PPG BMS - Advanced Snow Climbing

PREREQUISITES:

UPDATED:  The PPG WTS - Wilderness Fundamentals course and either "AIARE Level 1" or "AIARE Avalanche Rescue course" are the prerequisites for this course.  Students must have earned the "Wilderness Trekking School Student" and either AIARE Level 1 or AIARE Avalanche Rescue badges to be able to register for this course.  Contact the instructor if you have completed AIARE Level 1 for instructions on how to register.  

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Learning to climb steep snow will help you reach your winter alpine objectives. Steep alpine snow is frequently encountered in the mountains during winter ascents. 

Course covers: gear overview, trip planning, ascending/descending with an ice axe and crampons, avalanche risk review, self-arresting and snow climbing practice. 

SCHEDULE / CONTENT

This course consists of 1 classroom session and 2 field sessions.  Completion of the course requires all three.  

The Advanced Snow Climbing field day practical application is classified as MODERATE; up to 8 miles round trip (we will not travel this far) and 1200 feet of elevation gain.  

The 13 April (Saturday) field day trip for Glen Cove will be for all Alpine Snow Mountaineering students and must be completed.  The day will focus on the practical application of soft and hard snow gear; snow travel (snowshoes & alpine crampons); ice axe management; crampon techniques; terrain evaluation; self arrest; glissading and avalanche risk evaluation.

The 14 April (Sunday) field day will focus on applying "advance snow travel" knowledge and techniques in the completion of a couloir climb in Glen Cove.  Our primary climb route is the Little Italy couloir and alternately the Chimney; both are located in Glen Cove.