The 2013 Intermediate Climbing course teaches skills for climbing at the intermediate level (generally up to 5.6 rock, 55-degree snow and ice, and easier mixed). Students will practice snow anchors, belays, emergency shelters; leading on rock, including how to place protection, build and equalize anchors, swing leads and perform self-rescues. The course teaches various snow and ice skills, including placing ice screws, other ice anchors, German and French technique, and introduces steep (55 degrees) ice climbing. Lectures include expedition planning and high-altitude climbing (up to 20,000 ft), such as for the Mexican volcanoes and Denali. The emphasis is on alpine climbing and all-around rock, ice, and snow technique rather than on developing a high level of technical skill. Additional course requirements include successful completion of Level 1 AIARE avalanche training, which will be offered in Tacoma in February; and the Leadership seminar, held March 23, 2013, in Tacoma. Intermediate skills can be used on thousands of routes in the Cascades, Sierras, Tetons, Canadian Rockies and other ranges around the world. Skills taught in the course are required to lead technical basic climbs. The course also provides a good foundation for advanced skill development, such as 5.9+ rock, Class 4 ice, difficult mixed climbing and aid climbing. To enter the course students must complete a two-day qualifier that includes an evaluation of their basic climbing skills and a conditioner. Contact Bill Wood at wwood999@gmail.com, 206-255-2723 or Tyler Farr at tylerjfarr@gmail.com, 253-906-8585 with questions. 2013 Lecture Schedule: Jan 3 - Course Introduction, Expectations, Mentoring Jan 17 - Intermediate Qualifier Refresher Jan 31 - Winter Mountaineering / Conditioning and Injury Avoidance Feb 5-7- AIARE 1 Lecture Feb 15 - Winter Overnight/ Snow Travel & Keys for Basic Instructors Mar 7 - Expedition Planning and Climbing Logistics Mar 21 - Climbing Leadership and Response to Emergency Mar 23 - Outdoor Leadership Seminar Apr 4 - Leading on Rock Apr 18 - Advanced Rock Leading Apr 25 - Self Help Jul 25 - Hard Snow/Intro to Ice Climbing 1 Aug 8 - Ice Climbing 2 Oct 17 - Intermediate Course Exam Nov 2 – All Climb/Scramble Potluck and Awards 2013 Field Trip Schedule: Jan 26 - Intermediate Course Qualifier Exam Jan 27 - Intermediate Course Qualifier Conditioner Feb 23 & 24 - Winter Overnight Apr 13 & 14 - Rock Climbing 1 May 4 - Rock Climbing 2 May 5 - Emergency Self Help Aug 3 & 4 - Hard Snow and Intro to Ice Climbing Aug 17 & 19 - Ice Climbing 2 Dates are subject to possible change up to Jan 3rd.