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Introduction to Mountaineering Course

Course Dates

5-7 September 2025 - places available

12-14 September 2025 - places available

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Overview

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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 nearby. 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.

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

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

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When starting from Thredbo we shall attempt 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:

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  • 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

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Andrew Lock is Australia’s most accomplished high altitude mountaineer. He is the only Australian (in fact the only person in the British Commonwealth) to have climbed all fourteen of the world’s 8000 meter ‘death zone’ mountains, including Mt Everest, twice. He was the first Australian to lead a commercial expedition to Everest’s summit and has been leading treks, mountain climbs, scientific, research and adventure expeditions for more than 25 years from the Arctic to Antarctica and the Himalaya to the Australian outback. He was expedition leader and field training officer on three Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions and has been teaching Alpine and mountain skills for 20 years. Andrew first experienced the alpine environment as a teenager right here in the Australian Snowy Alps and returns every year to pursue his love of back country skiing, climbing and alpine camping.

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.

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

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

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Occasionally, Snowy Mountains weather can be severe and it may be appropriate to reschedule or cancel the course. If the course is cancelled by Andrew Lock Adventures, all deposits will be fully refunded. 

Please see terms and conditions for information about cancelling your own participation.

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

  • Snow shoes, 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

Accommodation/Camping & Meals

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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.)

We can also provide advice on appropriate camping food to bring.

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Fitness

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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

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You must bring the correct clothing and equipment. The correct boots are essential for this course. 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.

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Technical climbing equipment and mountaineering boots are available for hire through Andrew Lock Adventures. 

 

​Please complete the Equipment Rental Form â€‹if you wish to hire any of this equipment.

National Parks Permits and Insurance

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The course is run for K7 Adventures which has the required National Parks and Wildlife Service permits and liability insurances. However these do not cover you for accident or injury and you should have your own accident and injury insurance.  It is strongly recommended that your insurance covers you for trip cancellation as well as ambulance and helicopter evacuation.  Whatever your insurance, be sure to confirm that you will be covered for mountaineering in the NSW Snowy Mountains. 

Booking a place

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To reserve a spot on this course, click the SIGN ME UP button and complete: 

  1. Booking Form

  2. Medical History and Liability Waiver

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  • A 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.

 

 

Click the PDF image below to DOWNLOAD the Required Clothing and Equipment for Introduction to Mountaineering

Required Clothing and Equipment for INTRODUCTION TO MOUNTAINEERING - OVERNIGHT COURSE

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