The Crevasse Rescue and Glacier travel course is designed to teach you the basics. It will be a 3 day intensive course focussing on Hands on Learning. You will learn the most up to date techniques used by ACMG Guides. You will learn a variety of skills including: How to tie into a rope for Glacier Travel , How to arrest a fall, How to ascend a rope, How to rappel, and How to pull someone out of a Crevasse.
Day 1
Meet at La Baguette (Down Town) for course introduction at 7 AM.
Then head to field location at the base of Mount Revelstoke for the day. We will be in the field for the entire day working on rope and rescue techniques.
Day 2
Will build on the techniques of the previous day by adding different systems. We will work on 3:1 direct hauls and the drop loop techniques. This will also give us time to refine our systems in an a comfortable setting.
Day 3
Meet at La Baguette (Down Town) at 7 AM and prepare to head to Rogers Pass for a day of ski touring up to the a glacier or appropriate practise location based on the day. We will be in the field until approximately 4pm. We will cover the same information as Day 1 by putting the techniques into action. If conditions allow we will lower and raise one another in and out of a crevasse.
Throughout the day we will also cover glacier travel techniques including how to tie into a rope for glacier travel, when to use a rope, and when it is OK not to use a rope on a glacier.
Equipment List
These are the items that you will be required to bring:
- Skis, boots, poles and climbing skins: for backcountry touring, AT, Telemark, or Splitboard
- Helmet suitable for skiing (helmet use is recommended for all downhill skiing activities).
- Daypack: A backpack with a capacity of 30-40 litres will allow you to carry all your gear.
- Outerwear jacket: An outer layer waterproof/breathable shell with hood (Gore-tex, etc.). Non-insulated is best.
- Outerwear pants: waterproof/breathable shell. Full zips are ideal for venting and ease of on/off with boots on
- Personal clothing layers: layering works well, no cotton.
- Gloves: warm mountaineering or ski gloves with removable liners. Bring 1 pair, plus 1 pair extra liners, or 2 pair of gloves.
- Toque/warm hat: wool or fleece
- Hat with sun visor: baseball cap, etc.
- Sunglasses: must have 100% UV blockage and ideally provide full protection with wrap-around style, or side shields
- Ski goggles:
- Headlamp: small size with extra batteries
- Water bottle/hydration system: 1 litre minimum, 2 litres is ideal. For hydration/hose systems use insulated hoses to reduce freezing
- Small thermos: optional, but very nice to have a hot drink during the field days!
- Note pad and pencil: optional
- Avalanche shovel.
- Avalanche transceiver.
- Avalanche Probe.
- Climbing or Ski Harness
- Avaluator Trip Planner (provided in course material)
Some items on the list may be borrowed from Revelstoke Alpine School, but it is recommended that you purchase your own and get familiar with the equipment. Let me know in advance if you are missing anything.
