The Basic Alpine Climbing Course is a comprehensive and thorough program in training to become a competent climbing partner on technical rock, snow, and glacier climbs in the Pacific Northwest. It includes 5 lectures, 7 field trips and Basic experience climbs. You will need to complete reading assignments and obtain a good fitness level. Skills taught include belaying and rope handling, rappelling, 5th class rock climbing, snow/glacier climbing, back-country camping including snow camping, guidance on gear purchases and conditioning, and more. Participants are trained to become solid and competent participants in the realm of alpine climbing on rock and glacier summits in the Pacific Northwest. The course format will be a combination of class lectures, in-town field trips, small group instruction at local crags and alpine climbs in the mountains during the summer, and graduation/reunion in the fall. The course is a large time commitment and requires the purchase of several hundred dollars of gear, especially if you do not currently own much hiking or backpacking gear. Even so, beyond course fees, you can expect to spend at least $500-$700 in climbing gear. Not all things need to be purchased right away, and some things can be borrowed from friends or rented from local gear shops, but be aware there will be an investment. Some things to keep in mind: This is not rock climbing at the crags, it's alpine climbing in the mountains on rock and snow. There are no refunds beyond the first day and only partial refunds prior to then. (see FAQ at http://sbca.mountaineers.org/) Alpine climbing with The Mountaineers is an awesome opportunity to go to places in the mountains only few ever get to go; to experience instant trust, bonding, and community not readily available in normal day to day life, all while pushing your physical limits and achieving personal goals. We welcome you to your new adventures.

This is NOT the place to APPLY for the Basic Course. The online application will open Oct 15 and can be found at: sbca.mountaineers.org. Acceptance will be done on a rolling basis from Oct 15 through Nov 15. Please return to this site to register and pay the course fee AFTER you have been notified that you are ACCEPTED into the class. Please apply early (at sbca.mountaineers.org) as past years' classes have filled before the closing date.