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BLUE ICE - Recall / AERO ice screws

2 Spaces Available

Alpine Rope & Travel Skills Course

$ 545

Mar 29, 2025 – Mar 31, 2025

Blue River, BC

This course is designed to provide candidates with the fundamental rope and travel techniques required for safe and effective alpine or exposed terrain travel. Focusing on short roping, short pitching, belaying, and lowering techniques, it equips participants with the skills necessary for success in the Ski Touring Guide assessment.

 

 

Prerequisites

  • Canadian Ski Guide Level 2

Important Notes

Those who have previously done the Ski Touring Module do not have to complete the new Alpine Ropes & Travel Skills Course prior to doing the Ski Tour Endorsement.

Anyone new to the Ski Touring stream will have to do the Alpine Ropes & Travel Skills Course as a pre-requisite to participate in the Ski Touring Course & Exam.

By the end of the course, candidates will have acquired essential alpine rope and travel skills, including short roping, short pitching, belaying, and lowering, which are necessary for the successful completion of a Ski Touring Guide assessment.

 

Course Objectives

Understanding how to use short roping techniques to travel efficiently and safely on alpine or exposed terrain

Mastering the art of short pitching for steeper, more technical terrain, ensuring team safety and effective movement.

Training in lightweight glacier cord use for belaying and securing fellow climbers in various alpine conditions.

Gaining competency in lowering techniques to assist in difficult or steep sections of the route.

Equipping participants with the skills required to meet the expectations of the Ski Touring Guide certification assessment.

Key Topics Covered

  • Basic principles of alpine travel
  • Overview of necessary equipment, including lightweight glacier cords and other technical gear
  • Safety considerations in alpine or exposed terrain travel environments

  • Techniques for efficient short roping in varying terrain
  • Proper communication and coordination between team members
  • Managing rope tension and minimizing fall risk

  • When and how to use short pitching for more difficult sections
  • Belay techniques for short pitching
  • Transitioning from short roping to short pitching to glacier travel

  • Techniques for belaying in alpine conditions
  • Rope management and controlling slips
  • Use of light ropes and glacier cords for belaying on snow, ice, and rock

  • Methods of lowering skiers safely in challenging terrain
  • Techniques for lowering in glacial and rocky environments
  • Handling potential issues in steep or complex terrain

  • Scenario-based training on short roping, pitching, belaying, and lowering
  • Hands-on practice in real alpine environments (conditions permitting)

  • Review of skills required for the Ski Touring Guide assessment
  • Techniques for adapting skills to backcountry ski touring
  • Final evaluation and feedback to ensure readiness for assessment