Overnight Expedition Training (2-Day)

Over the course of this 2-day Overnight Expedition Training, you’ll camp and climb in early winter to prepare for Aconcagua or other multi-day expeditions. Learn to pack and carry an overnight pack, navigate to and establish a storm-proof high camp, cook on a mountain stove and sleep comfortably in a cold, wintry environment. Practice ice axe and crampon skills, the use of rock protection for running belays and fixed anchors, snow and rock climbing in exposed terrain, and scale an alpine peak if conditions allow.

Common objectives include Red Baldy, Red Stack and the Pfeifferhorn.

Overnight Expedition Training (2-Day) Outcomes

• Efficient loading and carrying of an expedition pack
• Route-finding and avalanche safety
• Establishing a solid snow camp with/ tent anchors and snow walls
• Cooking and comfort in a cold, snowy environment
• Ice axe and crampons skills, including self-arrest
• Snow and rock protection, anchors and equalizing
• Crevasse rescue and raising systems
• Snow and rock climbing with crampons in exposed terrain
• Use of running protection

Trip dates don’t fit your schedule?

Any of our pre-scheduled courses and trips can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.

Course Prerequisites

• Overnight camping and altitude experience are recommended.

Skill & Fitness Level

• You must be able to hike at altitude (between 8,000′ and 10,000′).
• This is an introductory course.

This 2-day Overnight Expedition Training takes place in the Wasatch Mountains. Participants are expected to bring their own lunch, snacks and water. UMA provides dinner and breakfast, a stove and a cook kit. UMA does not provide transportation.

SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION

The usual meeting time and place are 8 am at the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride lot, but these are subject to change. Exact meeting times and locations will be provided to enrolled participants before the course date.

GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR

You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.

How To Register

• Register Online
• Call us at (801) 550-3986
• Email us at [email protected]

UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the course if fewer than 2 participants register.

Expedition Training EQUIPMENT LIST

• Non-cotton top and bottom base layers
• Puffy, hooded overcoat and/or other insulation layer (synthetic or down)
• Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants
• Wool socks (1 or 2 pairs)
• Waterproof snow gloves and mittens or spare gloves
• Lightweight climbing and/or fleece gloves
• Warm hat or balaclava for under your helmet
• Baseball cap (optional)
• Sunglasses and goggles
• Sunscreen
• 2 liters of water
• Lunch, quick energy snacks and drink mixes
• Mountaineering boots
• Gaiters
• Mountaineering crampons (non-rigid, 10-point lightweight designs are ideal)
• Mountaineering axe
• Backpack (55-70 liters)
• Sleeping bag (rated to 0°F)
• Inflatable backpacking sleeping pad
• Lightweight foam sleeping pad
• Mug, bowl and spoon
• Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Toiletries
• Harness
• Belay device
• Helmet
• Beacon
• Shovel
• Probe
• Snowshoes and poles (depending on conditions)

Please see our Winter/Spring Mountaineering Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.

Recommended Books

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills by The Mountaineers

Recommended Map

Hiking The Wasatch: The Official Wasatch Mountain Club Trail Map for Tri-County Area by the Wasatch Mountain Club & University of Utah Press

Please see the Mountaineering section on our main FAQ page for common course questions.

What type of crampons should I use?

10-point, hinged, flexible, lash-on spikes made of light metal (including aluminum) are ideal and adaptable to almost any boot. Step-in crampons are fine, but they won’t fit on softer boots that lack heel and toe rands for attachment. 12-point water-ice crampons are fine, but heavier than necessary.

What type of ice axe and leash is best?

A mountaineering axe usually has a straight shaft (as opposed to the radically curved shafts and reverse-droop picks designed specifically for water-ice and mixed climbing). Some newer mountaineering axes include a bend only in the upper shaft, and this is fine. Preferred length is 50-75 cm.

Given that many Wasatch routes are on a mix of rock, ice, and snow, a shorter axe is easier to stow for pure rock moves. For this reason, a RETAINER leash connected to the harness is required so the tool can’t be dropped. The best type is a 5′ long, single-strand of 1/2″ webbing attached with a water knot on the pick side of the axe head. Wrist loops are for steep ice and are NOT helpful for mountaineering.

How old do I need to be to join this program?

Participants must be at least 14 years of age to join a group course and must be accompanied by a parent for any overnight program.

Where do I meet my guide?

The guide will arrange a specific meeting location and time with you. Most commonly, this location is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot.