Alpine Climbing Fundamentals

Below are my favorite free online learning videos (with a bit of commentary) covering some of the basic skills of alpine climbing. For more learning resources on other topics check out the free learning resources page.

Using Crampons to Moving Efficiently and Securely on Firm Snow  

Using an Ice Axe (how to hold it, how to use to for added security (most don’t use the leash))

Self Arresting with an Axe (super important to get this skill dialed)

Arresting the Fall of the Rope Team (it’s not the same as self arrest)

Snow Anchors (demos the T-slot/ deadman’s and seated belay)

Using a Picket to Build an Snow Anchor

Demos a Deep Bucket Seat + Deadman Snow Anchor

Roping Up to avoid Falling Off the Mountain

Roping Up For Glacier Travel (to avoid falling into the mountain)

Crevasse Rescue–Transfer load to an anchor so that you can move

Crevasse Rescue–Ensuring Anchor so Strong Enough to for Hauling

Crevasse Rescue–Getting Ready to Haul

Crevasse Rescue–Hauling the Person Out of the Crevasse 

Avalanche and Rock Fall-this is a big topic, but in the spring and summer when most people chose to alpine climbing it gets relatively simpler (assuming no fresh snow). Getting out of the danger zone before it warms up a typical risk mitigation strategy.

Basic Gear-This video is pretty basic and so many variations exist, but it a good start.

Trip Planning Route Finding and Navigation

INSERT-video addressing how to route find using terrain features and apps like Gaia (pre downloaded maps with tracks/ waypoints).

First Aid and Search and Rescue Concerns

INSERT-video covering what a basic first aid kit should include and how to figure what to do it things go south (resources available and how to contact them)

Next Learning Steps

-gain experience

-develop informed judgement

-learn advance techniques