Applications will be accepted starting at 10am on October 7th

Preference will be given to those who have been members of PATC-MS longer

Apply to join Alpine Skills Weekend

Each winter PATC-MS offers an Alpine Skills Weekend (ASW) to share our members’ mountaineering experience. No prior experience is required. Participants must obtain (rent, borrow, buy) mountaineering equipment and winter clothing for potential extreme weather conditions.

The primary purpose of ASW is to learn basic mountaineering skills. It is appropriate for people who have limited or no mountaineering skills. If weather allows we will make a summit attempt on Mt. Washington. We expect all participants to be in shape and prepared for the elements when they arrive in New Hampshire.

Climbing, and especially mountaineering, is a dangerous sport. Mt. Washington has recorded many of the worst winds and coldest temperatures – anywhere. Do not underestimate what -20°F feels like, especially for multiple days.

Detailed information will be provided to participants about the required gear and other logistics for the course.

 

Event Summary

• Dates: January 12-16, 2023 (MLK Weekend)
• Location: Mount Washington, North Conway, New Hampshire
• Participants: 10
• Mentors: 3-4
• Lodging: tent camping outside of Harvard Cabin

Participants are REQUIRED to attend the following pre-ASW activities:

• October 26 at 7pm – Zoom meeting
• November 20 – Training hike
• December 17 – Gear check

Consider the dates for ASW and the pre-ASW activities carefully. This is a very popular event. There will be a waiting list. If you drop out, it may affect the other participants.

 

Primary Skills Covered

• Tent camping in the snow
• Ascending a snow slope in boots
• Use of crampons
• Use of mountaineering ice axe
• Self-arrest
• Moving in rope teams
• Anchors (deadman anchors, use of tools, snow pickets, and ice screws)
• Descending: walk-off using plunge step
• Descending: rappelling (v-thread, bollards, etc) – time permitting
• Use of avalanche gear (optional) – time permitting
• Intro to ice climbing (optional) – time and weather permitting

 

Experience and Equipment

No prior experience is required for ASW. Participants must obtain (rent, borrow, buy) general mountaineering equipment and winter clothing for possible extreme severe weather conditions. Some equipment (axes, boots, crampons) is available to borrow from the PATC-MS Gear Locker. Rental gear is available in North Conway at International Mountain Equipment (IME), Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), and REI.

Want to get an idea what you’ll need? Check out the basic ASW gear list

 

Cost

There is no cost to sign up for ASW. However, all personal trip expenses are the responsibility of the participants. These expenses include travel to/from New Hampshire, lodging, food, and gear (detailed gear list will be provided). Gear may be the largest expense depending on what you already have.

 

Fitness Level

Mountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. From carrying a heavy pack to ascending steep snow slopes. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor. Plan to be in excellent shape. The mentors can recommend hikes and other training activities.

 

Lodging/Camping

All participants and mentors will camp outside of Harvard Cabin, and will be required to share a tent (unless you bring your own 4-season tent). The camping cost is $10/night per person. Last resort is to stay at Joe Dodge Lodge and hike up each morning (approximately a two hour hike).

 

ASW Start Time

Participants must arrive at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center no later than 11am on Thursday, January 12. It is strongly recommended that participants arrive in North Conway Wednesday evening (motel stay) to allow plenty of time on Thursday to take care of last minute things.

 

Questions? – contact Corey Hilz at the email listed below