Dates Cost Prerequisites Location Guide/Instructor Itinerary/Objectives Equipment Logistics Related programs Registration

Dates
June 28-July 2, 2008
July 26-30, 2008
August 16-20, 2008
August 30 - September 3, 2008

This course is offered on a private basis with any group of 2 people at dates of your choice. Please contact our office to set up Custom Dates.

Cost
$945. plus gst
1:2 Instructor to Student ratio

Includes all instruction; teaching materials and handouts; technical mountaineering equipment.

Options exist to utilize helicopters to access some alpine areas for this course for an added fee.

Currency Converter

Location
This course is spent fully in an alpine region that is most suitable for the conditions and is based on the current conditions in the alpine. Weather, snow and ice conditions all vary according to season and we choose our actual location as close to the course date as possible to ensure the best possible course for you. Typical locations include the Joffre Range, Cerise Creek and Anniversary Glacier, the Spearhead Range behind Blackcomb and the Sky Pilot region.

Occasionally we will fly into the Tantalus Range, though this requires an added helicopter fee.

Course Outline
The following is a brief possible schedule for the Canada West Mountain School 5-day Advanced Mountaineering course. Many different variables (such as location, weather, snow conditions, group experience levels, etc) influence the actual day-to-day schedule and the order in which topics are presented, so the following should be considered a general outline only. Prior to the first day of the course, an information package will be sent to all students detailing the meeting time and location for the first day.

Day 1
Meet at 0700 at pre-arranged meeting location - Preparation and final logistics
Approach to Alpine region and establish camp (approx. 3-4 hours)
Review of technical skills and rescue procedures (3-4 hours)
Skills covered: alpine rock anchors, crevasse rescue, rappelling, rope management
Day 2
Ascent of local peak (full day)
Skills covered: alpine hazard management, movement skills, rope handling, glacier travel, anchor building, route selection
Evening session - (2 hours)
Skills covered: review of day, weather, pre planning for next day
Day 3
Alpine traverse including peak ascents (full day)
Skills covered: rope management in broken terrain, alpine snow anchors, decision making, route finding, rappelling, effective small-group travel techniques
Evening debrief (1 hour)
Skills covered: overview of day, tomorrow's objectives, pre-planning, sort and pack gear for next morning, weather
Day 4
Alpine traverse including peak ascents (full day)
Skills covered: steep snow and ice climbing, management of terrain transitions, decision making, route finding
Evening debrief (1 hour)
Skills covered: overview of day, tomorrow's objectives, pre-planning, sort and pack gear for next morning, weather
Day 5
Review and practice of essential skills covered (4 hours)
Skills covered: as required, including alpine rock anchors, crevasse rescue, ascending/descending ropes, etc
Break camp and hike out to trailhead
Individual assessments and review of course

• Boots - full-leather or plastic mountaineering boots. If leather, they should be well broken-in and waterproofed
  
• Backpack - 60-80 liters capacity, big enough to hold all gear for the trip plus some extra communal gear
• Sleeping bag - good to approx. -5 or -10 degrees celsius
  
• Sleeping pad - therma-rest style or closed-cell foam
  
• Day-pack - 30-40 liters capacity (optional, your backpack can also work as a daypack)
  
• Light weight hiking shoes or runners (1 pair optional for around camp)
• Outer layer jacket with hood - Gore-Tex style
  
• Outer layer waterproof pants or bibs, full-zip legs are ideal - Gore-Tex style
• Lightweight thermal layers - top & bottom, Polypro, Capilene, etc.
  
• Climbing/hiking pants - nylon, fleece, Schoeller, etc. (1 pr)
• Gaiters (1 pr)
  
• Gloves (medium weight) - wool or poly-pro (2 pr)
  
• Waterproof gloves or mitts w/removable liners (gloves work best for rope handling and ice axe use) (2 pr)
  
• Warm parka/jacket - down, synthetic, fleece or pile (1)
  
• Sweater or vest - wool, synthetic, fleece or down (1)
  
• Socks - wool or synthetic blend (2-3 prs)
• Toque/warm hat - wool or fleece (1)
  
• Sunglasses - 1005 UV block and with side shields (1pr)
  
• Ski goggles (optional)
  
• Headlamp with extra set of batteries and extra bulb
  
• Personal eating utensils - cup, bowl, spoon, etc
  
• Personal 1st aid (blister kit, toothbrush, blister kit, toilet paper, medications, etc.)
  
• Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
  
• Sunscreen - minimum 30 spf
• Water bottles/hydration system - minimum 1 litres
  
• Small "thermos" for hot drinks (optional)
  
• Knife - Swiss army style
  
• Insect repellant
  
• Walking pole(s) - Optional but helpful for the approach/descent to your base camp
  
• Compass and map (map #'s to be detailed at pre-trip session)

Technical equipment:
(required by participants)
• Crampons - adjusted to your boots (1 pr)
  
• 2 x 5 meter lengths of 7mm accessory climbing cord
• 1 x 1.75 meter length of 7mm accessory climbing cord
• 1 x double shoulder sling, full strength - sewn or non-sewn

Communal equipment required:
(this may be shared among the group participants)
• 2 or 3 person tents (as necessary)
  
• Single burner stoves and fuel (1 stove per 2-3 people)
  
• Cooking sets (2 pots per 3 people)

Technical equipment:
(supplied by CWMS if required)
• Ice ax and technical climbing tools
  
• Climbing harness - seat harness only
  
• Helmet
  
• 3 locking carabiners
  
• 1 belay device

In addition, Canada West Mountain School supplies all other technical and safety gear, including ropes, carabiners, protection, etc.

Please go over this list before the course to ensure that you are properly prepared and feel free to contact our office if you have any questions. Keep in mind that you will be spending all of your time outdoors in all weather. Much of your time will be spent on snow, with temperatures ranging from -10 at night to +25 during the day. The weather can vary from one extreme to the other, so plan your gear appropriately. It is recommended that you also have a set of spare street clothes for the end of the course after you have left the mountains.

Here are a few stores in the lower mainland region that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment. If you need to purchase or rent equipment, please contact the store well in advance of the course to ensure that what you require is available!

Altus Mountain Gear
137 West Broadway, Vancouver 604-876-5255 (rentals available)
Climb On Equipment
Squamish 604-892-2243
Coast Mountain Sports
2201 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver 604-731-6181
Park Royal store - West Vancouver 604 926-6126
Mountain Equipment Co-op www.mec.ca
130 West Broadway, Vancouver 604-872-7858 (rentals available)
1341 Main St, N. Vancouver 604-990-4417 (rentals available) Valhalla Pure
Station Square, Squamish 604-892-9092 (rentals available)
3 Vets
2200 Yukon Street, Vancouver 604-872-5475