Lecture 2 Topic: Fundamentals of Snow Climbing

Activity Notes

We will be covering Module 6 on March 12th: Fundamentals of Snow Climbing!

The schedule for the evening is:

6:00 PM     Doors Open

6:30 PM     Announcements/Introductions

6:45 PM     Fundamentals of Snow Climbing

7:30 PM     Breakout Session

9:15 PM     Clear the Building by 9:30 PM

By the end of the lecture and your snow field session, you should be able to (9th ed. FOTH pg #’s):

  • Identify the features of a glacier. 362-363, 391
  • Identify the types of snow protection (picket, etc.). p.355-357
  • Move on a fixed line on snow. p.353-355
  • Move in a team and pass through protection on a running belay. p.353-355
  • Connect to the end or middle of a rope team and set up for glacier travel p.397-399
  • Travel as an efficient rope team member. handbook + p.130, 399
  • Perform team arrest. p.353-354
  • Use prusik to belay rope team members in and out. handbook
  • Identify the parts of an ice axe and proper grips parts. p.331-332, 340-348
  • Demonstrate proper self–belay and self–arrest techniques. p.349-353
  • Demonstrate proper technique in kicking/improving steps. p.343
  • Use the rest step. p.131, 343
  • Demonstrate basic foot/crampon techniques. p.340-342
  • Correctly attach crampons to boots. p.335-336
  • Use plunge steps to descend. p. 346
  • Walk in balance, including changing directions while traversing, both with and without a rope. p.132, 342-347
  • Demonstrate a controlled sitting glissade. p.347-348
  • Demonstrate the seated hip, boot ice axe and carabiner ice axe belays in snow. p.357-360
  • Prusik up a rope for self-rescue. p.410-411 

For those using the 8th edition, your page numbers are 320-350 and 375-388. 

Your team leaders will provide you with information RE the breakout sessions.