Basic Equivalency Evaluation

Basic Equivalency is an opportunity for experienced climbers who have not taken the Mountaineers Basic Climbing Course to become eligible to participate in many of the club’s climbing activities, including Basic Level Climbs, Club Climbs, Climbing Seminars, and Intermediate Climbing Course. In addition, Basic Climbing Course graduates and Basic Climbing Equivalents qualify to participate in Alpine Scrambles, Snowshoe Tours, and Hikes. 

Climbers wanting to obtain Basic Equivalency should send an email to the Basic Equivalency email box expressing interest. If one qualifies, he/she will be asked to sign up for the Basic Equivalency Skills Assessment. At the assessment, the climber's skills are reviewed. Basic Equivalency is granted if the field trip is completed successfully and if MOFA or equivalent first aid training is current. 

Eligibility

Basic Equivalency Status is granted to candidates who:

• Are current members of the Mountaineers
• Have significant, recent climbing experience with both glacier and alpine rock climbs (you should have reached the summits on multiple glacier climbs and multiple alpine rock climbs),
• Are invited to attend and successfully complete the Basic Equivalency Field Trip, demonstrating climbing skills equivalent to those taught in the Basic Climbing Course,
• Have a current MOFA, WFR or equivalent card, and
• Have a current Navigation card, or document equivalent experience/instruction.

Basic Equivalency is not available to Basic Climbing Course Students who were enrolled in the previous season's course but failed to complete the course requirements. However, climbers who were enrolled in the Basic Climbing Course in prior years and have additional (or adequate, or significant) climbing experience outside of the club are eligible to apply.