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Mountaineering SchoolMountaineering is the combination of backpacking, camping, navigation, climbing, and surviving the elements among many other skills. The Mountaineering School runs annually from October through February and takes place in both indoor classroom and outdoor sessions.
For a taste of what the school is about check out these links and the other tabs in the sidebar:
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CURRICULUMIntro Party: All potential new students, past students, instructors and committee members are invited. This is a more casuaul informal setting to learn more about the school and we usually have a potluck during the party. Find out what the school is really about! Hear about past trips and trips being planned for the future. Come on out, even if you're not sure you will be able to take the school. It's a great chance to ask questions and meet people involved with the school. Sign up for the party HERE! Fitness & Climbing Skills Checkout: There are minimum fitness & climbing skills requirements that must be met in order to be accepted into the school. Prospective students will be asked to come out and demonstrate that they can meet these. See the Requirements page for more details. Mountain Medical: Learn of the dangers that you'll be exposed to in the mountains and how to recognize, avoid and treat them. Practice wilderness first-aid techniques on simulated first aid scenarios. Gear and Clothing: An overview of mountaineering gear and concepts, complete with live demonstrations and discussions about gear and clothing requirements. Mountaineering 101: Outing to get some time hiking with a pack, using our gear and dialing in our systems. Land Navigation: Learn to read maps, plan routes and employ compass skills. Skill will then be used in the field on an Orienteering-type challenge. Self Rescue: Learn how to rescue yourself and your climbing partners. Expedition Planning: Learn about the "mountain before the mountain" - how to take on the task of planning a successful expedition. Alpine Rock Climbing: Learn the fundamentals of climbing rock in a harsh alpine setting, how to second a leader and react in basic rescue scenarios. This will be paired with a climb and bivy atop Seneca Rocks in winter! Can your fitness carry you from an alpine start to the summit...in full pack and boots? Can your fingers take the cold? Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue: Learn how to rope up and travel across a glacier, how to rescue someone who has fallen into a crevasse and what to do when you're the one that has fallen in. Snow & Ice Climbing: Learn the basics of snow and technical ice climbing. Avalanche Safety: Learn some very basic concepts about avalanches and avalanche safety Ice Climbing in the Adirondacks: A chance to get out and swing some ice axes, set some snow & ice anchors, and practice self-arrest!Post-Graduation Trip: Winter ascents on a beginner or intermediate mountain objective. Specific details to be announced at the Intro Party! |
The Application for the 2024 - 2025 is open NOW!Expectations The ECP Mountaineering School will introduce participants to the basic information and skills of mountaineering and alpinism. Mountaineering is a time-consuming, expensive, physically and mentally demanding sport. It is the combination of backpacking, camping, navigation, climbing, and surviving the elements among many others. The amount of gear required to be even basically comfortable is significant. You will spend a lot of money to pursue this sport (maybe $1000, maybe $3000) in just your first year. You will train hard, study hard, plan, travel, and spend time not only in the school, but to actually go on mountaineering trips. Be prepared to prioritize your life (money- and time-wise) to accommodate this sport. Think this through and be honest with yourself that you intend to truly commit to the time, hard work, and expense that successful participation in this school requires. This is not a diet or exercise program that only lasts a little while. Mountaineering is a Lifestyle! Eligibility You must be or become an ECP Member. Click HERE to apply An assessment of your climbing skills and physical fitness is required prior to being accepted as a student. You must be competent in basic rock climbing and backpacking skills (ECP Rock Climbing and Backpacking Schools or equivalent experience). You must be able to tie basic climbing knots, belay and rappel safely and know how to set an anchor for top-rope climbing. You should have done a minimum of three unsupported weekend-long backpacking trips. The fitness training and outings in the school will prepare you for the hard work of mountaineering, but you must be reasonably fit to start. If you are unsure if you are qualified, come to the introduction party and speak with a director. Be committed! (See Expectations) The number of students accepted into the school will be limited for everyone’s benefit. Students must try to get out as much as the Instructors put in! Some Details All students and instructors must maintain current membership in the ECP and sign a liability waiver. The Mountaineering School Fee is $250.00 (returning students $85), to be paid using the PayPal button located below. If you are not accepted, your money will be returned. An additional $50.00 gear deposit is required with your application, and will be refunded upon return of your equipment in good working condition. Note that you will also responsible for all of your transportation and lodging costs for outings, including the post-graduation trip. Students are required to purchase two books: Mountaineering – Freedom of the Hills (8th or 9th edition) by The Mountaineers and Alpine Climbing: Techniques to Take Your Higher Travel by M. Houston & K. Cosley. There will be reading assignments and quizzes based on the reading. Students will be expected to keep up with the required reading and homework, participate in class discussions, and to perform scheduled fitness tests to minimum standards to remain in the school. Students will only be invited to go on the post-graduation trip if sufficient progress has been demonstrated during the school, and the student is deemed capable of completing the trip safely. Submit the following items no later than September 27th, 2024.
Information Sessions We will host 2 optional in-person information sessions about the 2024-2025 season around Pittsburgh. Feel free to stop by to introduce yourself, ask questions, and hear a little more about the school. See you there! REI Pittsburgh - Tuesday, September 10th, time TBD 3ROC - Thursday, September 12th, 7pm |
Adopting the motto "Research, Education, and Adventure" in 1947, for three generations the ECP has provided the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new friends who share a willingness to accept the physical and mental challenges of outdoor exploration and adventure. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram: | Membership inquiries: membership@pittecp.org Activities and club officers: officers@pittecp.org General questions: info@pittecp.org Mailing Address: |