1 Day Mountaineering Fundamentals

1 Day Mountaineering Fundamentals

Our one-day fundamentals course teaches basic skills essential for mountaineering. Successful completion of the course fulfills the prerequisites for our 4-Day Emmons Climb of Mount Rainier. Participants can expect a full day of learning and practicing snow climbing techniques which include ascending and descending steep snow slopes, cramponing, ice axe use, and self-arrest.

The training takes place on the beautiful slopes near the Lower Nisqually Glacier of Mount Rainier, originally named “təqʷuʔməʔ” (Taquoma), about an hour hike from the Paradise Visitor Center. We start by working on walking techniques for moving safely and efficiently over snowy and icy slopes. Good footwork, balance, and rest techniques are invaluable skills that you will use in all future mountaineering endeavors. Guides then dive into instruction on ice axe use and how to self-arrest. Students spend the rest of the afternoon practicing a variety of self-arrest positions and scenarios.

This program is ideal for novice climbers seeking to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering and gain confidence traveling on glaciers and steep snow slopes. It’s also a great course for those who have taken a prolonged break from mountaineering and would like to refresh skills before a climb.

Course Objectives

• Cramponing
• Self-Arrest
• Basic Ice Axe Skills
• Ascending and Descending Steep Snow Slopes