ECP Mountaineering School Application

Acceptance Start Date: October 1, 2008

Deadline: October 25, 2008 at 11:59 PM

Download

Mountaineering School Application 2008-2009 PDF 66kb

Mountaineering School Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement PDF 10kb

Expectations

The ECP Mountaineering School will introduce participants to some of the basic 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 large. You will spend 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. This is not a diet or exercise program that only lasts a little while. Mountaineering is a Lifestyle!

Eligibility and Student Prerequisites

At a minimum, incoming students must have:

• Basic rock climbing skills (ECP Rock Climbing School or equivalent).
• Moderate level of fitness.
• Commitment to the school, and a willingness to work hard and study hard.
• A current ECP membership.

Students in the ECP Mountaineering School will be engaging in activities and going to places where basic rock climbing skills and fitness are required for the safety of students and instructors. As a potential student, you need to have these in place before the school starts. Adequate rock climbing skills and fitness level must be demonstrated prior to be accepted as a student. You will be tested on the following rock climbing skills and you must be competent with them:

• Belaying
• Rappelling (with autoblock or other backup)
• Prussiking
• Knot tying
• Basic top rope anchor setup
• Climbing communication

These are the basic skills of top rope climbing. You do not need to be a high-grade, excellent rock climber, but you must be competent in these skills.

Your basic fitness level for entry into the Mountaineering School will be determined by climbing stairs at the Pitt Cathedral of Learning. You will be required to ascend the full 36 floors four times at less than 15 minutes per trip up, with a total time limit of 1.5 hours.

If you are interested in the school and lack these requirements, get to work and acquire them. If you are not sure, please contact any of the co-directors or committee members to discuss your qualifications and what you might do about them. 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!