Basic Snowshoeing

Learn how to snowshoe and basic winter travel techniques. Even if you already know how to snowshoe, the training in avalanche terrain recognition and avalanche avoidance is well worth taking the class and improving your safety in the backcountry.

Classroom Session (full Saturday with lunch break):
Introduction to Winter Activities and avalanche awareness:
We will cover winter hazards and weather, winter ailments, ten essentials for winter, clothing, gear and what's in a snowshoer's day pack; choice of routes (avalanche avoidance); trail etiquette; hands-on with snowshoes: the types, adjustment and use; and what to expect on the field trip.

Field trip:
Full day field trip at a location with sufficient snow (likely Mount Rainier National Park, possibly White Pass). Class will be divided into small groups, each with one or more instructor-leaders. Students will learn, practice and demonstrate basic snowshoe techniques. Avalanche test pit demonstration, time and conditions permitting.

Course fees:
The course fee is $110 for Mountaineers members, and $165 for non-member guests. The Mountaineers may award scholarships in some cases to assist with course fees and other expenses.  The scholarship procedure is confidential.  Here is link to the Mountaineers scholarship program: https://www.mountaineers.org/membership/scholarships/scholarships

Depending on location, a trail fee or vehicle entry or parking fee may be required for the field trip. These are not included in the course fee. There is no fee for the Avalanche Awareness class presented by NWAC.

Snowshoe trips:

Prior to the course field trip, Basic Snowshoe students (and other members) may register for Mountaineers-led snowshoe trips which are rated Beginner, or unrated, and which are reasonably within their abilities.    After successful completion of the course field trip, Basic Snowshoe students may also register for snowshoe trips rated Basic, and which are reasonably within their abilities.

Graduation (Badge) requirements:
You will get a Basic Snowshoe Course Student badge when you enroll. To graduate and get the Basic Snowshoe Course badge, attendance at the classroom session and successful completion of the field trip are required.  You must also successfully complete at least one Mountaineers-led snowshoe trip before the end of the calendar year following the field trip. An avalanche safety course, which may be the Northwest Avalanche Center Avalanche Awareness class (90 minutes), or a higher level such as AIARE is also required. Please see registration instructions below.  If you meet the graduation requirements prior to the annual branch Awards event, you will be recognized at the event and you can get your ticket at no charge.

Registration instructions:
To join and complete this course, you must register for the course. This should also automatically enroll you in the classroom session and the field trip. After you register for the course, click on your profile picture, select "My Activities" and make sure the classroom session, NWAC class and field trip are all listed. If not, please go to the activity listing and register yourself manually. An Avalanche Awareness or higher class is required to graduate. We are offering one in connection with this course. You should also be automatically  registered for the NWAC class on January 16th.   If  you have already taken or will take the Avalanche Awareness or higher class elsewhere, and do not want to take a free refresher on January 16th, please provide proof of completion of the class.