Basic Snowshoe One-Day Classroom Session - Olympia Friends Meeting House

Olympia Friends Meeting House, 3201 Boston Harbor Road NE, Olympia, on left going north just past Squaxin Park Doors open 8:30. Class starts at 9:00 a.m.

This will be an all-day session with a lunch break. It will include an introduction to winter activities, avalanche awareness, safety, equipment, 10 essentials, cold weather ailments and first aid, winter recreation etiquette, contents of a winter day pack, donning and adjustment of snowshoes and poles. We will also have a brief overview of what to expect on the field trip. Even if you already know how to ski or snowshoe, the training in avalanche terrain recognition and avalanche avoidance, is well worth taking the class and improving your safety in the backcountry.

This will be a shared presentation with the Olympia Branch Cross Country Ski Course, covering material applicable to both winter sports. During the afternoon session, the classes will split to cover material more specific to snowshoeing.

Please bring the boots you plan to wear on the field trip, and your own snowshoes, if you already have them. We will have everyone practice putting on, adjusting and taking off snowshoes, and adjusting trekking poles for their height.  Feel free to bring any other gear you plan on using on the trip. 

To register youths 12 to 18, please see registration instructions in course listing.