Expedition Prep Course

  • The Expedition Prep Course offered by Granitic Mountain Guides is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed for a successful outdoor expedition. Over the span of several days, we will covers topics such as route planning, navigation techniques, and risk assessment.

    In addition to technical skills, the course emphasizes the importance of teamwork and effective communication within an expedition team. Sessions will include group exercises and problem-solving scenarios to foster collaboration and build trust among team members. Participants will also explore environmental stewardship and leave-no-trace principles to promote responsible outdoor practices. By the end of the course, students will possess the confidence and competence necessary to embark on their adventures while ensuring safety and sustainability in the great outdoors.

  • Prices: $1,650

    Dates: TBD

    • Comprehensive Skill Acquisition: Participants will learn essential mountaineering techniques, including navigation, rope-work, and safety protocols.

    • Equipment Familiarization: Gain hands-on experience with various types of gear and equipment, ensuring understanding of their proper use and maintenance.

    • Team Dynamics Training: Foster effective communication and teamwork skills through group exercises and scenarios that simulate expedition conditions.

    • Problem-Solving Skills: Engage in real-life expedition simulations to improve critical thinking and decision-making under pressure.

    • Risk Management: Learn strategies for assessing and mitigating risks associated with climbing and multiday expeditions.

    • Environmental Awareness: Understand the principles of Leave No Trace, emphasizing sustainable practices in mountain environments.

    • Confidence Building: Cultivate a sense of self-reliance and resilience through challenging, skill-building exercises in a supportive environment.

    • Networking Opportunities: Connect with experienced professionals and fellow adventurers to foster potential collaborative expeditions in the future.

  • Day 1:

    Day 2:

    Day 3:

    Day 4:

    Day 5:

    • Endurance: Mountaineering involves long ascents over varied terrain. A good cardiovascular base is crucial.

    • Strength: A focus on leg strength, core stability, and overall muscle conditioning will help you navigate uneven slopes with the weight of a mountaineering pack on.

    • Fitness Level: Participants should have a solid fitness foundation and prior hiking experience in mountainous terrain.

    • Team work & Communication Skills: Joining a guided trip is an excellent way to gain the necessary communication skills so you are held accountable for pulling your own weight by contributing to the teams decision making.

      Note:

      By ensuring you meet these prerequisites, you can contribute to a safe and enjoyable backcountry skiing experience for yourself and others.

    • Included:

      • Friendly AMGA trained guides.

      • Applicable recreation and/or forest service permits.

      • Group rescue gear, first aid, rescue sled, GPS/Satellite phone.

      • Waste Disposal Bags in compliance with “Leave No Trace” principles.

      • 4 season tents

      • Ropes

      • Stoves

      • Fuel

      • Pots & pans

      • Water storage & treatment

      Not Included:

      • Avalanche equipment, mountaineering boots, ice axe, crampons,helmets, harness, carabiners.

      • Food/Snacks/Meals

      • Transportation

      • Guide Gratuities

  • Mountaineering Equipment:

    • Mountaineering Boots

    • Ice Axe w/ Adze

    • Crampons

    • Trekking Poles

    • Climbing Helmet

    • Climbing Harness

    • Locking Carabiners

      • 2 - Pear Shaped

      • 2 - D Shaped

    • 4 Non-locking Carabiners

    • Tube Style Belay Device w/guide mode

    • 2-3 Double Length Slings

    • Sterling Hollow block

    • 30ft of Accessory Cord

    • Petzl Micro/Nano Traxion

    • Petzl Tiblock

    • Snow Picket

    Head & Face

    • Ball cap

    • Sun Glasses

    • Warm Hat

    • Buff

    Upper Body

    • Base layer Top

    • Fleece

    • Softshell jacket

    • Hardshell jacket

    • Light - medium weight puffy jacket w/ hood

    • Heavy weight puffy jacket w/ hood

    Hands

    • Light weight liner gloves

    • Medium gloves

    • Heavy weight gloves

    Lower Body

    • Soft Shell Pants

    • Hardshell pant w/ full zip

    • Underware

    • Base layer bottom

    • 2-3 wool or synthetic socks

    Overnight Camp Equipment

    • Sleeping Bag (0-15 Degrees F)

    • Compression sack

    • Inflatable sleeping pad

    • Closed cell foam pad

    • Head lamps

    • Cup

    • Bowl

    • Spoon

    Miscellaneous

    • 2 Nalgene water bottle

    • Snacks

    • Tea

    • Instant coffee

    • Thermos bottle

    • Sunscreen

    • Lip balm

    • Hand sanitizer

    • Spare batteries

    • 2-3 trashbag liners

    Optional

    • Personal first aid kit

    • Down Booties

    • Down Pants

    • Phone charger

    • Handwarmers

    • Ear Plugs

    • Head phones

    • Small Book/Kindle