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Intermediate Mountaineering
Intermediate level - mountaineering experience required
Our Intermediate Mountaineering course is a 5-day course that will help develop your existing mountaineering skills. This course is our 2nd level mountaineering program for climbers with previous mountaineering background who are looking to improve their skills and tackle more challenging alpine climbing routes. Your full 5 days will be spent in the mountains climbing major glaciated peaks. Great for climbers looking to increase their mountaineering skills and technical knowledge through practical experience.

Details for Intermediate Mountaineering
Alpine climbing
Dates
Cost
Prerequisites
Location
Guide/Instructor
Itinerary/Objectives
Equipment
Logistics
Related programs
Registration
Dates
June 18-22, 2008
July 9-13, 2008
August 2-6, 2008
August 30 - September 3, 2008

All required pre-trip logistics and preparation is done via phone and email. Participants will receive a comprehensive package in advance of the course to ensure that they are properly prepared.

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Cost
$745. plus gst
1:4 Instructor to Student ratio

Includes Instruction and all specialized climbing equipment (ropes, harnesses, helmets, ice-axes, etc).

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Prerequisites
Complete Mountaineering, Alpine Skills Week, Mountain Travel Essentials, or equivalent experience is required for the Intermediate Mountaineering course. Participants on this course should have experience in general mountaineering skills including glacier travel, crevasse rescue, backpacking with a multi-day pack, and familiarity with rope management techniques (knot-tying, belaying and rappelling). Good physical fitness is also required.

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Location
The actual location of this course will be decided just prior to the course dates as there are many variables that need to be considered, including: weather, snow conditions, previous experience of the group, and road conditions.

Typical locations include the Joffre Range about 1 hour northeast of Whistler, BC; the Spearhead Range, directly to the east of Whistler, BC; Mount Garibaldi above Squamish; and, occasionally we will arrange to fly into the Tantalus Range above Squamish, BC (flight costs are extra with this option).

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Guides and Instructors
All the Guides and Instructors on our Mountaineering programs are Certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and are among many of the top Climbing instructors and guides in British Columbia. We ensure that you are being taught and guided by the best! For more details on the specific guides for your program, contact our office.
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Objectives
The emphasis of this program is to help participants develop and refine their personal general mountaineering skills. Much time will be spent practicing and refining "core" skills such as alpine anchor construction, crevasse rescue and movement skills on steep snow and 4th class rock. Each course will include multiple summit attempts in order to allow participants to apply skills in a real setting.
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Equipment list for Intermediate Mountaineering
To view or download a printer friendly .PDF file of the Mountaineering equipment list, click here. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.

  • 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

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Logistics and transportation
The specific location of this course will be detailed at the pre-trip session as seasonal conditions, weather and snow conditions all affect the various locations we may choose to use. Typically, this course will take place in the Joffre Range, the Spearhead Range, Mount Garibaldi region or the Tantalus Range. The farthest trailhead will be approx. 3 hours drive from Vancouver

All participants are required to supply or arrange their own transportation on this course. Usually ride sharing can be arranged with other participants.

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Related Programs
Complete Mountaineering
Guided Adventures
Ice Climbing Essentials
Intro to Winter Mountaineering

Please contact the Canada West Mountain School office by phone or email directly for more details.
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Canada West Mountain School
47 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
V5Y 1P1

Information/registration please call: 604-878-7007
Toll free in North America: 1-888-892-2266

E-mail CWMS

This page last updated on January 14, 2008 10:39 PM-->

 

 

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