!!!!!!!!!!!!!Dates are updated by MAS!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are two options and my vote is for the first date:
April 21-22, 2012 ***
May 19-20, 2012
Come join me and the knowledgeable MAS guides during this 2-day/1-night introductory mountaineering camp on the flanks of Mt. Lassen. Mountaineering topics such as crampon, ice axe and rope team skills will be practiced before making an ascent of Mt. Lassen. Brush up on your snow camping skills, including backcountry cuisine. MAS guides receive many compliments for their meal preparation.
Skills Covered:
Crampon, Ice Axe, Rope Team Skills
Snow camping Skills
Mt. Lassen Mountaineering Camp
This two day mountaineering program ventures into the Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is an intensive training course focusing on basic mountaineering skills such as crampon & ice axe use, self arrest, roped team travel, and glissading. In addition participants will gain valuable snow camping experience with professional mountain guides. Snow and weather permitting participants will have the opportunity climb and summit Mt. Lassen (10,457 feet). This program is an excellent training trip for other mountaineering objectives such as Mt. Shasta.
On Day 1 the group meets at 8 AM in the Old Chalet parking lot at Mt. Lassen National Park. Group
gear will be distributed and a thorough equipment check will ensure everyone is properly prepared.
If Bumpass Pass is open, we will carpool to a higher trailhead. A moderate two mile hike will bring us to our backcountry basecamp. After establishing camp, we will starting training with ice axe and crampon skills. As the sun dips lower in the sky MAS guides will prepare a warm and tasty dinner before settling in for the evening.
Day 2 starts early in preparation to climb the steep snow slopes of Mt.. Lassen (10,457 feet). Put your new mountaineering skills into action while climbing the steep snow slopes. The views of the Cascades to the north and the Sierra to the south are unsurpassed. After and the descent is definitely a thrilling glissade back to basecamp.
PREREPREREQUISITES:
• Very good physical condition
• Previous overnight backpacking experience
TRIP OBJECTIVES
• Learn the mountaineering basics of ice axe and crampon use.
• Practice skills relevant to safe mountain travel including route finding and avalanche avoidance.
• Enjoy traveling on a rope team and descending by glissading.
• Practice making snow camping comfortable, enjoyable and safe.
• Relax and enjoy the beauty of Mt.. Lassen National Park.
Mt. Lassen Mountaineering Eq uipment List
Please try to pack light and compact. Be prepared to save some room in your backpack for group gear
(approximately the size of a basketball). If you have any questions about equipment on this list please don’t
hesitate to contact the MAS office. You may be asked to show the contents of your pack to your guides prior to leaving the trail head.
GEAR:
• Boots*: high-top leather or plastic mountaineering boots; 3/4 or full shank necessary for crampons.
• Ice Axe*: Length should run from your hand to your ankle. A leash from the head of the axe to your harness is preferred.
• Crampons*: 10 or 12 point crampons should be pre-fitted to your boot.
• Poles*: telescoping probe poles are the best, but regular ski poles will suffice. (optional)
• Climbing harness: adjustable leg loops are best. (MAS can provide)
• Backpack*: internal frame preferred; 3500-4500 cubic inches
• Sleeping bag*: down or synthetic mummy bag rated to 20ºF or colder.
• Sleeping pad*
CLOTHING:
• 1 pair heavier synthetic or wool blend socks, hiking style.
• 1 pair synthetic liner socks (optional)
• Gaiters depend on your boot system. If in doubt, please ask.
• Long underwear top and bottom. Polypropylene or some other synthetic is most desirable.
• Warm pants: tights or expedition polypropylene or similar weight.
• Warm shirt: expedition polypropylene or light fleece type.
• Fleece jacket or equivalent.
• Light down or synthetic fill jacket. This item would replace above item.
• Good quality snow/rain/wind jacket and pants. Jacket should have a hood.
• Warm hat
• Warm winter gloves
• Sun hat & bandana (optional)
• Spring gloves (optional)
• Neck gaiter or balaclava (optional)
ETC...
• Sunglasses
• Goggles
• Tooth brush, personal medications and basic first aid supplies you might need (e.g. moleskin, ibuprofen)
• Heavy-duty sunscreen and lip protection
• Two 1-liter plastic water bottles (wide-mouth required)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulb.
• Camera and film (optional)
• Plastic spoon, bowl and insulated cup (MAS will provide if needed)
• Three lunches, snacks and breakfast for the first morning
M.A.S. PROVIDES:
• Four-season dome tents • All cooking supplies
• One backcountry breakfast & dinner • First aid kit, repair and contingency supplies
• Snowshoes if necessary • All climbing gear necessary
• Permits and guiding fees • Professional guiding and instruction
* gear rentable at a mountaineering shop
Price: $325
Length: 2 days & 1 nights (includes 1 backcountry dinner & breakfast)
Location: Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Participant/Guide Ratio: 4:1
Meeting Time: 8 AM
Meeting Place: The Old Ski Chalet / Southwest Campground parking area in Mt.. Lassen National Park at the winter terminus of Highway 89. (more info.)
Prerequisites: • very good physical condition - ability to hike 6 miles comfortably with a 40 pound backpack
• overnight backpacking experience
http://www.mtadventure.com/
http://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm