The HAMS 2003 Schedule

HAMS School will take place over five weekend days & 2 evenings in the winter at sites close to Denver. Subjects covered include snow practice, ice climbing, expedition camping and crevasse rescue. Cost for the Winter Edition will be $110 for Denver group members and $120 for non-Denver group members. Students are in four to six man rope teams, presided over by a senior instructor. All our senior instructors have extensive expedition experience and the low ratio of students per instructor allows for plenty of hands on experience.

LECTURES AND FIELD SESSIONS FOR THE 2003 HAMS SCHOOL

• Orientation October 16, 2003
  
  
• Introduction to School
  Wednesday, January 15, , 2003 7 PM at CMC clubrooms
  This evening session will introduce the students to their instructors and the other students of their team. Equipment needs, knots, suiting up for an Alaska Expedition, rope management will be discussed. A knot test will be conducted. Equipment furnished by the School will be distributed.
  
  
• Crevasse Rescue, Fixed Rope Travel & Suiting up for Alaska
  Saturday, January 18, 2003 8 AM at the CMC Clubhouse
  The day will begin with demonstrations of the Z-pulley and using ascenders and self rescue. rope management and care will be discussed. Suiting up for an Alaskan Expedition will be practiced. Throughout the day the Z-pulley will be emphasized & practiced repeatedly. Students will negotiate a course for fixed rope travel. There will be a video during lunch. The afternoon will continue With Z-pulley and tents.
  
  
• Snow Practice
  Saturday, January 25, 2003 6 AM All day session at St. Mary's Glacier
  The day will be spent covering crampon techniques, snow anchors and belays, self arrest, ascending a fixed line, stoves, and rope team practice in simulated crevassed areas.
  
  
• Review Crevasse Rescue & Plan Camping
  Wednesday, January 29, 2003 7 PM in Auditorium.
  Review Crevasse Rescue and make final plans for Expedition Camping.
  
  
• Introduction to Ice Climbing
  Saturday and Sunday, February 1 & 2, 2003 5-6 AM All day session at site TBD Some groups will climb on Saturday and others on Sunday to alleviate crowding
  The day will be spent learning techniques required to safely and competently climb ice or high angle snow. Topics covered include ice tools, placing ice screws, climbing styles and mixed terrain techniques. Top ropes will be set up for practice.
  
  
• Expedition Camping
  Saturday and Sunday, February 8 & 9, 2003 6 AM All weekend session at 2nd Creek
  The first day will be spent establishing camp in simulated crevassed terrain. Topics covered include rope team travel with sleds, choosing and designing a campsite, cooking and kitchens, sanitary facilities, and discussing alternate shelters such as snow caves and igloos. After spending the night, the second day will cover various techniques for crevasse rescue.
  
  
• Makeup
  Saturday, February 15, 2003 6 AM All day session at site TBD
  This day will be used to make up any missed activities due to extreme weather. Generally HAMS School are NOT canceled.