Alpine Training

Our comprehensive snow, rock, and ice mountaineering course is designed to give individuals a solid foundation in a variety of alpine mountaineering skills. In order to develop a well-rounded foundation of climbing experiences, this course includes ascents of a glaciated peak as well as rock spires, to foster the skills necessary to become an independent climber.

About Our Introduction to Mountaineering Program

Field Touring Alpine has been looking to expand its operations into North America for some time now and are excited to be able to offer for the first time an option for people to gain the core skills necessary to make their way into the great ranges of the world with confidence and skill.

Our comprehensive snow, rock, and ice mountaineering course is designed to give individuals a solid foundation in a variety of alpine mountaineering skills. In order to develop a well-rounded foundation of climbing experiences, this course includes ascents of a glaciated peak as well as rock spires, to foster the skills necessary to become an independent climber.

Example Program – American Northwest
Our 8-day course set high in the magnificent North Cascades, begins with 2 days of rock climbing instruction. Students then put their rock skills to use on the high alpine rock of Mount Shuksan. The course then moves to a high alpine environment where the focus shifts from rock skills to snow, ice and glacier climbing techniques. Students will conclude the program with a chance to apply all the new skills on a summit climb on one of the dramatic nearby peaks.

Our introductory programs are designed to maximize your time in the mountains and the skill and confidence you can gain. The Field Touring Alpine program leader Matt Schonwald has traveled extensively in the northwest and his knowledge of the region, its mountains and weather will enable you to enjoy a tightly run program.

Who is this course for?

This course provides motivated beginning climbers with an intensive hands on experience necessary to move safely and efficiently over a wide diversity of climbing terrain.

Completion of this course helps prepare climbers for expeditions to such places as Denali, the Polish Glacier Route on Aconcagua, The Matterhorn, Mount Blanc, and many more challenging ascents in the Cascades and in the greater ranges of the world.

Program Overview

Moderate rock, snow and ice climbing techniques, crampon usage, and proper application of combined skills in a variety of terrain:

• Belay techniques, rappelling, roped glacier travel, rope team management, and fixed line travel
• Rock, snow and ice anchor selection, anchor construction
• Glaciology and crevasse pattern prediction, route finding, and crevasse navigation
• Crevasse self-rescue techniques (prussiking) and team crevasse rescue techniques
• Navigation using map, compass, and altimeters
• Hazard assessment of objective vs. subjective hazards, avalanche danger, and rock and ice fall
• Expedition Food planning and prep and stove use & maintenance
• Discussions include proper clothing and climbing gear for survival in the high mountains, mountain weather, alpine ecology, and Leave No Trace ethics

Included / Not Included

Included:

Trail head transfer, tents, guides on the mountain, hand held radio for each member, stoves and gas, all group technical gear. and permit costs.

Not included:

Airport transfers to hotel in Seattle, personal equipment, food, transportation, airfare, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, and all personal items, airfares, tips for staff.