Basic Snowshoeing Course

Want to learn to snowshoe and spend time safely enjoying winter's special beauty up close?

Register today for a January course to teach you and show you what you need to know

The lecture date is Monday evening, January 11th, in Bellevue (Highland Community Center) 6:30-9 p.m.  Students will then be able choose among several field trip dates, specific dates to be determined based on snow cover conditions.  Before the lecture you can view several snowshoe winter gear show-and-tell tables and talk to club snowshoe leaders about any questions you may have.  Snowshoe gear tables will be set up by 6 p.m. for those who would like to come early and discuss and talk with experienced showshoers about their winter gear choices.

This course is designed for those with no or little experience who want to learn basics of snowshoeing. Whether you are new to snow sports, want to have fun in the winter outdoors or yearn to take winter hikes, this is the course to get you started on your winter adventure. The course  will cover the basics:moving in balance, maneuvering on snowshoes, going up hill, side-hill and handling downhills. Snowshoe gear required (assistance provided with rental options).

The course is available to anyone over age 18 (or over age 14 if taking the course with a parent) who wants to learn snowshoe skills and how -- and where -- to safely enjoy snowshoeing in our Puget Sound Winter Wonderland.

The course consists of one evening lecture and a full-day weekend instructional field trip (Saturday or Sunday options will be available) . Graduation will permit individuals to participate in club-sponsored hikes rated "E" and "E+"  and to make safer choices about private or personal snowshoe adventures. 

Course graduates will have preferred sign-up access to continue to practice their skills after the field trip by going on  E or E+  Foothills Branch snowshoe trips that will focus on continued skill-building.

Participants will learn how to travel safely on snow, how to select and use proper gear and clothing, and how to choose the right routes and destinations for their skill level.  The course will also provide an introduction to avalanche awareness (with a guest speaker from the Northwest Avalanche Center - NWAC) and the basics of emergency winter survival.

Please direct questions to Steve LeBrun at SteveLebrun@comcast.net