Compressed Alpine Scrambling Course

The Compressed Alpine Scramble Course (CASC) allows students to learn the same skills as the standard Alpine Scramble Course, but with instruction taking place over one (1) half-day lecture, a full weekend (Sat/Sun but not overnight), and an Experience Field Trip (Sat; camp-out possible).  (The Foothills version of CASC does not require a lodge stay as we'll be using sites along the I-90 Snoqualmie corridor).  You will learn safe off-trail travel in both snow and rock and how to use an ice ax to arrest a slide, plus introduction to walking in crampons, allowing you to safely reach the majority of the peaks in the Cascades.  

Students are expected to demonstrate good physical conditioning – being able to achieve 3,000 feet in elevation gain in a reasonable time with a pack. One test is hiking Mt. Si in 2 hours or less with a pack carrying 20% of your body weight.  Students should  sign up separately for Wilderness Navigation and Wilderness First Aid early in the season. Successful completion of Wilderness Navigation is required to attend the Experience Field Trip in May.  

To complete the course, students must go on at least three scrambles in the season, of which one must be a "snow" scramble and one a "rock" scramble. You have until October 1 to complete these outings, but of course most people complete many more than this.

We will also offer 2 conditioning hikes.