Winter Camping Course - Foothills - 2025

Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing & Scrambling Course

Winter Camping Course - Foothills

Learn to plan and execute overnight successful, comfortable overnight trips in the snow. This course is tent-based camping.

Would you like to enjoy the quiet serenity of wintertime?  Be there as sunrise and sunset light up the snowscapes in shades of yellow, orange and red? Watch a winter fox or rabbit at work or at play?

This winter camping course will focus on the practical aspects of safe winter tent camping.  The course is comprised of an evening lecture and a snow camping overnight field trip. We will not be building elaborate snow caves, but you will learn how to make emergency snow shelters in 1-2 hours. 

This course is intended for any winter sport enthusiast who would like to extend their skill set to include overnight camping, including snowshoers, scramblers and climbers. A means of snow travel is required, usually snowshoes.

Note on Enrollment 

The website is configured to require you to have the basic snowshoeing course badge to enroll. However, if you do not have this badge but would like to participate, please reach out to the course leaders for assistance or email to the Foothills Snowshoeing Committee at foothills.snowshoe@gmail.com.

Course Content

Course content includes:

  • planning and site selection
  • winter gear and clothing requirements
  • winter cooking and food and water
  • getting around in winter
  • winter hazards and first aid
  • how to set up a winter camp
  • emergency shelter construction

Graduation requirements

  • 1 Lecture
  • 1 Field Trip. Note: one field trip led by Gabrielle Orsi will accept skiers and splitboarders. 
  • Completion of free, online Low Impact Recreation Badge or similar education on Leave No Trace principles
Course Requirements
Course Activity Date Availability Leader
Winter Tent Camping Lecture
Online Classroom
Wed, Feb 26, 2025
Registration closes Feb 24
10 participants
1 instructor
Winter Tent Camping Field Trip
Kendall Peak Lakes
Sat, Mar 8, 2025 -
Sun, Mar 9, 2025
Registration closes Mar 3
6 participants
0 instructors
Reflection Lakes
Sat, Mar 22, 2025 -
Sun, Mar 23, 2025
Registration closes Mar 14
3 participants
1 instructor

Additional badges needed to graduate

Completed

Roster
Required Equipment

Individual gear

  • 10 Essentials
  • Means of snow travel such as snowshoes, skis, or splitboard; poles with snow baskets
  • Backpacking pack (40 liters minimum)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag
  • Backpacking stove
  • Tent
Course Materials

There are no materials for this course.