Basic winter mountaineering skills course in the Central Andes, near Santiago, Chile (2 days)

Mountaineering in the winter is an unbelievable activity. It amplifies the already existing challenges of regular mountaineering, which amplifies the thrills if offers. However, it is important to know how to winter mountaineer properly. Thus the importance of a course like this: a basic level, 2-day course in the stunning Andes of Chile, near the city of Santiago.

This course will focus on the fundamentals of winter mountaineering. It will teach you how to safely and successfully make your through the unpredictable terrain of a snow covered mountain.

The course will consist of 4 theoretical classes and 1 trip to the Chilean Andes, where you can put what you’ve learned into practice.

Some examples of what will be covered during this course includes the following.

• How to properly set up a camp in winter conditions

• Snow formation and avalanches

• How to build shelters in the snow, including igloos, trenches, Patagonian camp, etc.

• Marching techniques for both ascending and descending in the snow

• Self-arresting with and without an ice ax

• How to properly use snowshoes

• Management and reading of avalanche lands

• Reading topographic charts

• Interpretation of slopes

In order to participate on this course, you should be in good physical condition.

It is important to learn the basics and fundamentals of winter mountaineering before heading to the mountains in the winter. As a result, this 2-day course can be extremely helpful. To participate in the course, please send a request.

I also offer a 4-day glacier travel and rescue course, which takes place on the Loma Larga glacier, near Santiago.