Light & Fast Alpinism

Light & Fast Alpinism is a topic near and dear to us. As the manufacturer of the lightest piece of gear in nearly every category we offer, we have a particular kind of insight into the subject. The Light & Fast Alpinism clinics that we teach at events are designed to go deep into the skills, strategies and tactics that help us distill the big mountains down to something we can climb faster and safer, ultimately allowing us to set our sights ever higher.

You can find the curriculum for the clinic below. Each clinic features a short classroom session followed by field work where we will be able to focus on hands-on skills and tactics.

We are very excited to be rolling these clinics out at the major ice festivals for the first time this year. Athletes teaching the clinics this year are Scott Bennett fresh off a crusher in the mountains and Nate Smith who you can ask how it feels to summit Rainier and then run 93 miles in 48 hours.

Please let us know if you have any questions. We hope to see you out there!

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LIGHT & FAST ALPINISM
A technical field clinic presented by CAMP USA Inc.

Whether you are an experienced alpinist or beginning mountaineer, the benefits of the light & fast approach are indisputable. Being lighter means using less energy with every step we take and every move we make. It is also just downright more comfortable when we are in motion. Being fast equates directly to safety. It means we are navigating hazardous terrain more quickly and tagging the summit in time to descend safely. It is also the way we progress towards bigger objectives over time. This clinic covers the most important aspects of the light & fast approach with a short classroom session followed by an intensive field session where we work on the implementation of the skills, strategies and tactics that are most useful for you. The professional athletes teaching these clinics have made light & fast a part of their very being. As we strongly believe that a commitment to the light & fast mentality is a commitment to an even more awesome life, we strongly believe that folks who take this clinic will get a lot out of it!

CLASSROOM CURRICULUM

The Skills

• Moving quickly
  • This can be the difference between success and failure
  • This can also be the difference between safety and danger
• Managing Ropes & Gear
  • Don’t let this be the thing that holds you up
  • Incorporate this into your training and routine climbing
• Staying safe
  • Move quickly
  • No second guessing

The Fitness

• OTC (off the couch) strength
  • What is your OTC goal?
    • Strength goal
    • Speed goal
    • Knowing how to gauge this
  • A lifelong pursuit
• TINSTAAFL
  • There is no such thing as a free lunch
    • Consistency is key
• Daily life v training
  • Make the time, we all feel better when we are fit
  • Remember: Power = Endurance

The Gear

• Light is right
  • Gear has made monumental strides, use it to your advantage
  • For starters, look for places you can make substantial cuts
• The right gear for the job
  • Modern gear is specific, use the right gear for the job
  • Gear is an investment worth making if the objective is important to you
• The whole kit has to work together
  • Carry gear that is complimentary
  • Carry gear that can be used for multiple functions

Preparation & Planning

• Route Logistics
  • Route finding
  • How and when to bail
    • The point of no return
• Calories & Hydration
  • The benefits of hypersaturation
  • Sports Energy foods are not a gimmick
• The mental aspect
  • Be humble, be present, be aware
  • Keep a long term perspective

FIELD CURRICULUM

Assessing & navigating terrain

• The approach, the climb, the descent
• Obstacles and hazards

Moving in alpine terrain

• Terrain anchors and self-belays
• Using crampons and ice axes
• Roped v unroped terrain
• Footwork

Systems with ropes and gear

• Rope systems and management
• Belay techniques for mountaineering and alpinism
• Makeshift anchors

Alpine fitness

• 1 hour alpine fitness challenge?

Gear choices

• Bring your pack so we can break it down and figure out where things can be lightened up

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