Safari's Andes Climbing School is an introduction to the numerous
techniques involved in snow climbing. Students completing the course
will be comfortable in the knowledge and skills gained assisting
them in future climbs in Ecuador and beyond.
Our staff are all qualified guide instructors, having climbed
in the French Alps and have graduated from the climbing school at
Chamonix. All of our guides speak fluent English. The caricula is
taught in both English and Spanish and supply all the climbing equipment
that is needed.
The Andes Climbing School is held on Cayambe Volcano's Hermosa
Glacier at 4600 meters (15,093 feet), practically on the equator.æ
Accommodation is in the Oleas Berge Ruales Refuge. A two day course
and an attack on the summit on the second night.
The course includes two practical sessions
on the mountain, the first on the afternoon of the first day, and
the second on the afternoon of the second day.
During the practical sessions the following subjects are taught,
each session is supported with course notes.
- Use of the equipment •Knots and harnesses
- Different walking techniques : French/ American/ Basic front-pointing/
Traversing
- Roping up techniques: two and three person parties •Team
travel
- Crossing snow bridges •Anchors: general and in poor snow
conditions
- Ice screws •Abseiling •Self rescue: Prussik/ Jumar/
Other procedures
- Moderate ice climbing with top rope
Class the morning of second day is held in the refuge. You
will be learning about different knots and their uses, roping up
techniques, and the principles of self rescue using various techniques
such as Jumar and Prussik. While in the refuge we also have an introduction
to high altitude medicine and basic first aid.
Acclimatization
To qualify for the course all applicants must be good health, and
reasonably fit. It is necessary to become acclimatized before attending
the course and we suggest the following peaks:
The course includes use of the climbing equipment, instruction,
guiding and course notes, all food and accommodation on the mountain
and transport from Quito.
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Climbing School