy beginner mountain paths and simple ice or steep snow walks. You will look at light harness choices, basic straps, and easy ways to attach for safety or getting things back during your travels.
When to add a harness on simple pathsTypes of light mountaineering harnessesFitting and putting on over boots and clothesUsing straps for basic safety tasksSimple attaching to partner or fixed spotsLesson 8Pre-trip gear inspection checklist: checklist elements and pass/fail criteria for each key itemMake a step-by-step gear check list before your trip that covers important things like boots, spikes, helmet, axe, and clothes. You will set good or bad rules and practice a quick but full last check to ensure everything is ready for the mountains.
Listing all key personal gear itemsVisual and working checks for eachGood or bad rules for safety gearTiming and order of the final checkNoting problems and planning fixesLesson 9Backpack and load management: capacity selection, packing order, load distribution, emergency items placementLearn how to pick backpack size for day and short overnight mountaineering. You will practice packing order, spreading weight near your back, and placing emergency and often-used items for easy reach on your journeys.
Choosing pack size for path and time of yearUsing frame, waist belt, and tight strapsPacking order for steady and easy accessBalancing weight near the backPlacing emergency and wet-sensitive gearLesson 10Footwear and crampon compatibility checklist: how to verify compatibility before leaving homeBuild a step-by-step way to confirm boots and spikes match before going out. You will check boot edges, sole strength, and attachment type, then do movement tests to make sure they stay on tight during use.
Finding boot types and sole strengthMatching edges to spike attachment typesTrying spikes on each boot at home dryWalk, front-point, and side tests for fitNoting which spikes fit which bootsLesson 11Crampons: designs (strap, semi-automatic, automatic), adjustment, fitting to boots, maintenanceLearn spike types, how they attach to different boots, and how to size and adjust them safely. You will also practice basic care, stopping rust, and safe storage to keep points sharp and attachments strong for reliable use.
Strap, mixed, and auto spike designsBoot edges and spike attachment matchAdjusting length bar and heel lift settingsChecking fit with walk and kick testsStopping rust, sharpening, and storageLesson 12Clothing system: base, insulating, shell layers, materials, layering strategies for late-spring mountain conditionsBuild a useful clothing setup for late-spring mountaineering, using base, warm, and outer layers. You will compare fabrics, handle sweat and wind, and plan extra layers for breaks and surprise weather to stay comfortable.
Sweat-managing base layer choicesWarm middle layers for cool spring weatherOuter jackets and pants for wind and wet snowChanging layers going up and downCarrying extras and emergency warm layers
