Winter Camping Overview

A field guide to winter snow camping for individuals and parties, covering preparation, gear, clothing, food, camp setup, medicine, travel and snow shelter construction.  Prepared by REI Santa Fe staff (17 pages).  You may download a pdf version of the "Winter Camping Overview" by clicking here.

Backpacking Basics

This course is intended for adult hikers who wish to take multi-day hiking trips.  Beginners and experienced backpackers will both benefit from this thorough course.  Course content includes the following general areas: safety and respect, leave no trace, equipment and clothing, food options, how to pack, how to walk and breathe, how to pick a campsite, hazards and survival, and how to plan trips.  Each major area is organized around the 10 Essentials, as is the example equipment list.  Download the PowerPoint slides used in presenting this course here (7.6 MB, pdf format), or an expanded, more detailed version of this material here(6.8 MB, pdf format).  Download an example backpacking equipment list (based on using the 10 Essentials as systems for modular packing) here (in pdf format).

Bags, Pads, Shelters

This course is an extension of the above course (but stands alone), and is intended to give more details specifically organized around sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents of various kinds.  The course will help you understand differences in bag, pad, and shelter types, construction, and use, as well as features to take into account when choosing which item to purchase.  Download the PowerPoint slides used in presenting this course here (3.6 MB, pdf format).

Introduction to Avalanche Awareness

An overview of the dangers of winter travel and the appropriate tools and skills necessary for safe and fun winter excursions.  This basic classroom course is designed for skiers, snowshoers, snowboarders and mountaineers who want to understand safe travel in avalanche terrain.  This course will cover the basics snow, slopes, and triggers.  You will also get information about where to find avalanche and snow condition updates, observation and decision making.  This is a basic course, for more in-depth avalanche classes check out www.nnmae.org for classes in the area.  It does not replace taking a hands-on avalanche preparedness training course. Beginners are always advised to travel with experienced leaders.  PowerPoint slides used in presenting this course (in pdf format; coming).
 

Los Alamos Mountaineers Bolting Reimbursement Policy

The Los Alamos Mountaineers (LAM) seek to promote best-of-practice toprope anchor bolting, and replacement of old bolts.  Quality of materials, diameter and depth of bolts, structural soundness of placements, and unobtrusiveness of new placement are of paramount concern.  As such, within its means, and subject to guidelines and constraints, the Los Alamos Mountaineers will reimburse bolters for their hardware for work done on recognized crags in White Rock Canyon.  This document is subject to change without notice!  You may download a pdf version of the "LAM Bolting Reimbursement Policy" by clicking here.

2004 Community Bolting Agreement for Los Alamos Climbing Areas

This printable document is a reproduction of the "2004 Bolting Agreement for Los Alamos Climbing Areas" which was agreed upon by active climbers from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos and Los Alamos. This revision was necessitated by severe drought and the die off of trees used for anchors at all areas.  The original 1989 agreement has stood the test of time.  Hopefully, this revision will also be accepted by all who wish to climb in Los Alamos. You may download a copy of the "2004 Bolting Agreement for Los Alamos Climbing Areas" by clicking here.

Official Los Alamos Mountaineers Songbook Now Available  updated 3/20/2007

Dave Scudder has graciously created the "Boomers Songbook", which was fully field tested on Bill Priedhorsky's Dark Canyon Backpack. It was overwhelmingly enjoyed and subsequently adopted as the first official LAM songbook. This is a great little songbook that can be printed by, or for, participants on backpacks, car camps, hut trips, etc. It is difficult to share a single copy with others, so print up a batch and enjoy the fun. We recommend double sided printing, with two staples along the left side, and folding in two. The songbook will be updated periodically, and suggestions made to Dave Scudder are always welcome. Click here to download in Word Format.

Los Alamos Mountaineers Waiver

This printable waiver is to be signed by each member of the "Los Alamos Mountaineers" as a condition of membership and participation in their activities. It is a release of liability and a waiver of rights that will be held by our club's secretary. Completed waivers can be mailed to: Los Alamos Mountaineers, P.O. Box 987, Los Alamos, NM 87544  You may download a copy of this waiver by clicking here.

LAM Constitution and Bylaws

The "Los Alamos Mountaineer's Constitution and Bylaws" provide guidance and rules for the operation of all aspects of our club's operations. The bylaws specifically address issues such as rules for trip leaders and participants. LAM is a New Mexico, registered, non-profit corporation. You may download a pdf version of the "Los Alamos Mountaineer's Constitution and Bylaws" by clicking here.

LAM Trip Sign-Up Sheet

The "Los Alamos Mountaineer's Trip Sign-Up Sheet" includes the trip waiver, and should be used for all club sponsored trips. You may download a pdf version of the "Los Alamos Mountaineer's Trip Sign-Up Sheet" by clicking here.

Tres Piedras Waiver

Tres Piedras is located (mostly) on private property, owned by Gus Foster of Taos, NM. He permits small parties to climb on his property, only if they first get his permission, and have a waiver on file. His permission can be obtained by calling him at home (505-758-4007). You will generally get his answering machine. Let him know when you wish to climb at TP, the number in your party (keep it small), and that ALL of your party have waivers on file with him. Leave a phone number to call, in case he prefers that you NOT climb on any particular day. You may download a copy of the waiver by clicking here.

Off-Hours Recreation at Downhill Ski Areas, a Guide for Users

This users guide has been prepared by the Los Alamos Mountaineers as a public service to the community. It presents common sense information that should be used by all "off-hours" users of downhill ski areas. It is hoped that this presentation will foster a better understanding of ski hill concerns, and at the same time permit "off-hours" users to continue their activities. You may download a printable "tri-fold" version of "Off-Hours Recreation at Downhill Ski Areas, a Guide for Users" by clicking here.

Hypotermia, Altitude, and Wind Chill Factor Information

The following information on hypothermia, altitude acclimatization and illnesses, and wind chill factors was found at Princeton Universities "Outdoor Action Web Site."

You may download a pdf version of the "Outdoor Action Guide to High Altitude: Acclimatization and Illnesses by Rick Curtis" by clicking here.

You may download a pdf version of the "Outdoor Action Guide to Hypothermia and Cold Weather Injuries by Rick Curtis" by clicking here.

You may download a pdf version of the "Outdoor Action Wind Chill Index" by clicking here.

Sustained Motivation of the Rock Climber

Warwick Williams' 155 page Masters thesis examines the sustained motivation in a leisure activity, namely rock climbing. Rock climbing was selected as the case study as anecdotal evidence indicated that contemporary explanations for long term participation were inadequate. Warwick is a Sydney rock climber, guide book author, and friend of several Los Alamos locals. About 18 Los Alamos Mountaineers participated in the survey that his paper is based upon.  You may download a copy of "Sustained Motivation" by clicking here.

Rope System Analysis

Stephen W. Attaway has produced a very complete mathematical analysis of rope systems used in rock climbing. This article was published in Nylon Highway, No. 41, a Special Publication of the Vertical Section of the National Speleological Society, and in the preceedings of the NATARS meeting of November 1-3, 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This work is dedicated to Dr. Carlos Abad, Dr. Jane Tennessen, and Dr. Glen Tietjen who died from a fall in the Sandia's of 817 feet on June 23, 1996. You may download a copy of "Rope System Analysis" by clicking here.

 

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