Basic Mountaineering Orientation - Winter 2011

Post by **Taco** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 4:40 pm

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a class, none attending are paying, and we are not a guiding service. This is just a way for those interested to learn some basics and do a simple climb up Mount Baldy via the Bowl. We are not responsible for your well-being, safety, and all of that nonsense, so don't sue any of us, mmkay?

Also, check this first post for updates.

Hi guys, I'm organizing a basic mountaineering "clinic" on Baldy, with a climb up Baldy Bowl. The purpose of this trip is to get new climbers and others getting into winter trips and mountaineering comfortable and safe on the mountain.

We will be covering the very basics:
-Efficient Winter travel: Moving smartly
-Layering: staying warm and keeping cool
-Self-arrest: With and without axe, poles, and crampons, in all positions.
-Basic climbing and walking techniques

The more advanced side will simply be from experienced folks sharing their tips and techniques that often don't find their way into a book.

Required gear:
-Crampons: 10pt, 12pt, the usual.
-Axe: One standard mountaineering axe
-Helmet: A helmet will be required for climbing up Baldy Bowl. If you don't have one, you can take the trail up through the trees to the ridgeline.
-Gloves: Some good gloves you wouldn't mind self-arresting in a lot.

For glacier practice, everyone will need, in addition to the crampons, ice axe and helmet, an alpine harness and at least one locking caribiner. We can work out ropes, pulleys, pickets and other gear off-line.

Date is 8th of January at 6am, with the 29th of January for glacier practice. First major snow is typically mid-December, but due to the holiday season we probably won't get many folks out. Meet up at Manker Flat at 6am! We will start hiking up to the Bowl by 630.

If you are interested, reply to this message.

bertfivesix · Post by **bertfivesix** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 7:07 pm

Some course suggestions..

> Advanced Winter Survival: Eating Your Friends - Selection and Technique
> Cliffhanger 101: A Study Companion to the Groundbreaking Alpine Hand-to-Hand Combat Documentary
> Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills - Cover-to-Cover. 48 consecutive days.

hvydrt · Post by **hvydrt** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 7:27 pm

bertfivesix wrote: Some course suggestions..

No ice axe air guitar technique?

Good idea Taco

titanhangman · Post by **titanhangman** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 8:42 pm

Count me in for sure.

-jeff

Post by **Taco** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 11:28 pm

bertfivesix wrote: Some course suggestions..

> Advanced Winter Survival: Eating Your Friends - Selection and Technique
> Cliffhanger 101: A Study Companion to the Groundbreaking Alpine Hand-to-Hand Combat Documentary
> Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills - Cover-to-Cover. 48 consecutive days.

Also,

>"Don't walk around my tent with your crampons on": Making friends at camp.
>How to blow up your tent, starring MSR White Gas.
>"Why is the snow red?": How to tell when you're starting to have fun.

bertfivesix · Post by **bertfivesix** » Tue Nov 30, 2010 12:44 am

hvydrt wrote:
bertfivesix wrote: Some course suggestions..
No ice axe air guitar technique?

Good idea Taco

Can't be taught. You've either got it or you don't.

bertfivesix · Post by **bertfivesix** » Tue Nov 30, 2010 12:45 am

Taco wrote:
bertfivesix wrote: Some course suggestions..

> Advanced Winter Survival: Eating Your Friends - Selection and Technique
> Cliffhanger 101: A Study Companion to the Groundbreaking Alpine Hand-to-Hand Combat Documentary
> Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills - Cover-to-Cover. 48 consecutive days.
Also,

>"Don't walk around my tent with your crampons on": Making friends at camp.
>How to blow up your tent, starring MSR White Gas.
>"Why is the snow red?": How to tell when you're starting to have fun.

Hey, it was cold and I was tired of my eyebrows anyway.

Post by **Taco** » Tue Nov 30, 2010 2:15 am

I've added a short list of required gear to the original post.

simonov · Post by **simonov** » Tue Nov 30, 2010 6:53 am

Some scheduling blackout dates for me:

Can't make it on the 15th (youth hike) or the 22nd (SHOT Show).

That leaves the 8th and the 29th open for me.

spotfin · Post by **spotfin** » Tue Nov 30, 2010 10:10 am

I am definetly interested, all depends on the final date.

calicokid · Post by **calicokid** » Tue Nov 30, 2010 11:02 am

I am interested in the class. Hope the date will be good for me.

Zach · Post by **Zach** » Tue Nov 30, 2010 8:10 pm

I'll definitely try to attend if its later in January. Also, I'll probably bring a newbie or 2.

So.BayMark · Post by **So.BayMark** » Tue Nov 30, 2010 9:07 pm

I'm in...I like to meet this cartoon character Taco..

If I can't make the weekend class do you do weekday classes, I'll have new vacation and sick time to use

mark

TracieB · Post by **TracieB** » Wed Dec 01, 2010 4:53 pm

Hi Taco! Sounds like a fun day - if it's on a weekend please count me in

Post by **Taco** » Wed Dec 01, 2010 11:11 pm

Arright, everyone agree on a date. I don't have a job so it doesn't matter to me.

I'm free pretty much any day.

simonov · Post by **simonov** » Thu Dec 02, 2010 6:03 am

Saturday, 29 January. Done.

Post by **Taco** » Thu Dec 02, 2010 12:58 pm

GOING ONCE.... GOING TWICE...

bertfivesix · Post by **bertfivesix** » Thu Dec 02, 2010 5:27 pm

Sooner rather than later. 08JAN. Kaboom.

titanhangman · Post by **titanhangman** » Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:37 pm

I like both the 8th and 29th of Jan.

Post by **Taco** » Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:43 pm

I also prefer sooner rather than later, so people can enjoy more of the season.

simonov · Post by **simonov** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 4:03 pm

Since Zach asked for early in the month and Taco for late in the month, I am scheduling two Saturdays in January:

8 January
29 January

After some basic stuff on the 8th, I would also, on the 29th, like to rope up a couple of three-man teams for a climb up the bowl to simulate glacier travel. We could also practice glacier rescue and anchors.

bertfivesix · Post by **bertfivesix** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 9:14 pm

I am VERY down to try out roped team glacier travel and rescue scenarios.

Post by **Taco** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 10:40 pm

Glacier travel will be a real good idea, as something is coming up soon.

I figure the sooner the better for the clinic, since the month of January is a big time for winter mountaineers here. Better to get some practice BEFORE y'all head to the hills.

simonov · Post by **simonov** » Tue Dec 07, 2010 6:25 am

The glacier stuff will come in handy later in the year, in the spring and even summer, for those who are interested in climbing stratovolcanoes.

snmtbaldy · Post by **snmtbaldy** » Tue Dec 07, 2010 8:05 am

Hi Taco,
Please count me in if there is more room.
Shin

mve · Post by **mve** » Tue Dec 07, 2010 10:18 am

bertfivesix wrote: I am VERY down to try out roped team glacier travel and rescue scenarios.

ditto!

Post by **Taco** » Tue Dec 07, 2010 2:32 pm

There's plenty of room for everyone. The Bowl is quite large.

simonov · Post by **simonov** » Tue Dec 07, 2010 5:58 pm

Taco, suggest you update the opening post to mention the two dates and different equipment requirements.

For glacier practice, everyone will need, in addition to the crampons, ice axe and helmet, an alpine harness and at least one locking caribiner. We can work out ropes, pulleys, pickets and other gear off-line.

Post by **Taco** » Tue Dec 07, 2010 7:01 pm

Updated. Thanks Simonov.

simonov · Post by **simonov** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 6:40 am

Well, my idea is to do both dates: the 8th for basic self arrest practice and the 29th for roped travel and glacier rescue.