Intermediate Snowhoeing Skills for Scramblers + Climbers

This course is designed for adventurers who want to gain the skills and experience to handle more challenging snowshoe routes and terrain. The course will cover the introductory trip planning for weather and avalanche forecast, avalanche and other incident responses, emergency shelters. It is assumed that scramblers and climbers are well versed with ice-axe traveling, self-belay, and self-arrest skills. Hence, these will not be taught in this course.

This course is open to graduates of Alpine Scrambling and Basic Climbing Course graduates or equivalent ONLY.

IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR YOU?

After successful completion of this course, you can go on trips

• where you may travel in avalanche terrain requiring beacons, shovel, and probe; and is intended to help students to be able to make their own decisions whether to participate in such trips. It is also intended to help students assess when the use of avalanche gear may be needed for particular routes they may consider taking. [Note: (1) Students do not need to purchase this equipment. (2) The course only provides an introduction to use beacon, shovel and probe - recommend AIARE Level-1 or Avalanche Rescue Courses to gain competency and better understanding], or
• on steep snow terrain with conditions requiring ice-axe and helmet for better walking in balance and self-arrest if needed.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE COURSE

This course includes a zoom session going over trip planning material and one field trip practicing basic incident and emergency response. Please note that you must attend the online zoom session before you can participate in the field trips. 

The field trip is a go in all weather and avalanche conditions, except for rain and/or frigid temps disallowing us to do self-care. In such an instance we will follow-up on next steps and do our best to host another field trip but may not be able to get everyone available on the same date, and some will have to return next year to complete the coursework.

If you are a current Basic Snowshoeing Student and would like to register for this course, please click for the course listing better suited for you:  https://www.mountaineers.org/locations-lodges/seattle-branch/committees/seattle-snowshoeing-committee/course-templates/intermediate-snowshoeing-course/intermediate-snowshoeing-course-seattle-2025

FITNESS AND IMPORTANT GEAR CONSIDERATIONS

You must be fit for the more physically demanding courses like Snowshoeing, Alpine Scrambling, or Basic Climbing. Try hiking up Mt. Si (8 miles round-trip; 3,550 ft. elevation gain) and see how you do. If you can get to the top of Mt. Si (to the viewpoints in the haystack basin) in 2 hours or less (barring icy conditions), you are probably in adequate condition for this course.

TRANSPORTATION CONSIDERATIONS

Snowshoeing trips, including the field trips for this course, are usually held at locations near mountain passes that require driving on snow-y roads or icy parking lots. Before signing up for this course please be sure you have access to a winter-capable vehicle.  An AWD or 4WD vehicle is best, but a 2WD vehicle with reasonable ground clearance and snow chains/socks can work in benign-to-moderate conditions.   Lack of access to adequate transportation will not be considered a sufficient reason to refund the course fee.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students have three years to complete their requirements for graduation, which are:

• If not taken already, attend the Avalanche Awareness Seminar (this is required, as a minimum). Additional Avalanche courses such as AIARE Avalanche rescue, or AIARE Level 1 are recommended. 
• Attendance at trip planning online session and satisfactory performance at the field trip
• Complete a Wilderness Navigation Course
• Successful completion of 1 intermediate snowshoe or winter scramble trip.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Mountaineers strive to serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We are committed to providing access to outdoor recreation, education, and conservation opportunities for all members and youth in the communities we serve. If you would like to take this course and are experiencing financial hardship or limitations, please apply for financial assistance. Here is more information about the Mountaineers Financial Assistance Program.

For additional questions, please email the course leader.