Get on the Mountain is a fully interactive DVD that offers instruction on basic mountaineering techniques to amateur climbers who want to practice in preparation for an upcoming climb. It also serves as an excellent skills refresher for mountaineers who only have the time to climb once or twice a year and want to keep themselves sharp during the off-season.
The DVD features Jeff Ward, certified by the American Mountain Guides Association and International Federated Mountain Guides Association in all three mountaineering disciplines: alpine, rock and ski. He has guided ascents in the United States, France, Italy, Switzerland, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Mexico, Africa, and Nepal. Joined by his wife Kristen Ward, also an accomplished climber, Jeff makes learning basic climbing techniques easy and fun.
Set on the beautiful glacier-covered slopes of Mount Rainier in the Cascades mountain range of Washington, Get on the Mountain does more than take you through step-by-step, in-the-field instruction. It also provides plenty of bonus features, including the Gear Grid, an easy way for users to see every piece of gear they need to bring with them on their climb.
The DVD is region-free encoded, suitable for viewing with a standard DVD player, Mac or PC-based systems. It features approximately 103 minutes of footage and additional bonus features.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The following instructional segments are included on the disc:
Self-Arrest: This section provides a thorough overview of how to stop yourself from sliding during a fall. Topics covered: Ice axe parts, self-arrest grip, the anchor position and how to fall
Steps: Knowing how to step properly on a mountain improves stamina and minimizes risk of falls. Topics covered: The crossover step, the duck walk, crampon ascent, the rest step, loose snow descent and techniques for steep conditions.
Gear: Selecting the right gear is a daunting challenge for any climber. Get on the Mountain provides an objective and comprehensive overview of gear and clothing required to reach a summit. You'll also learn how to properly pack your pack for optimal balance and weight considerations.
Crampons The improper fitting of crampons is a common cause of falls and injuries. Get on the Mountain demonstrates how to properly fit your crampon to the boot.
Harness: Proper harness position, doubling-back on the buckle and a step-by-step demonstration is covered in this section.
The Figure 8 Knot: Get detailed demonstration of the quintessential knot of many uses. You'll learn the Figure Eight knot, including the retraced and on-a-bight variants. Occasional climbers can always use a refresher for this essential knot required for rope-team glacier travel.
Rope Teams: Tying in, locking in, turning corners, and a crevasse rescue demonstration provide an overview of many of the skills required for rope team travel.
Fitness: Physical preparation can be the difference between getting to the summit or not. Mountaineering exercises muscle groups that are easily conditioned if the right fitness routine is applied. Jeff Ward offers simple, but extremely effective suggestions for training that his experience shows really work on the mountain.
BONUS FEATURES
Get on the Mountain's Bonus Features include:
- Jeff's audio-only tips, covering proper foot care, helmet safety and when to rope up.
- An innovative Gear Grid; feature that allows the viewer to easily reference relevant sections of video related to a specific piece of gear covered in the DVD.
- For those using the DVD with Mac and PC systems, a printable gear list is provided to take with you while shopping for gear.
