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ORANGE COUNTY COUNCIL-HIGH ADVENTURE TEAM ANNOUNCES

NON-TECHNICAL ICE AXE COURSE - January 4, 2025.

CLASSROOM: SATURDAY JANUARY 4, 2025, 8:00 am-10:00 am THIS IS THE SAME SATURDAY MORNING BEFORE THE WINTER BACKPACKING COURSE IRVINE RANCH OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER OVERNIGHTER SNOWSHOE BACKPACK: FEBRUARY 15-17, 2025 PREREQUISITE: BASIC BACKPACKING COURSE TAUGHT SPRING AND FALL

Are we going to learn how to climb frozen waterfalls on 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 15-17 (drive up day is Saturday, February 15…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