A couple weekends ago I ran my first Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Course of the summer. These are always fun courses, and are a great way to get introduced to mountaineering at the Icefields. I had a great group of 6 guys down for the weekend, and we were able to accomplish alot during the two days.
The first day was spent learning a bunch of rescue skills and anchor building, and everyone picked it up really quickly. By the end of the day everyone knew how to rescue a partner from a crevasse in a variety of situations, as well as rescue themselves by ascending a rope with prussics.
On Sunday, we headed up to the North Glacier on Mt. Athabasca and learned how to not fall in a crevasse in the first place! We also practiced moving with the rope on, steep snow climbing, ice anchors, and a variety of other skills. After spending a few hours on the glacier, everyone was still energetic so we decided to scramble to the top of Boundary Peak to get some great views.
On Monday, one of the course participants, Scott, joined me in an ascent of the North Glacier route up Mt. Athabasca. We had good travel conditions and great views! We moved up the route quickly and Scott did really well on his first big peak. The views from the top were awesome!
Thanks to all the guys on the course, and especially to Scott for the fun climb on Monday. I hope to see you all again!
J. Mills
CRAG Head Guide
www.cdnalpine.com
The first day was spent learning a bunch of rescue skills and anchor building, and everyone picked it up really quickly. By the end of the day everyone knew how to rescue a partner from a crevasse in a variety of situations, as well as rescue themselves by ascending a rope with prussics.
Practicing crevasse rescue on Saturday.
On Sunday, we headed up to the North Glacier on Mt. Athabasca and learned how to not fall in a crevasse in the first place! We also practiced moving with the rope on, steep snow climbing, ice anchors, and a variety of other skills. After spending a few hours on the glacier, everyone was still energetic so we decided to scramble to the top of Boundary Peak to get some great views.
Roped up on the lower glacier.
On the scramble up Boundary Peak with Mt. Hilda & A2 in the background.
A large serac fall avalanche off Mt. Kitchener. Cool!
On Monday, one of the course participants, Scott, joined me in an ascent of the North Glacier route up Mt. Athabasca. We had good travel conditions and great views! We moved up the route quickly and Scott did really well on his first big peak. The views from the top were awesome!
Scott on the lower glacier with Mt. Kitchener, Wolley, Diadem, and Mushroom behind.
Sweet weather on the summit!
Thanks to all the guys on the course, and especially to Scott for the fun climb on Monday. I hope to see you all again!
J. Mills
CRAG Head Guide
www.cdnalpine.com
As far as I know, glacier travel course Canmore is one of the brilliant way to study the ice. With the help of such courses we can learn glacier geomorphology, how to be fully independent and self sufficient for glaciated terrain travel and initiating advanced crevasse rescue scenarios.
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