TCS Intermediate Snow

This is not an introductory class, and we’ve used the terminology “intermediate” because a prerequisite for Alpine  Climbing School is that you have taken CMC Wilderness Trekking School, or have equivalent experience. WTS is  geared toward providing fundamental skills for hikers who may encounter and cross low angle snowfields which exist  throughout the summer in Colorado, including the use of an ice axe to self-arrest. Alpine Climbing School graduation  climbs may include a long approach with overnight camping. These are requisite skills for completion of Alpine  Climbing School. 

Alpine Climbing School involves a significant progression beyond hiking, trekking, and backpacking. The course is  oriented toward more aggressive pursuits. This includes training in preparation for graduation climbs involving direct  ascent of steep snow couloirs, fourth class rock scrambling, short sections of belayed low fifth class rock climbing,  and use of rope for protection and rappelling. 

There are two ACS pre-requisite courses for Intermediate Snow:

• Wilderness trekking School or equivalent experience.

• Basic Rock Climbing or equivalent experience.  

Pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to the start date of this class.  Equivalent experience may be considered.   

Intermediate Snow addresses aspects of snow travel using crampons and an ice axe. This class is a prerequisite for  Advanced Snow, which involves the use of rope and anchor systems for protection. These classes are intended to be  taken together, and Advanced Snow is intended to be taken sequentially.  

Skills covered in Intermediate Snow include: 

• Ice Axe Technique
• Crampon Technique
• Ascending and Descending Moderate to Steep Terrain 
• Self-Arrest With and Without Crampons 
• Glissading