This is an intensive course providing comprehensive instruction in the problems met and skills required on difficult alpine ascents. The entire course is spent on glaciers and a great deal of practice climbing is done each day.
Instruction is given on Mt. Baker which has eighteen glaciers and routes of all technical standards.
This area of the North Cascades is the principal training ground in America for those planning Alaskan, Andean, and Himalayan ascents because the ice climbing can be done during the summer months when the weather is mild and stable, and because during that period one can climb on a complete range of snow and ice types, each of which requires adjustments in both climbing technique and the operation of the protective system. Upon completion of this program participants should be technically prepared to make ascents of significantly difficult alpine routes. The complete course is six days long and is normally taken as a unit, but the three segments can be taken separately. Applicants should have alpine mountaineering experience. Tuition includes the provision of group climbing equipment.