This course is for those that want to learn the skills needed to start mountaineering! Do you sit at your desk at work and stare at photos of big, snowy mountains? Do you dream of climbing Mt Baker, Mt Rainier, or Denali? The skills learned in this course are the foundation that can take you to those heights! Whether you have a climbing background or not, come join us for one of our introductory courses! You won’t be disappointed! Also consider signing up for a third day ascent of Mt Washington!
You will spend two days with an experienced guide going over the basics of mountaineering and mountain climbing. We will start the two days course by discussing gear, equipment, and the necessary knots and hitches needed to travel as a mountaineer. We will talk about technical vs mountaineering crampons and ice axes. We will then learn how to wear and use crampons, including the variety of ways that we want to step in crampons, and techniques to minimize fatigue while ascending potentially thousands of feet. We will work on incorporating ice axes next, and how to use that in conjunction with your crampons to provide stability and security. Day one will finish with a walk about, and describing the basics of walking on a rope team.
Day two we will spend all day in discussing self arresting, continuing to work as a rope team, and refining techniques for all participants. After this course, you should have the requisite skills necessary to start your journey as a mountaineer! We will discuss next steps, goals, and send you on your way to summit glory!
Sign up as an individual, a group, or a family!
MEETING LOCATION
We recommend meeting the night before your climb to try on boots and review all necessary gear. If possible, we will meet at International Mountain Equipment in North Conway, NH (2733 White Mountain Highway - North Conway, NH 03860). IME has a great selection of New and Used equipment, and is an awesome resource to pick up any last minute needs. If you will not be in the area before they close (6pm), that is fine!
For our climb, we will generally end up climbing in Crawford Notch. Depending on conditions we may meet at a park and ride in North Conway and then carpool to the climb, or we can meet directly at the parking lot. We will discuss final meeting location prior to course start. Any meeting location will be either in North Conway or within 20 minutes or there.
DO I NEED ANY CLIMBING EXPERIENCE?
No! This course is perfect for anyone with no mountaineering or climbing experience at all. We will teach you how to use your equipment, how to plan out your trip, and the skills necessary to get on your way as a mountaineer.
COST
$400 per participant