Introduction to Mountaineering
Courses with Andrew Lock

Join Andrew Lock Adventures for a transformative alpine training journey in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. This Mountaineering course is introductory in nature and designed to give participants basic mountain climbing skills. At the conclusion of the course, participants are well prepared to sign on to a guided ascent of a trekking peak in Nepal or similar, or to take a more comprehensive mountaineering course. A list of the topics covered in the course is located below.

Introduction to Mountaineering

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

COURSE LEVEL 2

ACCOMMODATION

INCLUSIONS

  • 3 Days.

    Courses start at 8am at the nominated meeting place, where personal equipment is checked and technical and group equipment distributed.

    We return to the carpark around 4pm at the end of the course.

    There is an ascent of Mt Kosciuszko on the third day for those who wish to climb one of the Seven Summits!

  • The course will include elements of the following topics:

    Avalanche Awareness
    Clothing and equipment selection
    Essential knots
    General Rope Skills
    Glacial Travel
    Selection and use of Ice Axe & Ice Hammer - glacier, mountaineering and steep ice
    Selection and use of crampons – French, German and American techniques
    Mechanical ascenders/descenders and their use
    Prussiking
    Self-Arresting
    Snow Anchors/Protection/belaying
    Snowshoe Usage
    Navigation
    Steep snow climbing and descending
    If camping above the snowline
    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 Andrew Lock 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 Lock and/or your doctor.

  • Guiding fees are $1200 (GST inclusive) per person for the 3-day course for a minimum of 4 people. If there are less than 4 people, Andrew Lock Adventures will contact you to discuss alternatives.

    Thredbo Kosciuszko Express chairlift is $49 per person at the time of printing.

    Occasionally, Snowy Mountains weather can be severe, and postponing or cancelling the course may be appropriate. If the course is cancelled by K7 Adventures, all deposits will be fully refunded.

  • 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.

  • 23-25th August