Setting up a rappel for ski mountaineering

This is the default set up that I teach for rappeling. In this context, we are geared up for ski mountaineering. When alpine climbing or multi-pitch rock climbing the exact gear you choose to bring might vary. The overall concept is the same… using a single piece of material to create both a tether (for attaching to the anchor) and an extension for your device off of your harness. Using a small sewn prusik loop, an auto block hitch is attached directly the harness to back up your rappel (ie ‘third hand). If you descend too far and need to climb back up, it is simple to convert your device into plaquette mode by clipping the eye back to your belay loop.