Cost

The course is very inexpensive, but you have to understand, we are weekend warriors with a love for our sport, not paid guides! You must accept a level of self-sufficiency and responsibility. We will steer you in the right direction, nothing else! This course is for those with a desire to learn the sport. We will provide you with the tools to ascend the worlds mountains. You provide the desire and responsibility we all have on the high places of the earth. We are friends teaching friends, Mountaineers teaching Mountaineering.

Here are the costs you will incur...

ECP Membership: $20 individual, $25 family. See our ECP membership application and liability waiver.

The course: $75 ($40 for returning students) This price provides the reimbursement of material and the upkeep of equipment. See the ECP Mountaineering School application.

Textbooks: ~$50 for the 2 required textbooks (Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills and Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue). These can be purchased from Exkursion Outfitters or another retailer.

For more than thirty-five years and through six editions, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills has been the "bible" of the climbing world. An essential teaching tool and resource for novice to advanced mountaineers, it is the standard text for climbing courses throughout the United States and abroad. Freedom is the best-selling mountaineering book of all time, with over 500,000 copies sold. Completely updated and revised, the 7th edition reflects the rapid changes in mountaineering that have accompanied its increased popularity, the development of new techniques, and the introduction of new and improved equipment. It redefines the basics with the latest information on climbing and outdoor fundamentals; rock, snow, ice, and alpine climbing; emergency prevention and response; and the mountain environment. Included in the 7th edition are expanded treatments of belaying, leading and protecting on rock, glacier travel and crevasse rescue, and wilderness travel.

Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue is a comprehensive course in understanding glaciers, crossing them, avoiding crevasses, and rescuing crevasse victims. Topics covered include: how glaciers form and how crevasses develop; basic principles of glacier travel; route finding; knots and harnesses; holding a fall; rescue techniques, including self-belay and what a victim should do; and glacier skiing and sled hauling. Sidebars feature descriptions of accidents and near-accidents to emphasize the importance of the techniques presented.

What else do you need?

Where do I begin? First off, if you have the qualifications to take the course you probably have most of what you need; clothing for the mountain. There is so much in the terms of equipment, that we can not review it here. Show up at the Intro Party to find out more.

What gear does the club have to offer? WOW, you wouldn't believe it! Check out our equipment catalog on the ECP home page.