ACC Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) ***New Dates

May 14th 2025

Event Details

  • Date: –
  • Spots: 18
  • Member Cost: Free
  • Destination: Sea to Sky Squamish Whistler
  • Categories: , ,
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Attendee Screening: Attendees are Pre-Screened - The Trip Leader will review your background and contact you before accepting you on the trip. You will get a confirmation that your sign-up is pending right away.
    That doesn't mean that you are confirmed to go on the trip yet. If you are accepted, you should receive an email from the coordinator to confirm your sign-up and coordinate the trip's details.

Description

ACC Enthusiasts!! 😍

Our flagship course, The BMC returns for 2025!

This course will take place over TWO weekends plus 3-4 evening mid week sessions so PLEASE PLAN ON THESE

  • May 24 & 25 2025: Mount Seymour mountain skills
  • May 31 & June 1st 2025: Second weekend TBD based on snow pack

Our Basic Mountaineering Course is designed for new club members (novice climbers/mountaineers) to learn the foundational skills necessary for safe travel in mountainous terrain. Mountaineering is a discipline that takes years to master, so the goal of this course is to build your confidence with the basics. After completing the course, you will be equipped to join club trips and continue your learning. With further experience, you’ll be able to participate in club camps and begin leading simpler climbs.

Prerequisites

Pre-Course Material All selected participants will be provided with reading materials and videos prior to the course. These will cover foundational knowledge such as knots, self-arrest technique, basic navigation, and mountain hazard awareness to help maximize time spent on practical instruction during the course.

Expected Fitness

Level Participants should be capable of hiking with a 10–15 kg pack for 5-8 hours over uneven, snowy terrain. This is a physically demanding course in a cold, mountainous environment, and a moderate level of fitness is necessary to safely participate. Our first weekend will be more skills based, typically around Mt Seymour, while our 2nd weekend will include a full day alpine objective trip.

  • Completion of Intro to Rock Course, Top Rope Anchors and Rappel Course or equivalent experience (to be determined by course leader).

Itinerary

  • Pre-Course Meeting: May 14th date to be confirmed — Mandatory attendance in Vancouver (location TBD)
  • Weekend One: May 24-25  — Meet at Mount Seymour Parking Lot, 8:00 AM
  • Weekend Two: MAy 31 & June 1, location TBD
  • Wrap-up Meeting: End of second weekend

Selection Criteria

All students MUST complete this application form:

https://forms.gle/oVNcnB8fZ5UUaQ6C7

If, within the first week after the event is posted to the calendar, more than 25 qualified members sign up, selection will be based on past attendance at ACC Vancouver Section events and volunteer contributions. Otherwise, selection will be first-come, first-served.

Cost: $160

Once selected, you will be notified and directed on how to make your e-transfer payment to [email protected] a designated passcode. Payment is due within 72 hours of notification; otherwise, the next applicant on the waitlist will be contacted. Only make payment after being directed to do so. Once payment is received, you will be moved from the waitlist to the confirmed list.

Required Equipment

A full gear list will be provided to participants upon selection, but the following items are essential:

  • Mountaineering or Hiking boots
  • Crampons (must be compatible with your boots)
  • Ice axe
  • Climbing harness
  • Helmet
  • Belay/rappel device with guide mode (e.g., ATC)
  • Locking carabiners
  • Prusik cords
  • Headlamp
  • Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe)
  • First aid kit (small personal kit)
  • 10 Essentials
  • Appropriate clothing and layers for snow travel
  • Backpack (large enough for all personal gear and shared equipment)

Some of the above equipment may be available for rent through local outdoor shops or the clubs. Participants are responsible for ensuring they have all necessary gear in time for the course. Not all equipment is required for the first weekend.

Course Skills Outline

  • Ice Axe Use
  • Crampon Use
  • Rappelling
  • Anchors and Running Belays
  • Basic Rope Skills
  • Mountain Navigation & Snow Travel
  • Group Travel & Communication
  • Hazard Awareness

Cancellation Policy

There are no refunds. If you need to withdraw, you may work with the course leader to identify an alternate participant from the waitlist who meets the prerequisites. Payment transfers must be handled directly between the original and replacement participants.

Community Contribution

Each year, over a dozen dedicated volunteers contribute thousands of hours to make these courses possible, providing top-quality instruction and exceptional value. We’re excited to share our knowledge and love for the mountains with you.

That said, participation is a two-way street. If you’re taking a course, we encourage you to start thinking about how you can give back to the community. We’re entirely volunteer-run, and the system only works when everyone contributes.

Please consider becoming a trip coordinator — even hosting a simple hiking trip helps! Our Trip Director will be in touch to help you post your first trip. https://accvancouver.ca/join-us/volunteer/

 

 

 

Guest sign-up

Only members can sign up to this event. If you are already a member, please log in first.