Advanced Mountaineering
and Ice Climbing Course

The four-day Advanced Mountaineering and Ice Climbing course is aimed at those participants who already have some climbing experience on rock or ice or who wish to develop the skills to undertake their adventures on remote and steep terrain.

The course is conducted in the region of Blue Lake in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. Access is by snowshoe or ski, departing from either Guthega Ski Resort or Charlotte Pass Ski Resort, depending on conditions and group preference.

We camp on the snow for three nights in the region of Blue Lake but not actually at the lake itself as this is not allowed by National Parks.

The group meets at the designated point at 8.30 am on the first day, where gear is checked and group equipment distributed. We then snowshoe to the camping site, setting up our tents and running through the elements of establishing and maintaining winter snow camps. In the afternoon of the first day, we ran through basic mountaineering skills and learned the differences between general mountaineering equipment and ice climbing equipment.

Days two and three are spent at Blue Lake learning ice climbing techniques, abseiling, jumaring, steep snow climbing, and self-arresting. We also practice placing protection, top roping, and building ice belays.

On the final day, we spent the morning revising essential skills before snowshoeing out to the carpark, arriving by 4:30 p.m.

The course will include elements of the following topics:

Clothing and equipment selection

Ice climbing versus mountaineering boots

Selection and use of crampons – French, German and American techniques

General Rope Skills

Essential knots

Glacial Travel

Selection and use of Ice Axe & Ice Hammer - glacier, mountaineering and steep ice

Mechanical ascenders/descenders

Prussiking

Self-Arresting

Snow and Ice Anchors/Protection/belaying

Placing anchors

Belaying on ice

Top roping

Route finding

Safety considerations

Avalanche Awareness

Snowshoe usage

Snow Camping

Snow Shelters

Leave no trace skills and ethics

On most courses, we camp above the snow line for two nights. You will need a tent, sleeping bag, and camping stove. Download the recommended clothing and equipment list at the bottom of this page for further information, including where to rent these if you do not already own them. It is recommended that tents and stoves be shared to lessen your load. We can assist with putting tent partners together if desired.

You will need to arrange your accommodation the night before the course starts and on the night of the last day of the course.

K7 can provide advice on appropriate camping food to bring.

While you do not need to be an elite athlete to take part, the course is physical and you will have to carry a backpack of around 15kg. There is no age restriction but K7 Adventures reserves the right to decline participation to anyone who we feel may be at undue risk due to health or fitness issues. If you have any concerns about your ability to undertake the course please contact andrew@k7adventures.com

Guiding fees are $1600 (GST inclusive) per person for the 4 day course for up to 6 people. If there are less than 6 people, Andrew Lock Adventures will contact you to discuss alternatives. If the course is cancelled by Andrew Lock Adventures, all deposits will be fully refunded.

Equipment hire costs are additional. Please see the Equipment Rental form for up to date rental cost

included

Highly experienced mountain guide

Full Liability Insurance

NPWS guide fees & charges (this doesn’t include the National Park’s Visitor/Car entry fee

Communications, first aid kit, water purification tablets, navigation equipment

Snowshoes, adjustable ski poles and snow shovels

Disposable biodegradable toilet waste bags

Not included

Travel to and from Thredbo

Accommodation and meals

Hire costs of required clothing and/or equipment.

Kosciuszko Express chairlift ticket (if needed)

Any other costs not listed under Inclusions.

25-28 July 2024