You will spend 7 days learning all aspects of Winter Alpine climbing skills in the remote and spectacular Coast Mountains of BC with our ACMG certified guides. Waterfall ice climbing, steep snow, winter hazard awareness, avalanche safety and winter climbing systems are all covered in this intense, 7-day program. No previous winter climbing experience is needed to get out and develop winter mountaineering skills !

Complete Winter Mountaineering includes CAA Level 1 Avalanche Skills Training (AST-1) training and certificate!

Details for Complete Winter Mountaineering

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

Cost: $1,475. + gst
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Included in course cost:
- 60 hours of direct instruction by ACMG/CAA certified Guides
- Hotel accommodation (first 2-nights)
- All climbing equipment (except crampons and boots)
- 4-season Mountaineering tents and hut fees
- Course materials, including Avalanche Safety manual
- CAA Certificate for Avalanche Safety Level-1 course
- Use of avalanche beacons
- Use of G3 probe, Avi-tech shovel and"Bonesaw" snowsaw

Location
The actual field locations are based on current conditions to ensure the best possible course. These will vary from one date to the next, though courses are usually run in the Duffy Lake region past Pemberton and Whistler, or in Garibaldi Park.

The course will be based out of the Whistler/Pemberton region.

• Recognition of hazards specific to winter alpine climbing
  
• Review of basic rope management techniques (belaying methods, knots, rope coiling, tying-in and double-checking)
  
• Efficient movement through Alpine terrain in winter conditions
  
• Movement on steep snow with crampons and ice ax
  
• Steep waterfall ice climbing techniques
  
• Climbing techniques for steep snow and mixed rock/snow/ice
  
• Ongoing technique coaching and skill development matched to your individual level
  
• Alpine climbing anchor construction with considerations for winter snowpack variability
  
• Avalanche safety and awareness
  
• Winter survival tips
  
• HAVING FUN!!

• Boots - plastic mountaineering boots - Scarpa, Koflach, etc
  
• Crampons - adjusted to your boots (1 pr)
  
• Snowshoes - preferably mountaineering style w/crampons; make sure they fit your boots
• Sleeping bag - preferably synthetic; good to -15 Celsius (1)
  
• Sleeping pad - Ensolite or Therma rest type (1)
  
• Backpack - internal frame; 60-80 litres (1)
  
• Day pack (optional - using your internal frame backpack will also suffice)
  
• Lightweight camp slippers (1 pair optional for around camp)
  
• Outer layer jacket with hood - Gore-Tex style (1)
  
• Full-zip pants or bibs - Gore-Tex style (1 pair)
  
• Thermal top & bottom, Polypro, Capilene, etc. (1 pr)
  
• Climbing pants - fleece, pile, Schoeller, etc. (1 pr)
  
• Gaiters (1 pr)
  
• Gloves (medium weight) - wool or poly-pro (2 pr)
  
• Expedition style gloves or mitts w/removable liners (1 pr)
  
• Over-mitts or over-gloves (1 pr)
• Warm parka - down, fleece or pile (1)
  
• Sweater or vest - wool, fleece or down (1)
  
• Toque/warm hat - wool or fleece (1)
  
• Sunglasses with side shields and nose shield (1pr)
  
• Ski goggles (1 pr)
  
• Headlamp with extra set of batteries and extra bulb
  
• Eating utensils - cup, bowl, spoon etc.
  
• Personal kit - toothbrush, blister kit, toilet paper, etc.
  
• Maps and compass - specific map #'s will be given at the pre-trip evening (optional)
  
• Notepad and pencil - (optional)
  
• Personal 1st aid (blister kit, medications, etc.)
  
• Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
  
• Water bottles w/insulation - minimum 1 litres
  
• Small "thermos" for hot drinks
  
• Knife - Swiss army style
• Sunscreen (min. 15 spf & waterproof)
  
  
Technical equipment (supplied by CWMS if required):

• Climbing harness - lightweight seat harness only (1)
• Helmet
  
• 3 locking carabiners
  
• 1 belay device
  
• 7mm accessory cord - 2 x 5 m length, and 1 x 1.75 m length
  

Equipment required that may be shared for communal use

• 4-season, 3-person tents (supplied if required)
  
• Single burner stoves and fuel (1 stove per 2-3 people)
  
• Cooking sets (2 pots per 3 people)

CWMS supplies all other technical & safety equipment including carabiners, ropes, etc.

Logistics and transportation
This course is usually conducted north of Pemberton and Whistler in the Duffy Lake road region, approximately 3 hours drive from Vancouver, BC.

The first 2 days are spent at a local Ice Climbing site near Lillooet, BC. The group will spend 2 nights based in a hotel (included) in either Pemberton or Lillooet.

The final 5 days are spent in the field and will be tent-based.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the course area, as well as food and camping equipment.