Intermediate Alpine Climbing Program

The Tacoma Intermediate Alpine Climbing Program consists of mountaineering training in alpine environments to help students develop the skills needed to serve as rope leaders on basic climbs and swing leads on routes at the Intermediate level (trad rock routes at 5.6/5.7, and/or ~55-degree snow/alpine ice).

In 2024 the Tacoma Intermediate Program is divided into two tracks or modules that focus on either (1) rock climbing or (2) glacier/alpine climbing. Both modules require a substantial personal commitment (see schedules below). Enrollment is limited to 14 dedicated students per module. The 2024 schedule is reproduced below.

Prerequisites:

1). Member of the Mountaineers

2). 18 years old or older

3). Completion of the Tacoma Program Center Basic Climbing Course or equivalent

4). Pass the qualifier practical exam

5). Pass the qualifier conditioning exam

Fees:

Qualifier exams: $50

Rock module: $360

Glacier/Alpine module: $465

Additional courses required for graduation:

AIARE (required for glacier module): Cost ca. $325

Wilderness First Aid (if not yet completed): Cost ca. $275

Financial aid is available through The Mountaineers. Click on the link below for more information.

https://www.mountaineers.org/membership/scholarship-financial-assistance/scholarship-financial-assistance

Application instructions: Application is free. If accepted into the course, registration payment is due by January 31st, 2024.

Apply through this link by 11/19/2023.

The application process for the Intermediate Alpine Package is open from October 9th to November 20. During this time, the Intermediate Climbing Committee will collect applications. There will be no response during this time - please refrain from inquiring about your status.

After December 1st, the Intermediate Climbing Committee will get together and select applicants for the course qualifier. This process will be finalized by December 15. Applicants accepted into the course will be notified first. If you get notified that you have been accepted into the course you will need to register for the 2024 Intermediate Alpine Climbing course Qualifier - Tacoma. You will need to register for the qualifier and conditioner before December 22nd or you will lose your spot. Any unclaimed spots will be given to the next qualifying candidates. All applicants, including all denied applications, will be informed of their status no later than December 31st. If you are selected into the course, you will be required to register and pay for the respective module by January 29th.