The 2012 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 between January and February, dates yet to be determined; and the Leadership seminar, held March 24, 2012, 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 Julie Myer at juliem135@comcast.net, 360-870-1553 with questions. 2012 Lecture Schedule: Jan 5 - Course Introduction, Expectations, Mentoring Jan 19 - Intermediate Qualifier Refresher Feb 2 - Winter Mountaineering / Conditioning and Injury Avoidance Feb 16 - Winter Overnight/ Snow Travel & Keys for Basic Instructors Mar 8 - Expedition Planning and Climbing Logistics Mar 22 - Climbing Leadership and Response to Emergency Apr 5 - Leading on Rock Apr 19 - Advanced Rock Leading Apr 26 - Self Help Jul 26 - Hard Snow/Intro to Ice Climbing 1 Aug 9 - Ice Climbing 2 Oct 18 - Intermediate Course Exam Nov 3 – All Climb/Scramble Potluck and Awards 2012 Field Trip Schedule: Jan 28 - Intermediate Course Qualifier Exam Jan 29 - Intermediate Course Qualifier Conditioner Feb 25 & 26 - Winter Overnight Apr 14 & 15 - Rock Climbing 1 May 5 - Rock Climbing 2 May 6 - Emergency Self Help Aug 4 & 5 - Hard Snow and Intro to Ice Climbing Aug 18 & 19 - Ice Climbing 2