High 'n Wild's Mountaineering & Ice Climbing Course is held at Blue Lake or the Dead Horse Gap area of the Mt Kosciuszko Alpine Plateau. It is designed for people who need a comprehensive introduction to the world of snow and ice climbing and alpine survival. We also cover steep ice climbing techniques and the essential rope skills required for ice climbing (depending on ice conditions). You will learn skills you need to know before going high altitude trekking in places such as Nepal or on climbing expeditions to easier alpine peaks anywhere in the world.

What we do

• Snow camping and survival techniques.
• Footwork, crampon and ice tool techniques for climbing on snow and ice.
• Use of specialized technical ice climbing gear such as crampons, ice axes, ice hammers, belay devices, snow stakes, ice screws, cordelettes, pulleys, tiblocs, snow pigs, alpine clutches.
• Self-arrest techniques, partner-arrest techniques and belay systems for roped climbing while snow and ice climbing.
• First Aid awareness in cold environments. (hypothermia, frostbite, sun/eye protection)
• Glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques. Rescue skills learnt include assisted hoists, unassisted hoists and self rescue by prussiking.
• Advice on purchase of equipment suitable to your needs.
• Navigation in alpine environments

Services and quality features included

• Professional mountaineering instructor.
• Small group (maximum of 6 participants).
• All mountaineering and technical equipment: harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, ice screws, snow stakes, carabiners, slings, ropes.
• All group camping gear: snow tents & accessories, snow cooking equipment.
• All mountaineering course food.
• National Park fees.
• Oversnow transport & Ski Tube costs.

What you need to do as a course participant

Our courses aim to provide you with as realistic a mountaineering experience as possible. Mountaineering is a team activity and requires the sharing of responsibilities by you and your fellow course participants. You will need to be required to;

Your High 'n Wild Mountaineering Instructors

All High 'n Wild Mountaineering Course Instructors have extensive experience, qualifications and expertise in all facets of rock climbing and mountaineering. They have established new routes and records both in Australia and Internationally. International success include ascents of Mt. Fuji (Japan), Mt. Cook and Mt. Aspiring (NZ), plus peaks in the Himalaya.Your Instructors are professional, experienced mountaineers and we only use quality equipment that is expertly maintained.