Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel Course

glacier travel

Crevasse Rescue Course & Glacier Travel Training for Ski Mountaineering

This two-day crevasse rescue course and glacier travel course is designed specifically for mountaineers who want to move safely and confidently in glaciated alpine terrain. Whether you’re getting started with mountaineering or looking to strengthen your technical skills, this training provides the essential foundation for safe travel and effective rescue response.

You’ll learn the latest tools, techniques, and systems used in modern crevasse rescue—always with a strong focus on realistic, hands-on practice. Our goal is to ensure you know exactly what to do if a partner falls into a crevasse, and that you can make informed, safe decisions while traveling on glaciers.

crevasse rescue course
crevasse rescue course

Course Content

Key skills covered in this mountaineering course include:

Securing the group and managing the scene after a crevasse fall

Building reliable snow and ice anchors, including snow picket anchors and V-threads

Haul systems: 3:1, 6:1, and drop-loop setups

Rope skills: rope ascension, rappelling, and efficient transitions

Glacier travel techniques: terrain assessment, tying in, roped travel, probing, track setting, and route finding

By the end of the course, you’ll have the practical knowledge and confidence to act quickly and effectively in a crevasse rescue scenario—and to travel more safely as a team on glaciated terrain.This training gives you the solid base you need to pursue more advanced mountaineering courses and bigger objectives in the mountains.

Course Format

Day One: Technical Systems

– Meet the guides and sign waivers

– Head into the field

– Introduction knots and rescue systems

– Hands-on practice session focusing on load transfers, haul systems, anchors, rope ascension and rappelling

– Situation assessment and decision-making

– Calling for help

Day Two: Glacier Travel Skills

– Key focus areas include:

– Arresting a fall-Ice screw anchors-Roped travel

-Terrain management/route finding

-Whiteout navigation

Throughout the course, participants will develop the skills to make informed decisions while enhancing their ability to execute a rescue effectively.

Enrollment & Available Dates

Pricing

Price: $350+GST

Max six participants

Physical fitness

Sustained climbing and skiing at elevation demands aerobic capacity and leg strength.

Mountain experience

Prior backcountry skiing or mountaineering experience is strongly recommended before enrollment.

mt baker
glacier travel course

Equipment list

Gear List

*Helmet
* Headlamp
* Sunglasses
* Personal first aid supplies
* Toque
* Minimum 1L water bottle or Thermos
* Gore-tex (or equivalent) jacket
* Gore-tex (or equivalent) pants
* Puffy jacket
* Warm layers for upper and lower body adequate for below freezing temperatures and wind
* Thick gloves
* Spare gloves
*30-40m hyperstatic or single rope
* Lightweight harness (if possible otherwise climbing harness will work)
* 3 locking carabiners
* 1 triple action captive eye locking carabiner
* 3 non-locking carabiners
* 240cm sewn sling (or 5m of webbing)
* 5m x 6mm accessory cord
* Personal prussik
* Micro-traxion (optional)
* Tibloc (optional)
* Ice screw (between 12-22cm)
* 30-40L backpack
* Ice Axe
* Lightweight crampons

Arctos Trip Inventory

The complete Arctos Trip Inventory