PE 185MTA - Mountaineering Adventure

1 Credit(s)

Prerequisite(s): Physical abilities and strength to climb mountains.

Course Description: Covers the basic skills needed to explore and respect the wilderness while perfecting the ability to climb mountains safely. The skills necessary to plan equipment and make informed choices in a wilderness environment will be covered and include: equipment, knots, safety, training, stretching, skills and techniques, route finding, belaying, snow and ice anchors, rappelling, rope handling, self-arrest, crevasse rescue, and team work. The course will include 2 off-campus backcountry trips to learn & practice skills in preparation for a mountaineering trip. All three day trips are required for successful completion of the course. Students will be expected to share the cost of food and gas, and will be responsible for their own winter boots and clothing. Mountaineering equipment including: helmets, harnesses, ice axes, crampons, ropes, belay devices, prussiks, snow and ice anchors, and avalanche equipment will be provided.

Course is repeatable.

Course Level: Lower Division Collegiate

Course Learning Outcomes:

CLO#1: Develop mountain climbing skills and physical tasks to master proficient climbing and safety practices with clear communication.
CLO#2: Apply knowledge to master equipment checks, knots, stretching, skills & techniques, belaying, snow & ice anchors, rappelling, rope handling, self-arrest, crevasse rescue and teamwork.
CLO#3: Describe and demonstrate proper care, inspection and maintenance of mountaineering equipment. (ILO: Communication)
CLO#4: Demonstrate leadership in the teamwork challenges, navigation, and maintaining unity with varying levels of classmates’ abilities.
CLO#5: Show evidence of mastery of basic mountaineering skills and climbing ethics in a backcountry or wilderness setting.