Mountaineering Training Wknd 1 of 7 - Hillman's Highway/ Dodge's Drop

Working on a mountaineering goal? Need to train up and want accountability partners? I'm setting up a 7-week series just for that. This weekend will be one day of skills practice on steep terrain and one day of endurance training. Foul (read: unpleasant) weather will not cancel these events, but rather alter to either more protected routes or shifts in time of day. ***I am not a professional guide or trainer. This is my personal program.***

To RSVP
Read the full description. Consider: if you underestimate the demands; overestimate your knowledge, experience, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put the team at risk. When you sign up, you'll be wait listed. I will add people that answer the questions in the RSVP process. Must answer in under 250 characters as Meetup doesn't display longer text.

RSVPs close 12 hours before the event. The maximum group size will be 6 people. Guests aren't permitted.

What we'll do: Practice mountaineering techniques on Hillman's Highway (HH - mostly 35–40° snow with short steeper sections) and Dodge's Drop (DD - Steeper and more committing than Hillman’s, typically 45–50°+) gullies off of Mount Washinton. We will hike up Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Hermit Lake Shelters (2.4mi) where we will assess avy danger, winds, and conditions. Here we will gear up and plan to practice the following techniques on HH:

• Front-pointing
• French step
• American hybrid
• Down climbing
• Self-arrest with ice axe
• Rappel from snow anchor (conditions permitting)

For very steep sections, we can determine if we need to set anchors to belay climbers. Pending group goals and conditions, we may choose to descend via Boott Spur or down climb.

Gear to bring: Helmet, ice axe, (optional extra ice tool for down climbing) climbing harness, slings, locking and non-locking carabiners, belay device, steel mountaineering crampons, sunglasses, your usual winter layers, a fun embrace-the-mountain-whatever-it-brings-us attitude!

If you are interested in participating in this event sign up for the waiting list. I will add people that answer the questions that are part of the RSVP process. Must answer in under 250 characters as Meetup doesn't display longer text.
RSVPs close 12 hours before the event. The maximum group size will be 6 people. Guests aren't permitted.

Should you need a place to stay the night before and/or after, bunk beds can be reserved at my ski club by Wed 3/25 in Intervale, NH for $35/night.

Important to know
Random Group of Hikers Disclaimer: As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; ....you know and will follow the Hike Safe Responsibility Code (www.hikesafe.com); the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.