13-Day Cascades Course Itinerary
COURSE ITINERARY
Days 1-5: Same as 6-Day Mountaineering Course [click for full description] although day-to-day is subject to change based upon conditions.
Day 6: Climbing techniques and top roping. We begin the day with a warm-up bouldering tour, demonstrating various climbing techniques such as edging, smearing and proper balance. After our warm-up we practice setting up top rope anchors to climb various routes. Much of the day is spent top roping several routes to give you experience on both face and crack climbing. The day ends with a series of rappels, a technique used for descending steep terrain. We camp in local campgrounds during days 6 through 9.
Days 7-8: Additional advanced rock and varied climbing. The days begin with the preliminary bouldering warm-up tour. Next we cover belay anchors and running protection for both lead and multi-pitch climbing. Our goal is to teach you how to move quickly and safely on moderately technical terrain. In alpine climbing it is important to be able to reach bivouac sites, etc. before dark. The days end with a series of rappels.
Day 9: Aid climbing and advanced protection placement. This is the last day of formalized training before attempting our first alpine peak. We cover techniques used in aid climbing and advanced protection placement. This day gives you excellent experience in placing your own protection.
Days 10-13: Ascents of alpine peaks. The last four days of the course are spent climbing some of the North Cascades finest peaks. The guides will choose climbs which are in the best condition and which most ideally match students skill level. Potential peaks include: Mt Shuksan, Twin Sisters, Forbidden, Garibaldi Provincial Park, Mt Sloan, Eldorado Peak, Torment, Buckner, Logan, Sloan Peak and Glacier Peak.