Intermediate Mountaineering - 2012
Intermediate level - mountaineering experience required
You will spend 5 days in a low-ratio (1:3) group in alpine terrain building on your existing mountaineering skills. This course is for climbers with previous mountaineering background who want to challenge themselves and improve their skills for bigger alpine climbing routes.

The full 5 days will be spent in the mountains climbing in alpine and glaciated terrain. Great for climbers looking to increase their technical skills and knowledge through practical experience in an alpine environment.

Details for Intermediate Mountaineering

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

Cost
$1,175. plus HST
1:3 Instructor to Student ratio

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

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Prerequisites
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).

Complete Mountaineering, Alpine Skills Week, Mountain Travel Essentials, or equivalent experience is required for the Intermediate Mountaineering course. Good-to-excellent physical fitness is also required.

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).

• 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.

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