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Alpine Scramblers wishing to develop confidence and abilities for safe and efficient movement on steeper rock and hard snow are invited to sign up for the Advanced Scrambling Course.
This is a modular program of advancement – i.e. modules may generally be taken in any order (with exception of the hard snow module, it requires the rock and protection module as a prerequisite). It is expected that the student will develop their skills over a period of about three years in completing this course.
The students completing this course have done very well in advancing their abilities as well as in becoming leaders.

That said, this course provides a pathway to becoming a scramble leader that does not involve or require taking the Basic Climbing Course. A student who is nearing completion of the Advanced Scrambling and Leadership Course may submit an application to become a scramble leader with the approval of the Advanced Scramble Committee.

Course Summary / Highlights:

1.      Six separate modules at present, consisting typically of three (possible fourth in the planning stage) day or full weekend field trips and seven evening seminar sessions. Note that three of the sessions are lectures and one field trip are part of the Avalanche Level One Course.

2.      There is a Leadership preparation seminar though credit is also being given for taking the Seattle or Tacoma Branch Leadership course.

3.      The subjects to be covered are:

a.        Rock and Snow protection module: participants learn appropriate rock and snow skills (on steeper terrain) such as use of the scramble rope and setting rock and snow anchors for safety. Participants also learn emergency use of the rope, belayed lowering, simple rappel techniques, setting fixed lines, and running belays. These are skills a scramble leader needs to have to be effective in varied and mixed terrain and conditions.

b.      Winter Scramble module: topics appropriate for winter scrambling and emergency bivy techniques…clothing, equipment, tips on comfort /survival. You will become confident of your abilities to survive an unplanned overnight winter bivouac by learning how to construct an emergency winter shelter and will stay in the shelter you construct. This is NOT a snow cave exercise.

c.       Avalanche Level One module: avalanche training meeting the American Avalanche Association level One standard is part of the course.
We are looking at possible AIARE certification as well.

d.      Hard snow module: We will learn the ineffectiveness of hard snow ice ax self arrest. You will develop confidence and skill in efficient and safe movement on hard snow/summer ice using French crampon and piolet techniques. Participants learn hard snow emergency belay techniques, safe travel techniques, and lowering methods.

e.       Leadership training module: Potential Scramble leader development. Teaching methods for safety and group management of the Scramble party.

f.        Practical Navigation module: This is an optional module. Developing practical route finding, map reading, and GPS skills in the student to prepare them for leadership. The Advanced Scramble Subcommittee will tailor this module to fit scrambler needs.
 

Cost: $195

·        All  Modules except the Level one Avalanche modules are available separately for $75 each to qualified scramblers not enrolled in the course with prior permission of the Advanced Scramble Subcommittee or ASC Chairperson. Enrolled students will have priority on any field trip or seminar.

·        The Avalanche Level One is offered separately as a Course by the Seattle Branch and other branches. Check to see if the course you are anticipating meets the American Avalanche Association requirements with the course administrator.

Check Mountaineers main web site activity search for dates or go to 'Contact Us' page below.

·        Leadership Seminar.    As needed.

        ·        Avalanche Level One. Several, usually a course begins in January.

·        Rock and Snow Protection Module. Usually in June.

·        Hard Snow/Ice Module. September/October.

·        Effective Navigation Module. As needed.

    For most students, two years is the expected time needed to develop skills and to experience the varying alpine conditions required to complete and graduate from the complete Advanced Scrambling and Leadership Course.  No graduation is anticipated after only one year of participation as a student, unless the scrambler has come into the course with at least five years demonstrated participation in scrambling or climbing.

There are several reasons to be interested in this course: 

1. The course provides additional mountaineering training and scramble experience at a higher level.
2. It provides leadership training to those scramblers who do not wish to go onto Basic Climbing but who wish to prepare for and participate in higher end scrambles. This course is very good preparation for going on to take Climbing at either the Basic or Intermediate level.
3. It provides for Winter Scramble and avalanche training to the American Avalanche Association Level One, especially for those interested in leading or participating in Winter Scrambles.
4. It offers an alternative to Basic climbing graduation/equivalency as a qualifying credential for leading alpine scrambles.