Crevasse Rescue Course

Learn the fundamentals of Crevasse Rescue with the expert guidance of an IFMGA Mountain Guide…

Travelling on glaciers on foot or ski can be both exhilarating and daunting. They provide some of the most spectacular terrain in the alps but demand a high level of respect.

Our crevasse rescue courses cover trip planning and prevention as well as the nitty gritty of hauling techniques. Prevention is key, not falling in a crevasse in the first place is the over riding priority!

During the course we focus on the fundamentals of rescue techniques, and allow enough time to practice. It is important to be practiced and slick at these rather than getting distracted by more complicated skills to early.

The one day crevasse rescue courses cover many aspects of crevasse rescue

You will need to back this knowledge up with some practice at home or in the garden. Being familiar with some knots and ropes will be a bonus, but is not a prerequisite for this course. We start at the absolute basics no matter what your previous experience level.

This course is available year round, for both skiers and boarders in the winter/spring and mountaineers in the summer. Please do contact us to book a private course.

ENQUIRE NOW

For scheduled trip dates and further details:

See trip dates and book here

 

Course Syllabus

Our course syllabus is very flexible, but aim we aim to cover self-rescue as well as hauling techniques.

  • Trip planning and map interpretation
  • Equipment for glacial travel
  • Roping up for glacial travel (on skis and on foot)
  • Building snow/ice anchors
  • Backing up of snow anchors
  • Mountain rescue protocols
  • Preparing the lip of the crevasse for hauling
  • 3:1 hauling system
  • Introduction of 6:1 hauling system
  • “Gadgets” – pully and autoblocs
  • Self-rescue prussiking

Our venue is normally the Grand Montet lift system in Chamonix, although this varies depending on weather and conditions.

Equipment required;

  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Ice Axe
  • Crampons (summer)
  • Rucksack
  • Lunch/snacks

  • Lift Pass (can be bought on the day)

We provide group equipment such as ropes and technical gear. Please let us know if you would like to hire any of the equipment listed above.

Booking & Enquiry Process

• Browse the scheduled trips above and click View Details to check dates, guide ratios, and indicative pricing.

• Depending on the trip, you can enquire about your preferred dates (so we can confirm suitability and availability) or book online with a deposit (with the balance due six weeks before departure).

• Each participant reads our Terms & Conditions and completes a short medical form (sent by email).

• Once confirmed, final meeting details and logistics are sent out ten days before your trip.

Last-Minute Bookings & Custom Dates

Call us on +33 (0) 787371926 or send us an enquiry for last-minute availability or private guiding.

Please note that indicative prices shown are subject to change and are valid for bookings made at least one month in advance. Last-minute bookings may be subject to an additional charge depending on hut or lift availability.

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+33 (0) 787371926

We are open for enquires 7 days a week all year, we check and respond to emails once a day during the high season

email@verticalfrontiers.com
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