Alpine Scrambling Course

*AS A RESULT OF THE SUSPENSION OF ALL COURSES/ACTIVITIES/EVENTS UNTIL 4/24/20, WE WILL BE CANCELING THIS COURSE. CURRENT PARTICIPANTS MAY RECEIVE A FULL REFUND, DONATE THEIR COURSE FEE, OR TAKE THE COURSE NEXT YEAR AT NO EXTRA COST. PLEASE SEE THE COVID-19 RESPONSE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION*

Most Northwest mountain summits are accessible by scramble routes

In this course you will learn how to reach those non-technical snow and rock summits.  This course starts at a beginning level and there are no prerequisites to join.  Classroom and field instruction includes proper equipment and clothing, route finding, avalanche awareness and avoidance, rock and off-trail scrambling, snow travel, ice-ax arrest, glissade techniques, field survival and wilderness ethics. Alpine scrambles are moderate to strenuous outings involving off-trail travel. They are generally summit oriented with class 2 or 3 climbing on rock or equally exposed snow slopes. Scrambles do not involve travel over glaciers or rock where a climbing harness and roped protection are called for. Scrambles often visit many of the same destinations as technical climbs, just using different routes.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

• Physical Fitness: Prior to the Snow 1 field trip, students must complete a conditioning hike demonstrating an ability to hike uphill 2500' of elevation gain in 2 hours (one way) while carrying a full pack.  The class often uses Mt. Si for this which is 3200' in 2.5 hours.  These hikes are posted starting in December. 
• Class Participation: Students must attend class sessions including the completion of homework (textbook reading and written quiz).  Failure to complete homework may result in the student not moving forward in the course.  Contact an instructor if you are unable to attend a class.  
• Field Trips: These are the most important portion of the course.  Students will learn essential skills at Rock 1 and Snow 1.  At Rock 2 and Snow 2, students will get further practice then must demonstrate competency in those essential skills.  Clinics and extra instruction may be available; the need will be evaluated as we go. 
• Final Written Exam: Students must pass a final that includes information from classroom and field trips.
• To graduate, in addition to the course programming, students must complete: 3 additional climbs, a first aid course, a navigation course, and a day of stewardship.
• The course is designed to be completed in one year.  If a student needs additional time and/or practice, they may participate in the following year course.  Our goal is student success.

Feel free to contact Mike Murphy further information.