Intro To Tahoe Mountaineering Course
Intro To Mountaineer-ing in Lake Tahoe
This Introduction To Mountaineering course, based in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is designed to teach basic mountaineering skills and prepare aspiring mountaineers for the high-altitude peaks they dream of climbing around the world.
While these mountaineering skills can be developed on one of our International Climbing Schools (Ecuador Climbing School, Mexico Climbing School, and Peru Climbing School), building a solid mountaineering foundation here in California sets climbers up for even more success as they add in the factors of high altitude and expedition climbing to their climbing experience.
- 8-9AM
- Morning Meeting
Meet and great. Discuss the group’s climbing experience and goals/dreams, schedule of the day/curriculum, and principles/importance of Leave no Trace outdoor ethics.
- 9-10AM
- Intro to Mountaineering
Learning begins with a discussion on the various styles of mountain climbing, and the differences in equipment options and selection of equipment based on objective.
– Helmet (ski vs. climb), Harness (light weight vs heavy rock), Axe (length, style, 1vs.2), Crampons (Steel, Aluminum, Hybrid, Attachment style), Boots (Single, Double, etc), Apparel and Packing fundamentals. - 10-3:30PM
- Field Session
Moving to the field, we get down to business, starting with these skills:
– Introduce Crampons, the importance of good footwork and simple movement progression on moderate angle snow.
– Introduce the Ice Axe, its purpose, how to hold (self-belay vs self-arrest), and how to integrate into movement progression.
– Further refine movement progression, both diagonal and direct ascent.
– Self-arrest practice, while stressing the importance of careful climbing to avoid falls.Introduction to the rope:
– When to add a rope to the system
– Actual vs perceived security
– Basic types of ropes, rigging and their application
– Knots and hitches
– Basic snow anchors and belays
– Rappelling - 3:30-4PM
- Course Close
– Review of skills taught
– Next steps
– Limitations of course
Our High Sierra Guides.
Tahoe Intro To Mountaineering Course Questions
Intro to Mountaineering Equipment List
Mount Shasta Mountaineering School
Mount Shasta West Face Climb
Mount Shasta Avalanche Gulch Climb
Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Course
Field Mag: Guide Adrian Ballinger on How Expedition Travel Changed the World
Alpenglow Expeditions’ founder shares archival photos and stories about near-death experiences on Everest, basecamp snacks, and the evolution of alpine guiding.Read the story
Wall Street Journal: The Tiny Western Town That’s Quietly Become the Coolest Place to Ski
Once a frontier town for loggers and cowboys, Truckee, near Lake Tahoe, has quickly grown into a hub of winter adventure—not to mention hip coffee shops and new restaurants.Read the story
Climb Cho Oyu Before Climbing Everest
When it comes to climbing Everest, experience matters. Not just general mountain experience, but specific, targeted exposure to what it actually feels like to live and perform above 7,000 meters. That’s why Adrian Ballinger—founder of Alpenglow Expeditions and veteran of 14 Everest seasons—encourages nearly every aspiring Everest climber to summit an 8,000-meter peak first.Read the story
Adrian Ballinger Argues for Sweeping Change on Everest: Nepal-Side Summits Are Becoming ‘Unethical’
Every year, more climbers die trying to reach Mount Everest’s summit via the southern route through Nepal. A prominent alpinist says China’s northern side offers more safety.Read the story
Peak Lenin vs. Aconcagua
We guide both Aconcagua and Peak Lenin, and while they’re similar in height—Aconcagua at 6,962m (22,841’) and Lenin at 7,134m (23,406’)—the experience on each mountain couldn’t be more different. Both trips use our Rapid Ascent approach, which means you show up pre-acclimatized and we move efficiently through the mountain. But what those days look like, how technical the terrain is, and what you’re training for down the line—all of that changes depending on where you go.Read the story
Patagonia Bound: Skiing with Adrian Ballinger and Emily Harrington
Ski with Adrian Ballinger & Emily Harrington in Patagonia’s stunning Cerro Castillo. Big lines, spring corn, world-class terrain.Read the story
How to Climb Mt. Everest
Climbing Everest doesn’t start in the Himalaya. It starts with basic skills, local mountains, and building experience one step at a time. If you’re asking how to climb Everest the right way — safely, successfully, and confidently — this is the path we recommend.Read the story
