Crevasse Rescue - Skiers

$250.00

Washington’s volcanoes offer incredible ski terrain—and they’re home to hundreds of glaciers, creating a dynamic environment for backcountry travel. Crevasse falls are an inherent risk, making it essential to know how to safely rescue your partners.

In this one-day intensive course, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of crevasse rescue, including building anchors, setting up efficient hauling systems, and managing real-world rescue scenarios. Through hands-on practice, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in glaciated terrain.

*Min of 2 students. Reach out for private instruction.

Dates:

Washington’s volcanoes offer incredible ski terrain—and they’re home to hundreds of glaciers, creating a dynamic environment for backcountry travel. Crevasse falls are an inherent risk, making it essential to know how to safely rescue your partners.

In this one-day intensive course, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of crevasse rescue, including building anchors, setting up efficient hauling systems, and managing real-world rescue scenarios. Through hands-on practice, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in glaciated terrain.

*Min of 2 students. Reach out for private instruction.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Gear – What equipment is needed for crevasse rescue, including ropes, harnesses, carabiners, pulleys, and prusiks, with a discussion on appropriate rope diameter and length for glacier travel.

  • Snow Anchors – Types of anchors, how they function in snow, what materials to use, and understanding their relative strengths in varying conditions.

  • Ratchets – Methods for capturing progress during a haul, from friction hitches to mechanical solutions.

  • Tractors – Techniques for attaching pulleys to a loaded rope to increase efficiency under tension.

  • Mechanical Advantage – How simple machines allow us to multiply force and haul a partner out of a crevasse more efficiently.

  • Prepping and Padding the Lip – How to protect the rope from sharp edges, what materials to use, and why proper setup at the crevasse edge is critical.

  • Transferring the Load – What to do after arresting a fall, including safely moving the load from the rope team to an anchor system.

  • Putting It All Together – Building and operating 3:1 and 6:1 hauling systems in realistic rescue scenarios—while prioritizing the safety of the rescuer.

Itinerary:

We’ll meet in the Alpental Valley on Snoqualmie Pass at 8:00 AM. Depending on snow levels, expect a 30–60 minute hike to our field classroom for the day. Instruction will take place over a 6–7 hour session, with a return to the trailhead between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.

* This is a sample itinerary and may change based on weather, conditions, and participant skill level.

Difficulty:

This is a beginner-level course with a short approach. While the physical demands are moderate, the day is more mentally engaging than physically tiring, with a strong focus on learning, problem-solving, and practicing technical skills.

Forms:

Within 7 days of purchasing or at least 2 days prior to the commencement of a course, please complete the following forms:

  • Registration- Follow the link and fill out the associated form.

  • Assumption of Risk- Download the fillable PDF. You can sign it digitally and email back to info@mountain-craft-guiding.com

  • Release of Liability- Download the fillable PDF. You can sign it digitally and email back to info@mountain-craft-guiding.com

  • Terms and Conditions- Please read and familiarize yourself with this document.