Intermediate Snowshoeing Equivalency

Equivalency permits members with appropriate levels of previous training and experience to bypass the Intermediate Snowshoeing course. Note that experience traveling with ice-axe, self-belay and self-arrest skills is required for Intermediate Snowshoeing Equivalency along with an understanding of how to plan trips using avalanche and weather forecasts.

The process involves an application, a short email or phone conversation, an in person - on snow trip, and if approved, an equivalency fee. The review process may take a week or more, depending on schedules.

To apply for equivalency locate  the "APPLY" button found in the "Register Participant" section on the right side of this page. Complete the online application to provide details of your snowshoeing experience, and click Submit.  By selecting Seattle as your home branch your application will be forwarded to the Seattle Snowshoe Committee Equivalency team for response. 

A current Avalanche Awareness badge (or higher) is also required.  It is not necessary to have this badge to apply for equivalency and start the equivalency process, but the badge must be completed before equivalency can be granted.

Equivalency candidates are usually requested to volunteer as an Assistant Instructor at one of the Seattle Branch Intermediate Snowshoeing Course field trips to demonstrate proficiency and become familiar with the Seattle Snowshoe program. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students have three years to complete their requirements for graduation, which are:

• Attend the field trip.
• If not taken already, attend the Avalanche Awareness Seminar (this is required, as a minimum). Additional Avalanche courses such as AIARE Avalanche rescue, or AIARE Level 1 are recommended. 
• Complete a Wilderness Navigation Course
• Successful completion of 1 intermediate snowshoe trip.