We had a great Denali Prep. Course last week with two really fun participants, Sergey and Edie. The course took place at the foot of Snowdon which is just off of Molas Pass.
Day 1: Everyone met at the office and did a gear check then headed up to the mountains. We packed the sled and took turns pulling it up to our camp. It’s hard work but Sergey and Edie both did great. We dug out a bomb proof but comfortable camp, and called it a day. It’s amazing how good burritos with fresh red peppers and avocados can taste in the mountains!
Day 2: We learned about crevasse rescue techniques, climbing knots, Avalanche Awareness including (beacon use, search techniques, digging pits and travel techniques in avalanche terrain.) Its a lot of information to absorb but all important.
Day 3: We attempted to climb Snowdon but decided to turn around on the ridge and on the way back down we went over snow anchors. Later in the day we put a rope in a tree to practice jugging a line to get out of a crevasse.
Day 4: Started out the day with some glacier rope travel and team arresting. Then we found a small cliff jugged some more fixed lines. Back to camp for lunch and to pack up.
We had great weather for the trip which meant some cold nights and mornings. Despite the cold we had a great time and learned a lot.
BK
