Snow Session at Timberline Lodge

Skills

Snow climbing techniques

• Ascending, descending, traversing 

• Carrying the ice axe while not in use

• Self-belay with the ice axe

• Rest step, plunge step 

• Crampon use

Snow-Arrest

• Self-arrests from various positions

• Team arrest 

Glissading

Rope Team Travel 

• Ascending, descending, and traversing 

• Negotiating switch backs 

• Passing through pro

Belaying

• Signals

• Sitting hip belay 

• Mechanical belay devices

What to Bring

FOOD

Pack a lunch, plenty of snacks and water for the day. Warm beverages are recommended for cold days.

CLOTHING

In general, you will need the same kind of clothing you would take on a climb. Wool, fleece, polypropylene, or similar synthetic materials designed for cold, wet weather are best. NO COTTON! Be sure to monitor weather conditions to ensure you have appropriate clothing.

• base layer (long underwear)

• warm jacket (down or synthetic)

• wool/fleece hat or balaclava

• waterproof rain gear

• mittens or gloves—2 pair

REQUIRED GEAR

• Climbing harness 

• Climbing helmet

• Belay/rappel device

• "Third-Hand" backup (Autoblock, Hollowblock, or accessory cord)

• 2 Large Locking Carabiners

• 2 Medium Locking Carabiners

• 1 Small Locking Carabiner

• 2 Medium Non-Locking Carabiners

• Personal Protection (nylon runner or PAS)

• Crampon Compatible Boots

• Crampons (fit to boots BEFORE the field session)

• Ice Axe and Personal Protection

• Sunglasses or goggles

• TEN ESSENTIALS

• Sunscreen

• Backpack

Mazamas Lodge

Most teams stay at the lodge during their snow field session. 

What to Bring

• Pillow

• Sleeping bag/blanket (sheets are not provided)

• Slippers (shoes are not allowed beyond the basement)

• Towel & Toiletries

• Headlamp

• Earplugs & eye mask

Mazamas Lodge

Things to Know

• Dinner and Breakfast are provided (vegan options are offered)

• Teams are expected to help with lodge chores 

• A fridge is in the basement to store your own food

• Yes, there's wifi

• You'll be sleeping in a bunkbed

• There are communal bathrooms with showers

• Teams are responsible for packing out their own recycling

• There is a short hike from the road to the lodge