After setting camp, we 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. Everyone has the opportunity to rescue an individual from a crevasse.
Instruction includes prussiking, pulley systems and placing rescue anchors on snow and ice.
When we return to camp, we discuss navigation and other mountaineering topics. Advanced crampon techniques. 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. We pack our summit gear and establish high camp.