NIKO Course

DESCRIPTION OF SKILLS

The holder of this badge has successfully completed the NWAC facilitated “NIKO course - Winter backcountry preparedness for youth” and therefore learned the following skills:

• Manage backcountry risk using a systematic process.
• Actively contribute to a team.
• Identify hazards in a winter backcountry environment.
• Choose terrain that is appropriate for the team and hazards.
• Develop a plan for continued learning and practice.

WHAT DOES THIS BADGE ALLOW ME TO DO?

Seattle MAC

• Allows currently registered Seattle MAC students to register for backcountry ski trips with Seattle MAC (WFA badge also required). Guests of Seattle MAC students holding this badge may request to join Seattle MAC backcountry ski trips and will be considered as extra space is available. Please reach out to carlm@mountaineers.org with questions. 

Tacoma MAC

• The NIKO badge signifies completion of the NIKO course but will not be required as a prerequisite for any activities in Tacoma MAC at this point. 

Foothills Youth

• The NIKO badge signifies completion of the NIKO course but will not be required as a prerequisite for any youth activities in the Foothills branch at this point. 

HOW DO I GET THIS BADGE?

COURSES

Complete the NIKO Course - Housed within either Seattle or Tacoma MAC. 

EQUIVALENCY

Can this badge be obtained by equivalency or by taking an equivalent course?

• NWAC NIKO courses taken outside of The Mountaineers will count for equivalency.
• Graduates of an outside NIKO course may submit their certificate of completion to the leader of their MAC program to be granted this badge.