Gear Tips participated in the International Mountain Sports Course of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation – UIAA, held in Bariloche from April 19 to 21, 2024. As part of the event’s program, we (Bruno Negreiros and Fernanda May) presented the Gear Tips Recycling Program, winner of the 2023 Mountain Protection Award. The course was organized by the Argentine Federation of Ski and Mountaineering – FASA, in partnership with the UIAA.
We landed in Bariloche a few days before the event and took the opportunity to explore the region. On a beautiful autumn day, still with little snow, we ran about 9.5 km to Refugio Frey, starting from the base of Cerro Catedral. The landscape, painted with the blue of the sky blending into the green, yellow, and red hues of the season, surrounded us at every stride. Upon reaching Refugio Frey, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Laguna Toncek and its jagged peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters.
Laguna Toncek, at the foot of Refugio Frey.
Day 1 – April 19, 2024 – Recycling Program Presentation and Lectures
The morning of April 19 marked the official start of the course, with several technical lectures covering a wide range of mountaineering-related topics such as training standards, risk management, anchor safety, water treatment, and responsible climbing. These sessions, presented in an international context, sparked valuable discussions and debates.
Later that morning, during a thematic block dedicated to the environment, we had the honor of presenting the Gear Tips Recycling Program to all participants, demonstrating in practice how to properly dispose of gas canisters used during camping activities.
We also introduced other sustainability initiatives currently implemented at Gear Tips, such as the Empowerment Program, our alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the carbon offsetting of our events and overall operations. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase this work that makes us so proud.
Presentation of the Gear Tips Recycling Program.
After lunch, the afternoon sessions featured fascinating updates on the latest medical research regarding hypothermia, frostbite, altitude acclimatization, altitude sickness, relative energy deficiency, and gender differences in high-altitude physiology. Other topics included training cycles based on the menstrual cycle and the future of wilderness first aid. With time for questions and discussion, these sessions helped clarify many doubts and spread knowledge among all participants.
The day concluded with a panel discussion on the positive and negative influences of technology on climbing and mountaineering practices—a topic that’s increasingly relevant in all outdoor disciplines.
Day 2 – April 20, 2024 – UIAA International Course
The second day began with more lectures, this time focusing on mountaineering in Argentina. The session opened with an overview of key aspects and challenges of climbing Aconcagua. The presentation was detailed and well-structured, giving participants from around the world a better understanding of the ascent to the highest point in South America.
Next, we learned about the operations of various Argentine rescue and first aid teams, their structures, procedures, and the people behind them. Several case studies were shared, revealing how well-trained and organized these teams are, despite facing many challenges. The institutional discussion that followed was highly productive and will surely yield positive outcomes.
After a short break, we boarded a bus to the Club Andino Bariloche, at the base of Cerro Catedral, where the practical workshops would take place in the afternoon. After a quick lunch, we hiked uphill for a series of demonstrations.
Practical workshop on installing fixed anchors.
We began with progression techniques for crevassed areas and rescue procedures for fall situations. Next, we explored different methods for water treatment in remote environments and performed a stretcher rescue simulation.
The afternoon continued with a session on the differences, characteristics, and best practices for installing fixed anchors, followed by a demonstration of a hyperbaric chamber used in altitude-related emergencies when a descent is not possible. The day concluded with a traditional Argentine barbecue at the Club Andino Bariloche headquarters.
Evening at Club Andino Bariloche.
Day 3 – April 21, 2024 – Practical Activities at the UIAA Course
The third day was fully dedicated to hands-on activities. In the morning, we returned to the base of Cerro Catedral for more practical workshops. The first was a stretcher rescue simulation using a rope system to manage descents and ascents on steep terrain. The second demonstrated how search dogs are used to locate potential victims in remote areas. Finally, the Bariloche rescue team showcased their equipment in a simulated first-aid scenario—an extremely instructive and enlightening session.
The course officially concluded at Club Andino Bariloche with a certificate ceremony and words of appreciation from the organizers. The joy and satisfaction of each participant receiving their certificate made the closing event even more special. Congratulations to the UIAA and FASA for organizing such a remarkable experience.
As outdoor enthusiasts and professionals, we learned and consolidated a great deal of knowledge. The technical and medical sessions greatly contributed to our ongoing development, and the practical workshops allowed us to apply many of those concepts directly. It was also inspiring to see so many Brazilians participating in the event—among them, Frederico Campos and Eduardo Vinhaes, permanent members of the UIAA safety and medical committees. This truly showcased Brazil’s growing presence and capability in international mountaineering.
Brazilian participants at this edition of the UIAA International Course.
As Gear Tips, we once again presented our sustainability practices to the world, strengthened institutional relationships, and built new ones. It was inspiring to witness the international mountaineering community—within the UIAA—driven by such skilled, dedicated, and passionate individuals. A special thanks for the invitation and to everyone who made this event possible, especially Peter Muir (UIAA President), Urs Hefti (Head of the Medical Commission), Martin Lascano (Executive Committee and FASA member), Laureana Fuentes (FASA President), and Laly (FASA).
After the course, we enjoyed one last day in Bariloche hiking to Cerro Sentinela with the friends we made during the UIAA Course and delivering the first Gear Tips Recycling Program collection bin to be installed in Argentina, at the Ansilta Store in Bariloche.
By Bruno Negreiros and Fernanda May
This post is also available in: Português (Portuguese (Brazil)) Español (Spanish)
