Crevasse Rescue Practice

Being able to rescue a partner from a fall into a crevasse is a basic skill that any mountaineer needs. Courses in the crevasse rescue program cover equipment used in crevasse rescues, self-rescue techniques, partner rescue techniques, problem solving when in a rescue situation, building rescue systems, leading a crevasse rescue, as well as crevasse avoidance and basic glacier travel.

Students can progress through the whole crevasse rescue program and be ready to build crevasse rescue systems and lead rescue teams, or take either class as a stand-alone course to introduce themselves to crevasse rescue skills or build on basic skills they already have.

The Crevasse Rescue Program

The Mazamas offers two courses in our Crevasse Rescue program, one geared towards new rescuers and one for folks with some experience and knowledge who want more advanced skills. 

Crevasse Rescue 1: this course teaches the basic skills needed in assisting with and performing basic rescues as part of a climbing team.

Crevasse Rescue 2: this course is geared more towards leaders of climbing teams and teaches how to set-up rescues for a team to execute, and how to perform rescues as a solo rescuer.

Course Info & Format

The Mazama Crevasse Rescue courses take place over approximately 1 week and include 1 lecture, held at the Mazama Mountaineering Center, and 1 field session, located at the Timberline area of Mt. Hood. 

These courses typically accept 15-30 students per session. Lectures and field sessions take place in a small group format with numerous instructors their to provide feedback and instruction.​​
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Crevasse Rescue Course Content

Crevasse Rescue 1 Crevasse Rescue 2
Safe Travel Protocol Advanced Hauling Systems
Rescue Equipment Specialized Equipment
Basic Hauling Systems (2:1, 3:1) Snow Anchors & Rescue Setup
Self Rescue & Rope Ascension Solo-Rescue Techniques
Large Team Rescue Scenarios  

 

Course Details

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Prerequisites

BCEP or equivalent level skills preferred.

Necessary knowledge and skills:

  • Knots like figure eight follow through, butterfly, prusik, klemheist
  • Comfortable using crampons and ice axe
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Required Gear

For the field session, students will need:

  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Ice Axe
  • Crampon compatible boots
  • Personal protection (sling, purcell prusik)
  • Prusik loops (waist and foot)
  • Extra carabiners (3 locking, 3 non-locking)
  • Slings and carabiners for pickets
  • Personal clothing
  • Warm layers (for standing around during demonstrations)
  • Waterproof shells
  • Extra gloves (pairs might get wet)
  • Lunch
  • Water
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Tuition

Members: $55

Non-Members: $80

 

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Time Commitment/Duration

Low - Crevasse Rescue requires a low time commitment over a period of two days. There is 1 three-hour lecture during the week and 1 full day field session.

Low - Crevasse Rescue takes place over a period of 1 week.

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Application Process

The application period typically opens in early spring and is open until the sessions are full. 

Minimum registration of 15 students required to hold these sessions; if we do not get the required number of applicants students will receive a full refund.