| May 25th, 2007 the BaseCamp Lodge reopens for the summer season. After a little time off we are looking forward to a High Sierra summer and excited to show off a fresh restaurant menu created by our head chef Mickael Blancho. Take note, we have brought back the "Red Dog Calamari"! |
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| What a strange winter! A month ago we were advising people to schedule their mountaineering and backcountry ski & board trips early as the snow was melting a month ahead of schedule. Well, now we are eating our words as a few late season storms and moderate temperatures have reinvigorated the snowpack. With Ebbetts Pass east of Bear Valley open and the road through Lassen Park opening May 18th, there is quick access to high altitude corn! Check out our upcoming courses and MAS website to get your last chance to train, climb and ski with MAS this season. New dates are also posted! |
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The MAS gear closet is getting pretty cramped as this is the time of year when we are doing backcountry skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering and rock climbing courses all at the same time. Its a tough job but somebody has got to do it.
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This weekend, May 19-20, marks the official beginning of the MAS Lovers Leap Rock Climbing season, although several of you have already hired a private guide to take advantage of the early spring conditions. The rock is dry and the temperatures are perfect. If you haven't experienced the thrill of multi-pitch climbing at "The Leap" then consider treating yourself to a 1-day adventure or 2-day camp. If you have already climbed at "The Leap" then need we say no more ... |
| The MAS "3-Point Safety Check & Are You Using Your Head?" is a simple and quick way to ensure the basics of safety are covered before each and every climb. The key points to this check list are to evaluate the harness, carabiner, rope and head of both the climber and belayer. |
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1) Harnesses should be in good working order and assembled according to manufacturer instructions. Specifically, 1) does the harness fit correctly; and 2) are the waist and leg loop buckles doubled back (note – some harnesses are being built with buckles pre-doubled back). When in doubt ask.
2) Carabiners used for belaying should be locking (preferred) or two "opposite & opposed". Always check that the carabiner is locked with a hands-on squeeze. If using two opposite & opposed, the carabiner gates should create an "X" when both are opened. If the belayer's harness is equipped with a belay/rappell loop, this is where the carabiner should be attached.
3) Ropes are how the climber and belayer are connected together in the safety system. The climber should be tied into the rope through both the waist and leg loop with a dressed & tightened figure-eight follow through, with at least six inches of tail. On the belayer's side, the rope should be properly loaded through the belay device and locking carabiner.
4) Your Head is the most important piece of gear – so why not where a helmet. It only takes a small object from a short distance to cause damage. Also evaluate the mental state of you and your partner. Are you rushed, dehydrated, or distracted? Best to identify these issues beforehand, then act accordingly. |
