Basic Glacier Climbing Course

Want to learn some basic climbing skills? Looking to have fun in the mountains and make new friends?

Announcing the Basic Glacier Climbing Course. This course will provide the instruction of glacier travel skills that you will need to climb the big volcanoes of the Cascades. Also the course will introduce you to a fun and friendly climbing community. If you are a hiker, backpacker or gym climber dreaming of new heights, the Bushwhacker Glacier Course is a great start!

The course consists of nine Tuesday evening lectures, plus four field trips - see schedule below.

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.