MTN 3: Expedition Mountaineering

MTN 3: EXPEDITION MOUNTAINEERING 2-day training offers a combination of instruction, demonstration, and guided practice with a professional MAA instructor taught outdoors in a small group setting. Completion will prepare you for success as an intermediate level mountaineer and help you be better qualified to attend MAA events. We'll do the following:

• Bivouacking in snow
  

• "Light and fast" climbing tips, gear and principles

• Technical peak circumnavigation or ascent
  
• Using GPS, and a review all prior navigation techniques
• Expedition planning, training, and climbing
• Climbing in running belay or fixed lines
• Altitude considerations

• Acclimatization

• Advanced navigation on glaciers, and in adverse conditions

• Mountain weather
  

• Medical skills

• Expedition behavior

RECOMMENDED FOR: All current MAA members who have attended the companion online training and/or have completed the prior level outdoor training, or have appropriate experience on their MAA profile.

EVENT LEADER: Darren Shutt, darren@mountainascent.org, (916) 872-3399

DURATION: 34 hours

MEET: Bassett Station, Hwy 49, west of Sierraville, CA.

WHAT TO BRING: All items on the gear list below

PERSONAL GEAR: Members are encouraged to use your own equipment. If you're missing something, loaner gear may be available. Please let the instructor know if you need something. All paying members receive a retail gear discount at Bobcat's Outdoor Adventure Sports. Brands include ArcTeryx, Black Diamond, Petzl, Mountain Hardwear, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Outdoor Research, MSR, Beal, Garmin and more.

CLOTHING

• Wicking, breathable base layer, top and bottom

• Insulating, weather-resistant mid layers, top and bottom

• Wind and waterproof shell layer, top and bottom

• Insulating fill or down belay jacket, w/hood

• 2 pair of warm socks

• Gloves

• Gaiters

• Sunglasses

• Warm hat and/or balaclava

• Sun hat or covering

EQUIPMENT

• Waterproof bivouac sack*

• 45 - 75 liter backpack - save space for group gear

• Cookset - may be group gear

• Stove and fuel - may be group gear

• Sleeping bag, rated to freezing, with compression stuffsack

• High energy food, snacks and drinks

• Compact sleeping pad

• Spoon, mug

• Freeze-proof water bottles or container system, 2 liters minimum total capacity

• Strong headlamp with fresh batteries

• Compass with adjustable declination

• Sunscreen

• Small personal first aid kit

• Optional items for consideration: altimeter, trekking poles, camera, small knife or multi-tool, bandana

CLIMBING GEAR

• Mountaineering boots or hiking boots

• Harness*

• Climbing helmet*

• Steel crampons, fit to your boots*

• Ice axe*

• Second tool w/hammer*

• Double length (48") sewn runner or PAS*

• 2 locking carabiners*

• Prusik cord*

• Any snow or rock protection, ropes or appropriate gear

*If you are without some of this important safety gear, it may be available for loan upon prior request, first-come, first serve. Please contact the event leader.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• You must be a Base, Peak or Apex Member to attend MAA events.

• Participant safety is our top priority. The itinerary described is the plan; however, circumstances beyond the leader's control may necessitate changes.
  

• The training event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.