This is a comprehensive introduction to alpine mountaineering. Graduates will develop the fundamental skills necessary to climb alpine peaks in the northwest. We will cover knots, anchors, belaying, rappelling, rock climbing, glacier travel, the fundamentals of self rescue, and crevasse rescue. This course runs approximately five months meeting weekly with several field trips. Attendance at all lectures and field trips, first aid, navigation and completing experience climbs are required for graduation. Participants should be in good cardiovascular shape and be comfortable with basic camping skills. Everett offers an intimate learning experience with a high instructor to student ratio. This is perhaps the best reason to select this course.

The basic climbing course is a program of classroom and field instruction designed to equip students with the fundamental skills and experience necessary to safely climb most rock, snow, and glaciated peaks in the Pacific Northwest. Instruction includes alpine travel and navigational techniques as well as the technical aspects of roped climbing on rock, snow, and glaciers. It concentrates on basic climbing techniques and mountaineering skills: rope handling, knots, navigation, belaying, rappelling, crevasse rescue and safety. Although the course is demanding, the rewards are great. The acquisition of these skills opens the door to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment. Course graduates are eligible to participate in Basic Climbs, Club Climbs, the Intermediate Climbing Course, and other advanced climbing seminars periodically offered by the Everett branch. Jan 24 Climb Code, Equipment & Clothing; Jan 31 Knots & Prusiks; Feb 04 CONDITIONER FIELD TRIP; Feb 07 Rock Anchors & Belay; Feb 21 Fundamentals Practice; Feb 25 FUNDAMENTALS FIELD TRIP; Mar 06 Rappelling & ETO; Mar 13 Rock Climbing & Following on Rock; Mar 17 ROCK 1 FIELD TRIP; Apr 03 Midterm Exam; Apr 10 Skills Enhancement; Apr 14&15 ROCK 2 FIELD TRIP; Apr 24 Avalanche Awareness & Snow Camping; Apr 28&29 SNOW 1 FIELD TRIP; May 08 Packing wisely & Handling Emergencies; May 15 Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue; May 19&20 SNOW 2 FIELD TRIP; May 29 Final Exam; Jun 5 Potluck