Mountaineering Course in Iceland - 6 days of climbing, crevasse rescue, avalanche basics, ice climbing, snow climbing and rock climbing.

Highlights

Price from:149.000 ISK

During this six day course the objective is to give students a solid, all-round foundation in mountain skills and climbing. The course shares training objectives with most other courses offered by Mountain Guides. Topics covered include: Ice-Climbing, rope ascending and descending, introduction to avalanche risk assessments, glacier travel and crevasse rescue, winter camping and shelters.
After the course participants should be able to take on simple mountaineering objectives and start building up their own experience. The course can be used for those wanting to become IMG Hard Ice guides to gain the necessary entry skills.

Student requirements:
The course is entry level. Participants are required to wear appropriate clothing. During the course one night upon the glacier is planed and personal camping gear should be brought for that purpose. A detailed equipment list will be issued up on registry.
Included: Instructions, all common mountaineering equipment and common camping equipment. NOTE: The price does not include food or accommodation
Excluded: The following is a quick reference, a detailed equipment list will be issued up on registry. Appropriate clothing, mountaineering boots, sleeping bag, sunglasses and ski-goggles. Ice-axe, crampons. karabiners, climbing harness and helmet. Back-pack (day-pack and 65-80L for overnight trips). Specialized equipment can be rented from IMG.
Note: This is a beginners course so no special requirements are needed. Course fee does not include accommodation in or transport to/from Skaftafell. Mountain Guides, can arrange for either.

Difficulty level

Highlights

Price from:149.000 ISK

Day 1
The day is devoted to climbing techniques, different anchors, and rappelling with various rappelling equipment. Introduction to rock climbing and different methods of ascending lines. The day´s itinerary is carried out at the climbing area of Hnappavellir.

Day 2
The use of crampons and ice axe, ice - anchors and ropework. ascending/descending different types of slopes using the crampons and the axe as well as climbing. Rescue techniques on the glacier. The day´s itinerary is carried out on one of the outlet glaciers in the vicinity of Skaftafell.

Day 3
Introduction to avalanche assessment and the use of safety equipment. Preparations for the upcoming glacier camping trip. Organization of the camping trip i.e. equiment, food, trip itinerary, familiarization with GPS, compass and maps of the area. Refreshing up of rescue techniques and other things to keep in mind whne travelling on glaciers. The day´s itinerary is carried out in Skaftafell

Day 4
We head out up into the hills of Öræfajökull glacier where we try out different use of the ice-axe cutting steps, climbing in snow, as well as the ice-axe brace. The use of crampons and different techniques walking on different surfaces/slopes. How to build snow shelter and put up tents in the snow. Pitching tents/digging shelters for the night as well as cooking for the night. Night on the glacier.

Day 5
Waking up in the tent/shelter snow melting and breakfast before heading out to practice the use of avalanche beacons and poles. Assessment of awailable routes regarding avalanche risk. The setting up of snow anchors and crevasse rescue practised before heading down to Skaftafell.

Day 6
We set out for one of the outlet glaciers close to Skaftafell for some real ice climbing. Top roping and leading if circumstances allow for such. The rest of the day is used for freshening up on anything that needs to be refreshed for safe mountaineering. Conclusion of the course at 17.00 hrs.