WINTER CREVASSE RESCUE & GLACIER TRAVEL

From experience garnered worldwide and testing many different systems, our Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel course combines the best elements of safety, adventure and education.

One key feature that sets our course apart from others is the un-roped victim rescue component. This involves rappelling and ascending into and out of a crevasse to rescue an un-roped victim – a crucial skill given that over 85% of glacier skiing is done without ropes.

In order to achieve self-sufficiency, backcountry skiers and alpine climbers must master three essential components: rope ascension, crevasse rescue, and glacier travel, all of which are covered in this comprehensive curriculum.

Practice the following key knots to prepare for the course: Figure 8 on a Bite; Clove-Hitch; Munter-Hitch; Girth-Hitch; Auto-Block; and Munter-Mule.

Did you know we also run a Women's Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel Course. Find out more.

Lift Ticket *Day 2 only: If you do NOT currently possess a valid Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket (Seasons Pass, Spirit Pass, Edge Card, Epic Pass, etc.), you may buy a lift ticket through our office at checkout.

Day 1: Meet at 8:30 am. The guide will have everyone sign a waiver and give a brief safety briefing along with discussing the day's objectives. The activities will take place in the valley, and the guide will take you to an appropriate location to practice rope ascension.

Day 2: Meet at 8:30am. The guide will begin with a discussion about the previous day, current conditions, and glacier morphology. After that, the group will head to a local glacier using the Whistler Blackcomb lift system and spend the rest of the day there.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals, we have teamed up with local companies to provide discounted rates. Visit our rental page HERE for more information!

Equipment:

• Touring skis or splitboard with skins, poles, and appropriate boots – Day 2 only
• Avalanche safety equipment – shovel, probe and beacon – Day 2 only
• Mountaineering/Ice Axe - Day 2 (optional - necessary for those looking at mountaineering objectives)
• Lift Ticket - Day 2
• Harness
• Helmet

A Crevasse rescue kit required* (see complete list below) – both days. Kit can be rented from MSAA

Crevasse Rescue Kit:

• Locking Carabiners x 4
• Non-locking Carabiners x 4
• Sewn Sling 1 x 120cm
• Cordalette’s: 2 x 5m (7mm) for ropes 9mm and up (5mm for 8mm ropes or less, i.e. Petzl Rad Line) if using skinny ropes or Rad line, add 2 locking carabiners, stamped as opposed to round aluminum stock best.
• Cordalette 1 x 1.5m (7mm)
• Ratchet: 1 x Auto-Block Device or Ratcheting pulley (Petzl Reverso, BD ATC Guide, Petzl Micro-traxion (best)). If using micro-traxion, add 1 munter/pearshaped locking carabiner, stamped as opposed to round aluminum stock best.

Clothing:

• Warm clothing (wool/synthetic recommended)
• Warm socks (wool/synthetic recommended)
• Insulating jacket (down or similar)
• Shell jacket (Gore-tex or similar)
• Shell trousers (Gore-tex or similar)
• Warm gloves and shell gloves
• Warm Hat
• Goggles
• Backpack
• Sunscreen
• Lunch/Snacks
• Water (approx. 1-2L)
• Hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate in a thermos (optional)

Food and water are not included. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

If you do not have your own equipment please contact us to arrange to rent helmet or harness.

It is beneficial to practice using your own equipment under the supervision of a professional.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Glacier Kit and equipment check
• Situational awareness, review hazards
• Arresting the fall, holding the victim and anchor building
• Crevasse rescue system
• Incorporating a ratchet
• First raise method
• Crevasse Rescue Scenario
• Glacier morphology, physiology, terminology
• Glacier travel, rope handling, route finding & track setting
• Belaying from an anchor over a bridge
• Downhill glacier skiing safety strategy discussion

Click HERE for the full curriculum