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BestOfBlueRidge_2016_Winner

North Carolina Alpine Mountaineering Course

Class is for:

Beginner or intermediate climbers with a desire to break into the Alpine arts: snow travel, snow climbing, ice climbing, winter camping skills..

Prerequisites:

None

Class Description:

Granite Arches is pleased to offer alpine style climbing classes and summit bids right here in the mountains of North Carolina as both pre-scheduled trips and ongoing privately guided classes.  Further from home, we offer trips to exotic climbing locations.

In North Carolina, our Alpine Climbing Course is  2 days, and involves back-country camping and ascents of long snow and ice routes deep in the Appalachian mountains.  This is excellent training for other alpine ascents in other parts of the world.  Topics typically covered include clothing selection and usage, alpine equipment selection, alpine campcraft,  cooking, packcraft, glacier/alpine roped travel, ice climbing techniques, with focus on German technique, ice/snow protection, snow travel and protection.

Class Length:

2 days.   Add on 3rd day available.

Instructor(s):

One of Granite Arches' staff members with years of experience and a love of teaching.

This fully customizable class can include:

  • Objective hazards of the winter climbing area/environment.
  • Gear overview: care, storage, and usage of harnesses, ice axes, ice screws, carabiners and ropes.
  • Winter camp setup and skills
  • Climbing technique: French and German foot techniques.
  • Snow climbing
  • Lower angle ice techniques and practice.
  • Steep ice climbing techniques
  • Ice climbing protection and anchors.
  • Climbing, climbing, and more climbing.