Mexico
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"Hey guys....
I just wantedto let
you know that I was
chosen out of 80 at the RMI
auditions for the new guide
hires for 2001! You guys
were my first step out of
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Mexico Volcano Mountaineering & Rock Climbing; Leadership & Guide Training Course
(26 days)
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The Mexico Volcanoes of Ixtaccihuatl (17,160ft) and Pico de Orizaba (18,491ft) tower above the surrounding landscape. These prominent glaciated peaks offer a good introduction to mountaineering at altitude. The limestone rock of El Potrero Chico in Northern Mexico hosts sheer walls with a multitude of climbing routes.
Picture yourself leading a mountaineering team up mixed terrain at 17,000 feet, bartering in Spanish for local produce, or performing a mock rescue of a fallen climber. The combination of high altitude experience and multi-pitch rock climbing set amidst the cultural backdrop of Mexico, make this course ideal for people looking to develop their international mountaineering and rock climbing proficiency.
This comprehensive course is the perfect setting to achieve your goals whether you are looking to become a professional guide, hone your technical abilities for personal adventures, or expand your leadership skills. It focuses on teaching students to be safe, efficient, knowledgeable and confident outdoor leaders in a mountain environment.
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Course Location The course starts in Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, and an epicenter of Mexican history and culture. We’ll also explore the rural side of Mexico. Peaceful towns such as Hidalog, Amecameca and Tlachichuca are representative of the rich Mexican heritage that Mexico is so well known for.
Ixtaccihuatl – Popocateptl National Park and its peaks tower over nearby Mexico City and are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The volcanoes; Popocatépetl (17,890 ft), called “smoking mountain” and Iztaccihuatl (17,160ft), called “sleeping woman” are important historical, cultural, and geographic landmarks. The airy summit ridge of Ixtaccihuatl is an exciting complement to the high snowy slopes of Orizaba. Situated on the border of Puebla and Orizaba, Pico de Orizaba (a.k.a. Citlalteptl) is the 3rd highest mountain in North America. The volcanoes are a perfect introduction to climbing at altitude.
The state of Nuevo Leon hosts the towering crag of El Potrero Chico. This limestone massif has cliffs of over 2,000 vertical feet. It is a playground of long bolted routes, adventure climbs, and top-roping crags. The warm climate, good rock quality, and variety of routes, make this a great location for the rock climbing portion of the course.
The Instructors and Guides of IWLS are widely recognized as some of the very best in their field and have practical leadership experience from around the globe. They are well trained and have an uncommon enthusiasm for sharing their skill and knowledge, borne out of a passion for outdoor exploration.
The International Wilderness Leadership Schools' educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS curriculum world class.
The IWLS General Curriculum outlines the essential components for effective outdoor leadership. Here are a few points that your course will focus on.
Decision Making and Problem Solving: Over the course of 12 or 26 days, we’ll discover ways to assess problems, explore solutions and evaluate options in order to make effective and safe decisions in the field.
Expedition Behavior and Group Dynamics: Because this course is a true wilderness expedition, interactions between group members need to be supportive and contribute to the efficacy of the group. The daily dynamics of the group, combined with instruction, will teach participants not only how to be a member of a team, but how to influence and lead an expedition.
Weather: Will the storm arrive in the next 12 hours or the next 48? Understanding weather patterns and trends will help you plan successful trips in a wilderness setting.
Navigation: Learn how to take a bearing, read a topographical map, triangulate your position, or navigate in a whiteout.
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Photo: Austin Peters |
IWLS Mountaineering Curriculum is built from countless expeditions in Alaska and around the world. You’ll learn how to be a competent and proficient mountaineer in a variety of different environments. Below are some topics we’ll cover.
Rope Teams: Rope team travel is a complicated endeavor that requires skill, technique and teamwork. We’ll cover everything from prussic arrangement to team management for this form of mountain travel.
Subjective Hazards: Among other things, dehydration, fatigue and personal pride can be detrimental to group safety. Learn how to implement measures to mitigate these potential hazards.
Short Roping: Learn different applications of short roping technique and times and places to utilize it.
Altitude Considerations: Pico de Orizaba reaches above 18,000 feet. Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of acute mountain sickness, and steps to take to avoid it. We’ll also discuss the most effective treatment for all altitude illnesses: descent.
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Photo: Kevin Forster |
IWLS Rock Climbing Curriculum is designed to create safe and strong technical climbers. Below is an example of what you’ll learn:
Rappelling: Rappelling down a steep rock face is a thrilling moment and our team will learn how to do it safely. We’ll also look at different methods for teaching rappelling and dealing with incapacitated climbers.
Rock Protection: Pitons, nuts, cams, hexes… learn the nuances of quality placements. You’ll have the opportunity to place protection in a variety of settings and rock quality.
Multi-pitch Climbing: Towards the end of the course, you’ll put your technical skills to the test on multi-pitch climbs, refining skills such as belay site selection, rope management and routefinding.
Experience Level: No previous experience is necessary for this course. However, with a desire to learn and an enthusiasm for adventure, this course prepares you for a lifetime of wilderness exploration.
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Photo: Eli Fierer |
IWLS International Curriculum is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of planning and leading expeditions in foreign countries. Here are just a few topics that will be covered:
Cultural History: As visitors to this remarkable place, we place a premium on being respectful and learning about the local culture and history. The rich Mexican history of central Mexico provides great insight into the culture of the region today.
Language Skills: The ability to ask directions, purchase items, and communicate on any level is an essential element of leading an expedition to a foreign country. Throughout the course, we’ll develop our Spanish language skills through dialog and lesson plans.
Trip Preparation: Logistics in a foreign country have the potential to be complex and tenuous. You’ll take part in shopping at the local market, arranging transportation, and securing permits in preparation for your expedition to Sian Kaan.
Experience Level: No previous experience is necessary for this course. However, with a desire to learn and an enthusiasm for adventure, this course prepares you for a lifetime of wilderness exploration.
Certifications upon completion of the 26-day course participants may qualify for the following certifications:
 Certified Outdoor Leader
Wilderness Education Association
26 Day Guide Training Certificate of Completion
International Wilderness Leadership School
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Click Here for all available certifications.
University credit is available for this and other IWLS courses.
Consider combining three 26-day courses for an IWLS semester!
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