This course is taught by Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures by a professional ACMG certified guide. MSAA is offering a special price for BCMC members of $373.15 + GST (regular price for non-members: $439 + GST). 

Don't forget that all Active BCMC Member receive a 15% Discount on ALL MSAA Courses. To receive the discount please contact our office at info@msaa.ca with your valid membership number.  

Develop your mountaineering skills with the Sea to Sky's leading mountain school. Obtain the complete required skill set & implementation through expert certified guides and our carefully crafted curriculum. Est. 1991 - TripAdvisor; Hall of Fame status, beloved and trusted by BCMC members!

Course Details:

In this course, you will learn the basic mountaineering skills needed to safely climb a snow and ice peak.

On day one we will focus on skill development and on day 2 we will put your skills to use by climbing on a snow and ice alpine peak.

Although not a prerequisite, it is highly recommended that participants take a crevasse rescue course prior to taking this course as most peaks require a glacier approach.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Meet the guide at 8:30am at a predetermined location. The guide will have everyone sign a waiver, before performing a gear check, having a safety discussion and giving a brief overview of the course. The group will then head to the location together, either by car or using the Whistler Blackcomb lift system.

The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a short debrief of the day, and a brief discussion of Day 2’s objectives.

Day 2: The meeting time will be determined at the end of Day 1. The guide will discuss the weather and the day’s objectives. The group will then head out to climb on a peak suitable for the objective and current conditions. (The objective is not necessarily to reach a summit but is planned for participants to put the skills into practice).

The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a course debrief and a discussion of what the next steps will be for students.

Gear List:

Weather conditions constantly change in the alpine. Be prepared for heat, cold, and rain. There are several rain-protected climbing venues we can use, but it is essential that you pack enough clothing to be prepared for any weather conditions. So please dress according to the forecast for the course days.

We recommend the following:

• Head lamp with extra batteries

• Soft shell type climbing pants

• Insulating top and bottom under-layers and socks

• Synthetic or wool t-shirt

• Mid layer fleece top

• Weatherproof shell jacket

• Down or synthetic insulated “puffy” jacket

• Warm hat and ballcap

• Warm mountain or ice climbing gloves

• Light gloves

• Sunglasses and sunscreen

• Daypack 35-45 L

• Camera

• A hiking pole is recommended

Equipment

• Mountaineering boots

• Harness

• Helmet

• Mountaineering axe

• Crampons

• Belay device

• If you have taken a crevasse rescue course, bring your crevasse rescue equipment

If you own your own climbing gear we highly recommend that you use it as it is best to be familiar with your own equipment. Please let us know when you register.

Curriculum:

Day 1:

• Mountain Environment & Mountain Conditions

• Use of Ice Axes, chopping steps, piolet traction position, ice climbing, down climbing and dealing with low angled ice or steep

• Crevasse rescue review

• Situational awareness

• Mock Alpine steep snow & Ice climbing technique

• The mountain environment - risk and hazard management

Day 2:

• Put skills into practice

• Students share leads with direct supervision

Click HERE for the full curriculum

Payment: 

On-line Registration process:

(1) Click “Join this trip” on the left hand side of the page. You will be added to the Waiting List

(2) Once on the Waiting List you will have access to the Course Online Payment on the left side of the page where you will find the promo code. Complete your payment directly with MSAA HERE  using the promo code. Be sure to select the right date in the drop down menu. You will receive a confirmation email from MSAA once your payment is completed.

(3) Forward your confirmation email to courses@bcmc.ca. You will then be added to the Confirmed List.

(4) Keep an eye on your email for further logistic details.

Please use the BCMC covid guidline for transporation. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact MSAA at +1 (604) 938-9242 or Oudi at courses@bcmc.ca.