Though snow conditions were tough, Dana and I still had a great Introduction to winter mountaineering course this last weekend.
Day one consisted of Dana slaying it on the vertical ice of Cascade Canyon where he learned the basics of belaying, rope work, and climbing techniques.
Day two we made our way to over 11,000 feet to camp and live on the flanks of Engineer Mtn and learned how to set up a winter camp.
Day three was spent learning the basics of winter camping, snow condition analysis, anchors and snow anchors, traveling in avalanche terrain/ using avalanche gear, self arrest, traveling as a rope team, and more.
Even though the snow conditions didn’t allow us a summit attempt, we had a great fourth day in the Ouray Ice park going over what was learned and slaying more ice.
All in all, we had a great course and I can’t wait for the next one.
click here for a calender of the next course
BG