Navigation Level 1 (Basic Map and Compass)
Skills taught:
How to procure topographic maps
How to read a topographic map
How to measure a bearing on the map
How to plot a bearing on the map
How to take a bearing in the field
How to follow a bearing in the field
This is a prerequisite for Intermediate Map & Compass
Navigation Level 2
Skills taught:
How to match terrain to the map
How to travel from point to point using map and compass together
How to follow a bearing in zero visibility
How to navigate around obstacles
How to measure slope angles
This is required for completion of the Basic Mountaineering certificate
Basic Climbing
Skills taught:
How to use climbing helmet, harness, belay device, safety leash
How to tie in to the rope using a Figure Eight Retrace
How to tie an Overhand Knot, Clove Hitch, Girth Hitch
How to top rope belay using Pull-Brake-Under-Slide method
How to use climbing commands
This is a prerequisite for Basic Rock, Intermediate Snow, Basic Ice, Sport
Intermediate Rock Climbing
Skills taught:
How to use hands and feet on rock
How to tie a Double Fisherman, Water Knot, Muenter Hitch, Figure Eight On a Bight
How to rig an Autoblock
How to rappel
This is a prerequisite for Rock Seconding
This is required for completion of the Basic Mountaineering certificate
Basic Snow
Skills taught:
How to use crampons and ice axe
How to move over snow
How to self arrest
This is a prerequisite for Intermediate Snow
This is required for completion of the Basic Mountaineering certificate
Technical Snow
Skills taught:
How to build snow anchors
How to tie an Alpine Butterfly
How to travel as a roped team
This is required for completion of the Basic Mountaineering certificate
Rock Self Rescue Level 1
Skills taught:
How to tie a Prusik Hitch, Bachmann Hitch, Klemheist, Mule Knot
How to escape a loaded belay
How to ascend a rope
How to rappel past an obstruction in the rope
This is a partial prerequisite for Intermediate Rock Rescue
This is required for completion of the Intermediate Mountaineering certificate
Rock Seconding
Skills taught:
How to belay a lead climber
How to catch a leader fall
This is a partial prerequisite for Traditional Lead Climbing
This is required for completion of the Intermediate Mountaineering certificate
Anchors
Skills taught:
How to place rock protection
How to build static and dynamic anchors
This is a partial prerequisite for Traditional Lead Climbing School
Traditional Lead Climbing
Skills taught:
How to assess gear limits
How to calculate fall factor, impact force
How to determine vector forces on protection
How to lead 5th class rock
How to tie Flat Overhand Bend
This is a partial prerequisite for Intermediate Rock Rescue
Rock Self Rescue Level 2
Skills taught:
How to escape from a loaded belay while retaining options for further action
How to tandem rappel and counter balance rappel
How to rig a raising and lowering system
This is a partial prerequisite for Advanced Rock Rescue
Rock Self Rescue Level 3
Skills taught:
How to free stuck rappel ropes
How to rescue a fallen leadere
Basic Ice
Skills taught:
How to use technical crampons
How to use technical ice tools
How to top rope belay an ice climber
This is a prerequisite for Technical Ice
This is required for completion of the Intermediate Mountaineering certificate
Technical Ice
Skills taught:
How to use Ice Screws
How to lead waterfall ice
Basic Mountaineering School (BMS)
Prospective BMS students now have two paths from which to choose.
Note that you cannot mix the two programs, or any piece of the programs.
It is either all modular or all Golden Track.
You can take the Traditional path.
With the Traditional Path, you commit to the full slate of fixed dates and work with the same students and instructors throughout.
Or you can take the Modular approach.
With the Modular approach, you may choose which classes you wish to take and at which time.
There will be multiple offerings of each class throughout the year.
The classes required for completion of the Basic Mountaineering certificate are:
Basic Map and Compass
Intermediate Map and Compass
Basic Climbing
Intermediate Rock
Basic Snow
Intermediate Snow
In addition to these classes, you will be required to complete a Snow Couloir climb and a High Peak climb.
Prerequisite for these trips is Wilderness Trekking School.
Intermediate Mountaineering School (IMS)
Classes required for the Intermediate Mountaineering Certificate are all modular.
The classes required for completion of the Intermediate Mountaineering certificate are:
Rock Self Rescue Level 1
Rock Seconding
Basic Ice
