This program is designed to establish sound judgment in the complex alpine environment as well as a high level of technical ability on rock, snow, and ice. The primary goal of this program is that upon completion, you will be able to function successfully as an alpine climbing leader at an intermediate or more advanced level. In this second 12-day program you will develop more sophisticated technical skills on snow and ice while making ascents of the rugged glaciers and high peaks of North Cascades National Park and on rock while climbing spectacular granite routes. This is one of the rare courses in the world that specifically teaches techniques for leading on rock, snow, and ice. You will increase your proficiency in free climbing, and you will also become capable of setting up sophisticated and effective protective systems. Your instructors will help you refine your skills of route selection, route finding, and natural hazards evaluation. Additionally, we emphasize the development of both the judgment and the specific climbing and protective systems skills required for leading more advanced climbs. It is our goal that you emerge from this program as a qualified rope team leader on both rock and glacier routes.