Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel Course

Types: Alpine, Summer, Winter

Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel Course

Learn to safely navigate complex glaciated terrain safely and how to perform a rescue should it ever be needed on our Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel Course.

Next Course:
Leaving Dec 2 2023 from $349.00

Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel Course

BlackSheep's Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel Course is hands-on with time spent on a glacier.

This 2 day Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel course is designed to give you the skills you’ll need to ski or snowboard in glaciated terrain this winter. There are huge expanses of glaciers in the Coast Range from the areas just off Blackcomb to the Tantalus and Garibaldi ranges and you don't want to run into a problem without the gear and skills to solve it yourself when you're out there.

This course will deliver all the information that you need from 1he basics to some more advanced topics at a pace that works for each student. Some prior knowledge and experience working with ropes is definitely an asset but not at all required.

Topics covered include: light-weight rope kits and other glacier travel equipment, when and how to rope up, reading glaciers, winter and summer travel, snow and ice anchors, rope ascension / self-rescue and a lot lot more.

Equipment:

A detailed equipment list can be found under the What to Bring tab but we've also written a few articles on our Gear Review website the site that are related to crevasse rescue and glacier travel equipment that you might find useful:

Is this for you?

If you've logged some time backcountry skiing or climbing and are ready to push up into some of the amazing alpine glaciated terrain we have here at the coast or possibly in the interior then it's time! The skills/fitness required includes:

  • Moderate Ski Touring Experience
  • Excellent Ski or Board Ability (Black Diamonds)
  • Good Fitness (500 - 1000m/Day)

 

Custom Dates Available

Just let us know what dates will work for you and we will put together a custom package.

December 2nd to 3rd, 2023

6 spots remaining
Group Size6 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $349.00

Fine Print:

Day 1: Squamish

  • 8:30am – Sign waivers, review goals for the day, discuss some general concepts:
    • Summer vs. winter
    • When to rope up & How to rope up
    • Anchors
    • What to do in an emergency
  • 9:30am – Head to the cliff for practical sessions on crevasse rescue:
    • Practice roping up
    • Review equipment & systems
    • Run through rescue scenarios
    • Rope ascension / self rescue
  • 4:00pm – Wrap-up at the cliff & walk back to the Adventure Centre for a debrief

Day 2: Field Day

  • 8:00am – Meet at the Blackcomb Base by the Wizard Grill
    • Ride up the lifts and escape into the backcountry
    • Work on safe travel technique through complicated glaciers
    • Review snow & ice anchors
    • Practice a “real” rescue in an actual crevasse or off a cornice
  • 4:30pm – Back at the vehicles for a debrief
Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel Course

Highlights

  • Learn when & how to rope up
  • Build snow & ice anchors
  • Practice rope ascension / self-rescue
  • Learn different rescue systems
Types Alpine, Summer, Winter
Season November to February
Next Course Dec 2 2023
Prices From $349.00

What's Included

  • ACMG/IFMGA Certified Guide/Instructor
  • Group technical equipment
  • Group safety & emergency response equipment
  • Insurance & Permits

What's Not Included

  • Transportation to/from meeting points
  • Personal mountaineering & camping equipment
  • Lift passes or other specialist transportation if required
  • Meals and accommodation
  • Trip cancellation, travel and medial insurance

Prerequisites

None

GENERAL:

  • Sunglasses & Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle (1L min)
  • Lunch
  • 35-40L pack
  • Toilet paper (or WAG bag)
  • Camera (optional)
  • Field Book & Avaluator (provided)

CLOTHING:

  • Wool or Synthetic Socks
  • Non-Cotton Base Layer
  • Thin Jacket
  • Puffy Jacket
  • Waterproof Breathable Jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Ski Pant w. Vents
  • Toque (Beanie)
  • Brimmed Hat
  • Face Warmer
  • Light Gloves & Insulated Gloves

BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL EQUIPMENT:

  • Transceiver, Probe & Shovel
  • Split-board or skis & skins
  • Ski or Snowboard Boots
  • Poles
  • Helmet
  • Ski Strap

GLACIER TRAVEL EQUIPMENT:

  • Helmet & Harness
  • Crevasse Rescue Equipment (we have lots of kit so you won’t need everything)
    • Belay Device (ATC or similar)
    • 4 x Locking Carabiner
      • 2 Pear
      • 2 D
    • 2-3 x Non-Locking Carabiners
    • 1 x 120cm to 240cm Sling
    • Personal Prusik*
    • 1-2 x 5m Prusik Cord Bombs* (6 or 7mm dia.)
  • Optional Equipment:
    • Micro-Traxion or SPOC
    • Tibloc
    • Prusik minding pulley (not plastic)
    • Ice Screw (16cm or longer)
    • Mountaineering Axe

We have some extra equipment so may be able to sort you out if you don’t have everything.

* Details on how to select a high quality cord for making prusik hitches can be found here: Comparison Review of Prusik Cord Options

If you have a system and equipment that you use for crevasse rescue and/or rock rescue definitely bring it. It’s great to practice with the kit you have and would bring with you.

  • BlackSheep Merino Wool Toque (Beanie) $35.00
  • Glacier Kit Rental $25.00
  • Avalanche Safety Equipment - 1 Day Rental $30.00

Activities and Add-Ons for this Course

BlackSheep Merino Wool Toque (Beanie)

A beautiful fleece lined merino wool toque. They come in black and grey though colours are subject to availability.

Glacier Kit Rental

Winter: 4 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking, personal prussic, sling, 5m prussic cord and belay device Summer: 4 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking, personal prussic, sling, 5m prussic cord, belay device, ice screw, crampons & ice axe

Avalanche Safety Equipment - 1 Day Rental

This rental kit includes: Transceiver, Probe, Shovel & Ski Touring Backpack.