Course

Basic Ski Mountaineering

Basic Ski Mountaineering
Basic Ski Mountaineering
Basic Ski Mountaineering
Basic Ski Mountaineering

Overview

Itinerary

Skills

Gear

Conducted on Koma Kulshan's north side, this entry-level course covers crevasse rescue, roped glacier travel, belay techniques, and winter camping. No prior glaciated experience required. Includes one major objective; typically a summit attempt or Thunder and Lightning tour. Maximum 3:1 ratio of students to instructors.

  • 4 days course
  • Dates: April and May 2027
  • Price: $800 per person
Difficulty:
Moderate

day 01

8:00

Meet Meet at the Glacier Creek Rd, gear check, permits + waivers, and Leave No Trace briefing

12:00

Arrive at high camp, lunch

12:30

Introduction to winter camping and camp building

13:30

Workshop using ropes for safe uphill glacier travel

16:00

Ski descent

16:30

Return to camp

17:30

Dinner

Day 02

7:00

Breakfast

7:30

Tour plan and gear check

8:00

Introduction to crevasse rescue

9:00

Ski tour

10:00

Roped crevasse rescue workshop

12:00

Lunch

12:30

Roped crevasse rescue workshop

15:30

Ski descent

16:30

Return to camp

17:30

Dinner

Day 03

7:00

Breakfast

7:30

Tour plan and gear check

8:00

Introduction to unroped crevasse rescue

9:00

Ski tour

10:00

Unroped crevasse rescue workshop

12:00

Lunch

12:30

Introduction to belaying

13:00

Belay technique workshop

15:30

Ski descent

16:30

Return to camp

17:30

Dinner

Day 04

6:00

Breakfast

6:30

Ski tour

10:00

Arrive at Pumice Ridge, snack break

10:30

Summit bootpack

12:00

Arrive at the summit, lunch

12:30

Ski descent

13:30

Arrive at high camp

14:00

Final ski descent

15:30

Arrive back at the Glacier Creek Road

what you'll learn:

  • Overview and techniques for basic belaying. Learn about proper bodyweight belay positions, and belaying off a rescue strength anchor using devices and friction hitches.
  • Overview of and techniques for using an ice axe. Learn the self-arrest, cane, and the different dagger positions.
  • Overview of and techniques for using isostatic glacier cord. Learn about its strength and application, and its compatibility with equipment and materials.
  • Overview of and techniques for basic crampon use. Learn the French, Austrian, and Hybrid steps.
  • Roped glacier travel. Learn about rope team spacing, brake knots, and rescue coil lengths.
  • Crevasse rescue. Learn single strand, drop loop, mechanical advantage systems, roped and unroped rescue applications.
  • Snow anchors. Learn about building rescue strength vs. lightweight anchors. Choosing appropriate materials in anchor construction, and problem-solving in the field.

What we provide:

  • All ropes and isostatic glacier cords
  • All alpine ice climbing protection
  • All anchoring equipment such as snow pickets
  • Descent control devices and backups for our ropes
  • Progress capturing devices for crevasse rescue training
  • A triple-action captive-eye carabiner and an ice screw, if you're traveling with us on a glacier
  • Wag Bags for travel in wilderness areas
  • Sno-Park and NW Forest Permits for your vehicle

What you need besides your skis and splitboards:

  • A tested and trusted three-antenna avalanche transceiver
  • An avalanche probe and aluminum shovel
  • Climbing skins and ski crampons
  • A lightweight harness with a belay loop
  • A 55cm or shorter ice axe
  • Hybrid steel or steel crampons, classic type
  • Four-season tent, a winter sleeping bag rated to at least -10c, and sleeping pad
  • 50-60 liter overnight pack, capable of carrying both skis and ice axes securely
  • A UIAA-rated ski or climbing helmet. Should be lightweight and stowable

What we rent:

  • Ice axes and technical ice tools
  • Lightweight harnesses
  • Classic and technical crampons
  • Four-season tents

*We can also source almost any other rental equipment needs, just let us know in advance.

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