1. Technical Rope & Safety Systems: Knots & Hitches: Master the figure-eight follow-through, clove hitch, munter hitch, and prusik knot. Anchor Building: Learn to build bomber multi-pitch and natural anchors using traditional gear (cams, nuts) and cordalettes., Crevasse Rescue & Belay Escapes: Practice hauling systems, 3:1 drop-loop pulleys, and escaping a weighted belay in low-consequence environments.
2. Alpine Movement Skills Rock Climbing: Build a solid base in traditional (trad) climbing, crack climbing, and multi-pitch route finding. Ice and Snow Travel: Practice French technique (flat-footing) for low-angle snow, front-pointing for steep vertical ice, and self-arresting with an ice axe. Footwork Drills: Spend time on bouldering walls memorising precise weight shifts, foot placement, and fluid movement.
3. Physical Conditioning Aerobic Endurance: Mountaineering is a sustained aerobic activity. Train by hiking steep inclines with a weighted backpack, or log long sessions on an indoor stair climber. Strength Training: Focus on core stability, leg power, and upper-body endurance for handling heavy packs and technical climbing. High-Altitude Preparedness: Practice pressure breathing (pursed-lip breathing) to maximise oxygen intake in thin air.
