This is an excellent training program for all climbers embarking on extended Expeditions to the big mountains of the world such as Denali, Aconcagua, Mount Logan, Vinson Massif or any of the Himalayan peaks.

Details for Expedition Skills

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

An ascent of Mount Garibaldi will be attempted as well as establishing a camp at over 2,500 meters on the summit plateau of the Garibaldi Massif between Atwell Peak and Garibaldi.

Topics covered include:

• Roped glacier travel skills including skills for sled hauling
• Crevasse rescue, including complications involving sleds, skiers, deep-snow, etc.
• High altitude health, cooking and travel considerations
• Fixed rope use, including anchors, ascending/descending techniques, use on ice, rock and snow
• Extreme-conditions campcraft skills and techniques
• Emergency planning and preparedness for travel in remote environments
• 3rd world travel considerations
• Gear selection, use and maintenance
• Satellite phone and other emergency communications use

Everyone should come prepared with the typical equipment that they would expect to be using on a multi-day or multi-week mountaineering expedition.

• Boots - full-leather or plastic mountaineering boots. If leather, they should be well broken-in and waterproofed
  
• Backpack - 80+ liters capacity, big enough to hold all gear for the trip plus extra communal gear
• Sleeping bag - good to approx. -10 degrees celsius
  
• Sleeping pads - combo of therma-rest style and closed-cell foam pad works best
  
• 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 w/removable liners (gloves work best for rope handling and ice axe use) (1 pr)
• Overmitts to fit over gloves for cold weather use (1 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 - 100% UV block and with side shields (1 pr)
  
• 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 but recommended)
  
• Knife - Swiss army style
  
• Insect repellant (optional)
  
• Walking pole(s) - (1 pr)
  
• Compass and map (map #'s to be detailed in advance)

Technical equipment:
(required to be supplied by each individual)
• 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:
(required for each individual but supplied by CWMS if needed)
• Ice ax and technical climbing tools
  
• Climbing harness - seat harness only
  
• Helmet
  
• 3 locking 'biners
• 4 non-locking 'biners
• 1 (or 2) ascenders
  
• 1 belay device

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

Accommodation while on the course is in tents.