Climbing Seminars

Overview

The Mountain Center at the American Alpine Institute is proud to present two "ground-school" seminars. The Introduction to Crevasse Rescue program is a 4-hour overview of baseline glacier travel and hauling systems. The Introduction to Rock Rescue is a 4-hour introduction to basic multi-pitch self-rescue. 

These programs are both done inside to stay out of the weather. They use a combination of powerpoint presentations and hands-on training for students to develop a baseline understanding of these complicated skills.

All students should consider outdoor programming on these subjects with AAI after completing one or both of these programs.

Introduction to Crevasse Rescue (4-hours, $95)

The goal of this program is to introduce students to the basic fundamentals of crevasse rescue and crevasse rescue hauling systems. Skills covered in the program include, but are not limited to:

• Roping Up for Glacier Travel
• Glacier Travel Theory
• Rope Climbing Techniques
• Snow Anchor and Ice Anchor Theory
• Load Transfers
• Hauling Systems (2:1, 3:1, 6:1)

 

Introduction to Rock Rescue (4-hours, $95)

The goal of this program is to introduce students to the basic fundamentals of self-rescue in a multi-pitch scenario. Skills covered in this program include, but are not limited to:

• Belay Escapes and Load Transfers
• Tandem and Counterbalance Rappels
• Rope Climbing Systems
• Lowering Systems
• Hauling Systems (3:1, 6:1)

 

Climbing Seminars

Dates and Details

Seminars are limited to six people per program. They are commonly done on the same day. A climber may sign up for both programs back-to-back.

These programs may be run on a private basis, inquire for details.

Program Schedule

See Events, Films and Speakaers page for free high ratio demos.

• 10/26/24 - Intro to Crevasse Rescue (8am-12pm)
• 10/26/24 - Intro to Rock Rescue (1pm-5pm)
• 11/3/24 - Intro to Crevasse Rescue (8am-12pm)
• 11/3/24 - Intro to Rock Rescue (1pm-5pm)
• 12/8/24 - Intro to Crevasse Rescue (8am-12pm)
• 12/8/24 - Intro to Rock Rescue (1pm-5pm)
• 1/11/25 - Intro to Crevasse Rescue (8am-12pm)
• 1/11/25 - Intro to Rock Rescue (1pm-5pm)
• 2/8/25 - Intro to Crevasse Rescue (8am-12pm)
• 2/8/25 - Intro to Rock Rescue (1pm-5pm)
• 3/8/24 - Intro to Crevasse Rescue (8am-12pm)
• 3/8/24 - Intro to Rock Rescue (1pm-5pm)
• 4/6/25 - Intro to Crevasse Rescue (8am-12pm)
• 4/6/25 - Intro to Rock Rescue (1pm-5pm)

Climbing Seminars

Intro to Crevasse Rescue

Crevasse rescue is an incredibly complicated skill. There are several ways that one can complete a rescue. First, a climber can self-rescue. Second, the climber's team can pull them out. And third, another team could come by to assist. Each of these options require skill and training.

The Introduction to Crevasse Rescue seminar starts with the theories behind crevasse avoidance, then goes into what to do if someone falls into a crevasse.

This program was not designed to replace crevasse rescue training on a glacier, but instead was designed to supplement those skills. A climber may choose to take this program before or after a wilderness-based course to ensure competency.

Climbing Seminars

Intro to Rock Rescue

What do you do if a leader falls and gets hurt? How do you get them to the ground if the rope isn't long enough to lower them? What if you are more than one pitch off the deck?

These are tough questions to answer. But the Introduction to Rock Rescue program attempts to address these questions in a theoretical space, primarily in ground school. This is normally how entry level rescue programs are taught and refreshed.

Once a climber has finished with ground school, they can move onto application. This course goes through each of the skills in pre-application setting where there's reduced risk and students can look carefully at each individual component of a rescue.

The Introduction to Rock Rescue seminar is meant to supplement the material in the longer course, specifically the Technical Self Rescue for Climbers program. A climber may choose to take the Intro course before or after the longer course in order to help cement their skills.