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MOUNTAINEERING 201

  • Review equipment and proper use
  • Steeper angle snow and ice
  • Identifying hazards
  • Route planning and descent options
  • Efficient movement on snow and ice


  • Looking at classic mountaineering objectives out West, or the committing winter ascents of the East? Then we’ll take the skills you learned in Winter Climbing 101 and apply them on a long route that will get you way up above the valley. In Winter Mountaineering 201, we’ll review the basics, then head up a route of moderate-angled snow and ice. We’ll cover lots of ground, protecting the party while moving together on the rope, and belaying the sections that require more care.

    Route selection, hazard assessment, and decision-making in the mountains all come into play as we steadily gain elevation. For a safety-conscious party, smooth and efficient movement up the mountain is a reward in itself, but the views from up there make it even better. Since the top of any climb is really the half-way point, we will need to address the variety of descent options as well.
    Mountaineering 201
    Course offered 7 days a week:
    $275 + $100 each additional person

    Special Group Rate:
    $150 per person on these dates
    2011 dates coming soon!


    Start/ End: 9am to approximately 4pm. Groups will meet at the Lake Placid EMS
    Includes: ice axes, crampons, plastic double boots, helmet, harness, professional instruction

    Does Not Include: lodging, transportation, personal gear and clothing (see below)

    Prerequisite: Winter Climbing 101 or similar experience

    Driving Directions

    Local Information Guide

    Equipment List for Mountaineering 201
    EMS Climbing School Provides: All technical equipment including, plastic double boots, harness, helmet, crampons, ice axes, and snowshoes.
    You Provide: (Required) Clothing is as important as your boots and ice axe. Being properly dressed is essential to enjoying your outdoor adventures. Cotton has no place in your winter layering system: it keeps you cold if you sweat and it takes a long time to dry out. Synthetic fabrics or wool keep you warmer when they become wet with sweat and certain synthetic base layers are designed to wick the sweat away from your skin to keep you drier and warmer. In order to make your experience more enjoyable, please do not wear any cotton as layering pieces. Also, remember, you have to carry all your clothing with you, so packing efficiently is important. If you can't wear it all at once, you don’t need to bring it. If you have questions about how many or which items to bring, please call 800-310-4504. We expect that you will be dressed and ready to go upon arrival to your lesson.
    * indicates rental item from the climbing school or retail store. Call 800-310-4504 to discuss rental needs. Not all EMSCS locations are equipped with rental gear. Please inquire at the time of your reservation.
  • Base Layer
    (top and bottom)
    Light to mid-weight synthetics, snug fit and close to skin, eg. EMS® Techwick®.
  • Over-Base Layer
    (top and bottom)
    Light-weight fleece or heavy-weight EMS® Techwick®. Power-Stretch and micro-fleece are ideal materials for this layer. No heavy, 300 weight fleece trousers—you will be over-dressed.
  • Insulation Layer
    (jacket only)
    200 to 300 weight fleece, heavy weight soft shell or Prima-Loft sweater
  • Uninsulated Waterproof/breathable Shell
    (jacket and pants)
    EMS System III, Gortex®, or similar waterproof/breathable material. Jacket MUST have an integrated hood. Flimsy “stow-away” nylon hoods are not adequate. Full side zip pants are helpful.
  • "Over-It-All"
    (jacket)
    A.K.A. "Puffy" --Hooded, Down or Prima-Loft Jacket.
  • Gloves/Mittens
    (2 pair)
    Either warm gloves or mittens.
  • Fleece Hat
  • *Backpack
    2,000 to 3,000 cubic inches
  • Wool/Synthetic Socks
    (1 pair)
  • *Gaiters
    These should fit around your entire calf as well as fit over your pant layering system and a plastic ice climbing boot. Summer hiking gaiters will not fit over plastic boots and leg layers.
  • Balaclava
  • Headlamp
  • Lunch
    Peanut butter and jelly, cheese and pepperoni…whatever you normally eat on the trail. Temps may be well below freezing, so choose food accordingly, and make sure you can open it and eat it with gloves on.
  • Snacks
    Trail mix and energy bars
  • Water 1-2 liters
    Use a wide-mouth Nalgene plastic bottle. No thin plastic Poland Spring bottles, water bladder hydration systems, or metal water bottles.
  • Sunwear
    Sunglasses and Sun-block
  • Optional Items
    Camera
    Light-weight thermos (1 liter max, with a hot drink in it)
    Water Bottle Insulator (old "clean" socks work well)
    Hand/Foot Warmers
    Trekking Poles
    Money for Souvenirs! (Climbing School t-shirts, travel mugs, ceramic mugs and water bottles available)

  • Missing anything on this list?
    Don't forget your 20% discount EMS coupon that comes with your Climbing School confirmation letter!