After a thorough gear check and team orientation, we load and board the Twin Otter for our flight to the glacier. Upon arrival we set camp and practice knot tying, rope handling, prussiking and other related subjects. Evening discussions focus on route finding and glacier travel. Glacier travel and crevasse rescue. Considerable time is spent on crevasse rescue as it is an essential skill for safe travel on glaciers.
Instruction includes prussiking, pulley systems and rescue anchors on snow and ice.
At camp, we discuss navigation and other mountaineering topics. Advanced crampon techniques and intro to ice climbing. We begin by developing proper techniques using crampons on low angle ice, move onto steeper and more challenging terrain. Emphasis is placed on proper technique and efficiency as these are essential on longer alpine routes. During these days we will attempt a series of climbs to the summit of nearby peaks.