A First Approach to Mountaineering

• Basic progression: front and lateral stability on deck and vertical surfaces; distribution of strengths and position of the barycentre during the approach, description of the body position in both, static and dynamic phases of movement;
• Progression on the rope: securing the lead and second lead climber, self securing methods when standing and during climbing, descent methods;
• Knots: securing, breaking and anchoring knots;
• Basic on site mountaineering notions: preparation of the backpack, understanding weather forecasts and bulletins, studying alternative routes, necessary clothes and equipment.

• Cartography (evening): interpretation/map reading, choice of route, assessment of the route its slopes, type of terrain, decision making in case of poor visibility (azimuth);
• Safety (evening): key role elements during progression and fall, choice of progression and securing methods depending on the ground surface;
• Progression on multi-rope climbs: a theoretic and practical lesson on safe progression on multi-rope climbs and subsequent double rope descents;
• Stops: use of quick protection tools (nuts, friends, nails) during progression and pauses;
• Natural protection.