Basic Snowshoe Leader

As a Basic Snowshoe leader for the Mountaineers, you can lead Beginner or Basic level snowshoe trips. These trips do not involve steep terrain that may involve use of an ice axe and should have minimal avalanche risk. 

• Learn more about leading snowshoe trips and see the requirements for becoming a snowshoe trip leader here. 

In addition to the checklist linked to above, a prospective leader must be a current member with a signed waiver, age 21 or over, and demonstrate the following competencies:

• Group Management and Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading adults in an outdoor setting with other committees within the Mountaineers or with other organizations and  training or knowledge comparable to the Mountaineers Outdoor Leadership Seminar.
• Trip Planning and Facilitation: Knowledge of Mountaineers policies and procedures for scheduling and managing an activity, route selection and trip planning, participant screening, and emergency planning including risk management with contingency plans and emergency response during a crisis.
• Experience: No fewer than six snowshoeing trips of sufficient difficulty to demonstrate both skills and fitness.
• Instructional Skills: Familiarity with Mountaineers snowshoeing curriculum and experience instructing in the Basic Snowshoeing course lecture and field trip.
• Technical Skills: Basic Snowshoeing Graduate (or equivalent) and knowledge of how to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain.

Process

Prospective leaders should contact the Foothills Snowshoeing Committee for a preliminary review of their experience once they believe that they fulfill or are close to fulfilling all of the above requirements.  After obtaining permission, the prospective leader will register for the course and then meet with the course coordinator to review their experience and skills in detail to identify any gaps.  The course coordinator may recommend additional experience, training, or courses to fulfill the above requirements.

Upon completion of the full set of requirements and approval of the Foothills Snowshoe committee, a prospective leader will be granted provisional status and given permission to lead mentored trips.

Mentors will evaluate the prospective leader's skills in leadership & group dynamics, setting up & managing the trip safely, mountain sense and judgement.   Upon the positive recommendation mentors and final approval of the Foothills Snowshoeing Committee, the prospective leader will become a Basic Snowshoe Leader.