Basic Glacier Climbing Course
Want to learn some basic climbing skills? Looking to have fun in the mountains and make new friends?
Photo © Seth Pollack
The course consists of nine Tuesday evening lectures, plus four field trips - see schedule below.
Photo © Seth Pollack
Traditionally there have been two sections, each section composed of six to eight students, two assistants and one instructor. Each section has its own outings, but both sections share the evening lectures. Note that in 2012 there will be only one section of the course.
The lectures are held in a classroom at Bellevue College, 7:30pm-9:30pm. The first and second field trips are full-day outings. The third field trip is an overnighter. The fourth field trip is four days and three nights in the mountains. The four-day field trip features a summit climb attempt of Mt Baker. All field trips require full days of activity.
Cost of the Course
The course costs $335. In addition, club membership is required, which costs $35.
2012 Course Status
We are looking forward to the 2012 course. However, registration has not yet begun. Registration for the 2012 course will occur in February. The club is offering only one section of the course in 2012.
The exact dates of the 2012 course are posted below.
2012 Basic Glacier Climbing Course Schedule
Classroom sessions to be held at Bellevue College. Outings are italicized.
| May 1 | Introduction, Physical Conditioning |
| May 5 | Field Outing I, Team Building |
| May 8 | Gear I |
| May 15 | Navigation with Map & Compass |
| May 19 | Field Outing II, Snow Travel Skills |
| May 22 | Gear II |
| May 29 | Roped Travel & Gear III |
| June 2-3 | Field Outing III, Roped Travel Skills |
| June 5 | Hazard Recognition & Avoidance |
| June 12 | Glaciology & Prusik Practice |
| June 14-17 | Field Outing IV, Glacier Travel Skills |
| June 19 | Pacific Northwest Weather |
| June 21-24 | Field Outing IV, Glacier Travel Skills (weather alternate) |
| June 26 | Course Completion |
Note: These dates are subject to change based on snowpack, weather and other conditions.
