Alpine Instruction

Alpine instruction

Introduction

TTC AIC is a comprehensive instruction course covering the basics of mountaineering. Traditionally it runs from June to August.

If you want to improve your confidence and skill on rock, ice and snow, and have reasonable fitness, this is the course for you.

The typical AIC syllabus has a total of ten days formal instruction featuring evening lectures, two days of rock climbing instruction and four full weekends dedicated to snowcraft.

In the practical sessions there is usually one instructor for every two pupils, giving you direct input into your instruction: you can say what you need to concentrate on and what you would like to repeat from previous sessions.

AIC also presents a great opportunity to meet people just like yourself. Many good alpine climbing teams have developed from past TTC alpine instruction.

For those who get the ‘bug,’ the club runs climbing trips all over the country allowing graduates to continue up-skilling before tackling those magnificent peaks such as Taranaki, Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring.

Most equipment for the snow weekends is supplied as part of the course fee, and other equipment can be hired from the club.

TTC AIC is open to people aged 15 years and over. However, numbers are limited: preference is given to club members and selection also takes into account your relevant experience as it is important that pupils know how to look after themselves in the outdoors.

For enquiries regarding alpine instruction contact Paul Maxim 389 6945.

Programme for 2011

A full Alpine Instruction Course is scheduled for 2011. For all enquiries contact Paul Maxim 389 6945.

• June (tbc), AIC lecture (ropes and knots)
• 18 June, Rock 1 (belaying, abseiling practical session at Fergs)
• 25 June, Rock 2 (one day practical session at Titahi Bay)
• July (tbc), AIC lecture (alpine equipment, clothing, environment)
• 9-10 July, Snow 1 (basic snowcraft)
• August (tbc), AIC lecture (snow conditions, weather, shelter)
• 6-7 August, Snow 2 (Roped climbing on snow and ice)
• 20-21 August, Avalanche Awareness
• 10-11 September, Snow 3 (snow caving)

Lectures will generally be held on Thursdays at the Clubrooms.

All the practical weekends will be based in the club's lodge at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu.

In 2010 the cost of AIC was $850 for a club member ($1000 non-members). This includes all transportation costs (WGTN railway station to Mt Ruapehu return, lodge accommodation and food, hire of club supplied helmets, ice axe and crampons, hire of avalanche transceivers, a course handbook and lecture notes, avalanche instruction fees, and the instructors and cooks subsidy.

Resources for AIC Students

Course Materials

• Course Syllabus doc
• Food (excerpt from Bushcraft Manual, NZ Mountain Safety Council) pdf
• Mountain weather pdf
• Snow stakes and ice anchors pdf
• Food Planning Ideas and Guidance doc

Recommended reading

• Alpine Skills, NZ Mountain Safety Council
• Avalanche Awareness in the New Zealand Backcountry, NZ Mountain Safety Council
• Bushcraft Manual, NZ Mountain Safety Council NZ Mountain Safety Council

Further reading

• Alpine Guides technical manual - A Resource for Alpinists - 2009 Edition Alpine Guides website
• Mountaineering - The Freedom of the Hills, Seattle Mountaineers Series The Mountaineers(approve sites)
• Handy leaflet on safe belay practice PDF 3.7MB

Resources for AIC Instructors

Instructors click here for manuals and reference info. (password protected)

Category

Climbing and Mountaineering Instruction