HAT: Non-Technical Ice Axe Course

ORANGE COUNTY COUNCIL-HIGH ADVENTURE TEAM ANNOUNCES
NON-TECHNICAL ICE AXE COURSE - January 6, 2024.
THIS IS THE SAME SATURDAY MORNING BEFORE THE WINTER BACKPACKING COURSE
IRVINE RANCH OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER
OVERNIGHTER SNOWSHOE BACKPACK: FEBRUARY 17-19, 2024
Are we going to learn how to climb frozen waterfalls in this course? No, of course not! The key phrase in the title of this course is non-Technical. This course will serve as an introduction to low angle snow travel using basic mountaineering ice axe technique, with and without MICROspikes on your boots. No crampons!!!
The course will include (1) anatomy of a mountaineering ice axe; (2) ice axe maintenance and safety; (3) how to carry and grasp an ice axe; (4) ascending low angle snow with an ice axe including climbing in balance, rest step and step-kicking; (5) making a direct ascent using the cane position, stake position, horizontal position; (6) making a diagonal ascent using the cane position, cross-body position, changing direction and traversing; (7) descending low angle snow including plunge stepping, backing down and glissading; (8) stopping a fall including self-belay and self-arrest; (9) introduction to MICROspikes.
On the overnighter snowshoe backpack with instructors scheduled for February 17-19 (drive up day is Saturday, February 17…hike in Saturday afternoon…camp Saturday-Sunday…hike out and home Monday), students and instructors will practice the ice axe techniques discussed in the classroom on low angle snow. The location will most likely be Little Lakes Valley-Rock Creek…low mileage and low angle snow.
Cost: $25.00...roster limited to the first 10 students who sign up. Additional sign-ups as cancellations occur.
OCC-HAT SUPPLIES ICE AXES FOR STUDENTS
Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center
Saturday 01-06-2024
8:00 AM PT to 10:00 AM PT Past
Overnight Snowshoe Backpack: February
Little Lakes Valley-Rock Creek
Saturday 02-17-2024 12:00 AM PT to
Monday 02-19-2024 11:59 PM PT Past