Introduction to Mountaineering

Scheduled courses:

8-10 July 2023 - places available

15-17 July 2023 - places available

22-24 July 2023 - places available

Overview

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.

The courses are generally conducted as overnight camping expeditions in the vicinity of Thredbo. If the weather is too poor for camping above the snowline, then we may move the course to Guthega and camp at neaby Island Bend. When starting from Thredbo, we take the chairlift to the top of Crackenback and then snow shoe to the training area nearby. If at Guthega, we park our cars there and snow shoe to the training site. There is free overnight parking at both resorts.

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!

Topics covered

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

Your Guide

The course will be run either by Andrew Lock or Alex Sweet, both mountaineers with an exceptional background in alpine achievement and instruction. See the specific course date at the top of this page to identify who your guide will be.

Costs

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. If the course is cancelled by Andrew Lock Adventures, all deposits will be fully refunded.

Thredbo chair lift tickets are additional and at the time of printing were $49 per person per day. Equipment hire costs are additional. Please see the Equipment Rental form for up to date rental costs.

Inclusions

• World Renowned Mountain Guide
• Full Liability Insurance
• NPWS guide fees & charges (this does not include the National Park’s Visitor/Car entry fee)
• Communications, first aid kit, water purification tablets, navigation equipment
• Disposable biodegradable toilet waste bags

Not included

• Travel to and from Thredbo
• Accommodation and meals
• Hire costs of required clothing and/or equipment
• Thredbo chairlift (currently $49)
• Any other costs not listed under Inclusions

Accommodation

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 these can be rented from 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 own accommodation the night before the course starts and on the night of the last day of the course.

(see the additional information sheet for information on some local accommodation options.)

Fitness

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 Adventures and/or your doctor.

Clothing and Equipment

You must bring the correct clothing and equipment. You can download the required Clothing and Equipment list specific to this course at the bottom of this page. Please review the list and contact us if you have any questions. The clothing and equipment list provides additional information about retail outlets that rent out alpine camping equipment.

Technical climbing equipment and mountaineering boots are available for hire through Andrew Lock Adventures.. Please complete the Equipment Rental form if you wish to hire any of this equipment.

National Parks Permits and Insurance

The course is run in conjunction with K7 Adventures which has the required National Parks and Wildlife Service permits and libaility insurances. However these do not cover you for accident or injury and you should have your own travel/medical insurance.

Booking a place

To reserve a spot on this course, you must complete the booking form, medical history and liability waiver.

A non-refundable 50% deposit of the course fee is required to confirm your place. The deposit is required not less than 4 weeks prior to the course.

Please email enquiries@andrewlockadventures.com should you have any questions.