3 Day Basic Mountaineering Course

This introductory course will teach you how to dress for winter, how to pack, choose food, select the proper gear, campsite selection, how to cook outdoors and low impact winter camping skills. You will learn how to move efficiently in winter boots and crampons, and how to climb low to moderate angled snow and ice terrain.
This is a comprehensive introduction to  winter mountaineering skills. No previous climbing experience is required for registration but participants should be prepared for a challenging experience. The first day will be spent outdoors learning technical skills, returning to town for the evening, (you will need lodging for this night). Day 2 we will meet at the school, sort and pack gear, decide on food and ready ourselves to head up to Mount Washington where we will set up camp, cook dinner and spend the night in anticipation of our summit attempt on the third day. Assessing weather and snow conditions are a big part of mountaineering and this course. Any days itinerary may be subject change due to weather and snow conditions.

Other components of instruction can include:

• Terrain Assessment
• Self Arrest
• Crampon and Ice Axe technique
• Snow and Ice Anchors
• 4th and 5th class rope techniques
  

Our goal is to help you to become a more experienced and responsible winter mountaineer. Your safety in the mountains depends on the decisions you make. This course is a solid first step for climbers interested in climbing the greater mountain ranges of the world. The course outline is flexible and dependent upon the weather, ground conditions and abilities of the participants.

Cost for this course:
$475 (group of four); $525 (group of three); $595 (group of two);
$925 (private) *all prices per person

Scheduled 2012 Course Dates:
Christmas Vacation Week December 27-28-29 Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday
Martin Luther King Weekend January 14-15-16 Saturday -Sunday - Monday
January 27-28-29 Friday-Saturday-Sunday
February 10-11-12 Friday-Saturday-Sunday
Presidents Weekend February 18-19-20 Saturday-Sunday-Monday
March 2-3-4Friday-Saturday-Sunday
March 16-17-18 Friday-Saturday-Sunday

This course runs on scheduled dates, but can also be scheduled privately.

Be sure to read our Gear List for our winter programs HERE

1 Day Basic Mountaineering Skills

2 Day Basic Mountaineering Skills, with ascent of Mount Washington

3 Day Basic Mountaineering Skills, with overnight and ascent of Mt. Washington

2 Day Advanced Mountaineering Skills, with overnight and technical ascent of Mt. Washington

Intermediate Mountaineering

Northern Presidentials

1 day Ascent of Mt Washington

Mt Washington Observatory Overnight

Presidential Range Traverse

Glacier Skills Crevasse Rescue

Winter Camping Skills

Avalanche Courses

Ski Mountaineering

Click HERE for our Mountaineering Course Price List

We offer scheduled courses, clinics and trips for climbers of all levels of experience and ability. All of the climbing programs we offer may be booked by private arrangement for individuals or groups. Private guiding allows your needs to be addressed in a personalized manner and has proven to be an excellent way for individuals and groups to learn at a pace you direct. Our guides are flexible and love a new adventure. Tell us what you want to accomplish during your time with us and chances are good we can arrange it. We want your climb to be a safe and enjoyable experience

Prices are determined by the ratio of climbers to guides. Course cost includes rental of all technical gear required for safe and instructional participation. In the winter we provide boots, crampons, ice axe(s), harness, helmet, ropes, and snow & ice protection.

For overnight trips we also provide all communal gear including tents, stoves, food for main meals, fuel and camping fees. Climbers need to provide backpack, sleeping bag and pad, additional food, fluids, personal items and appropriate clothing

The proper clothing is vital if you are to enjoy the program. Please take the quote "Cotton Kills" seriously. Cotton is NOT suitable for use in the mountains in winter. Please check the gear list we have provided to make sure you are prepared.