Climbing, Mountaineering & Snowshoeing Course
PPG BMS - Advanced Snow Climbing
This course is the fourth course in the Pikes Peak Group's Basic Mountaineering School (BMS) curriculum. Learn how to properly prepare for and travel safely on snow covered mountaineering routes.
Contacts
- Thu, Apr 10, 2025 - Sun, Apr 20, 2025
- Committee: Pikes Peak
- Members: $90.00 Guests: $175.00
- Availability: 13 (14 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
PREREQUISITES:
The PPG WTS - Wilderness Fundamentals course and either "AIARE Level 1" or "AIARE Avalanche Rescue course" are the prerequisites for this course. Students must have earned the "Wilderness Trekking School Student" and either AIARE Level 1 or AIARE Avalanche Rescue badges to be able to register for this course.
Contact the instructor if you have completed AIARE Level 1 for instructions on how to register.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Learning to climb steep snow will help you reach your winter alpine objectives. Steep alpine snow is frequently encountered in the mountains during winter ascents.
Course covers: gear overview, trip planning, ascending/descending with an ice axe and crampons, avalanche risk review, self-arresting and snow climbing practice.
SCHEDULE / CONTENT
This course consists of 1 classroom session and 2 field sessions. Completion of the course requires all three.
The Advanced Snow Climbing field day practical application is classified as MODERATE; up to 8 miles round trip (we will not travel this far) and 1200 feet of elevation gain.
The primary skills learning day is 12 April (Saturday) field day trip for Glen Cove will be for all Alpine Snow Mountaineering students and must be completed. The day will focus on the practical application of soft and hard snow gear; snow travel (snowshoes & alpine crampons); ice axe management; crampon techniques; terrain evaluation; self arrest; glissading and avalanche risk evaluation.**
The primary skills application day is 13 April (Sunday) field day will focus on applying "advance snow travel" knowledge and techniques in the completion of a couloir climb in Glen Cove. Our primary climb route is the Little Italy couloir and alternately the Chimney; both are located in Glen Cove.**
** Alternate dates due to weather or other unforeseen events are 19 & 20 April 2025. Same location.
Badges you will earn:
Advanced Snow Climbing
This course has no scheduled activities.
- Climbing helmet, winter alpine-style boots, alpine crampons, ice axe, avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, snowshoes, ski poles, ten essentials and appropriate layered clothing for winter travel.
- Plan to use an appropriate winter "day pack"; enough food and water (2 liters recommended) and be prepared for changing or possibly inclement weather conditions.
You must register for this course to see course materials.