Goals:

1. Understanding Anchor Principles: Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles behind creating effective anchors in winter conditions, including biomechanics, load distribution, and material usage.

2. Practical Application Skills: Attendees will develop hands-on skills in constructing various types of anchors (including snow, ice, and mixed) under winter-specific conditions to ensure reliability and safety.

3. Risk Assessment: Participants will learn how to assess potential hazards and risks specific to winter environments, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding anchor placement.

4. Teamwork and Communication: Emphasis will be placed on fostering teamwork and clear communication while working in pairs or small groups, essential for successful winter mountaineering expeditions.

5. Problem-Solving Techniques: The clinic will develop participants' ability to troubleshoot and adapt anchor systems in response to changing conditions or unexpected challenges in the field.

Outcomes:

1. Proficiency in Anchor Construction: Participants will be capable of confidently constructing and evaluating a range of anchors suitable for snow and ice, ensuring a high level of safety during winter mountaineering practices.

2. Enhanced Risk Management Skills: Attendees will be equipped to identify and mitigate potential hazards, leading to safer climbing practices and improved decision-making in the field.

3. Increased Confidence: By the end of the clinic, participants will feel more competent and self-assured when choosing and constructing anchors in a variety of winter environments.

4. Effective Collaboration: Participants will have practiced effective communication strategies and teamwork skills, enhancing their ability to work collaboratively in a mountaineering context.

5. Preparation for Advanced Techniques: This foundational knowledge will prepare participants for more advanced mountaineering courses and expeditions, paving the way for further skill development in winter climbing scenarios.

Day 1

7:30am: Meet your guide at the designated trail head. Here we’ll do introductions, gear checks & go over over the plan for the day.

8:00am: Begin our hike to the predetermined venue we will use as our classroom and begin going over skills from here.

12:00pm: Break for lunch in the field and fuel up for the second half of the day.

3:45 - 4:00pm: Arrive back at the trailhead. Do a formal debrief and say our goodbyes

Day 2: (optional) *additional $150.00

For Day 2, we will have a similar venue and schedule but today we’ll be diving more into the nuances of creating solid winter anchors. We will put an emphasis on more hands on practice and repetition so you come out of the course feeling confident to build anchors on your own.

• This is a beginner mountaineering course. No prior mountaineering experience required. Arrive with a open mind and prepare to use your brain & problem solving skills!

• Solid fitness level: Even through we are based in one area for a majority of the course, we will be doing a lot of physical work the entire day.

• Basic knowledge of knots: It helps to have a basic understanding of knots and hitches prior to the start of the course.

  Note: Upon registration for this program, you will receive a small list of recources to get you on board with the hitches & knots we will use throughout the course.

Included:

• Friendly AMGA trained guides

• Applicible recreation & forest service permits

• Ropes, snow protection, group training gear

• Group first aid & GPS communication devices

• Waste Disposal bags in compliance with Leave “No Trace Principles”

Not included:

• Crampons, ice axe, harness, carabiners

• Beacon, Probe, Shovel

• Food & Snacks

• Transportation

• Guide Gratuities