Basic Snowshoeing Course

Want to learn to snowshoe? This course is designed for those with no or little experience who want to learn the basics of snowshoeing. Whether you're new to snow sports  or yearn to extend your hiking adventures into the winter, this course will get you started. We cover basic balance and maneuvering on snowshoes, going up and down hills and other practical winter field skills. Lecture topics include selection and proper use of equipment, rental options, selecting trips based on conditioning and skill level, winter clothing and winter travel safety.

In addition to Beginner rated snowshoe trips (which are open to all memebers), graduates will be eligible to participate in Basic rated snowshoe trips with the confidence of having a solid foundation in snowshoeing.

The course consists of the following:

• 1 Lecture
• 1 Field Trip
• Completion of free Avalanche Awareness seminar
• Completion of free, online Low Impact Recreation eLearning

SIGN-UP PROCEDURE

Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 on how we run our courses, we are requiring interested participants submit an application.

1. Submit an application. This will take you to a short questionnaire where we spell out the cancellation policy and the expectations surrounding carpooling. Provided you agree to those terms, there are no other requirements in the application.
2. Applicants will be offered spots in the order received. You will receive an email from the Mountaineers offering you a spot in the course. At this point, you must accept the offer and pay the course fee, at which point you will be able to register for the course and activities.
3. Sign-up for the online lecture.
4. Sign-up for ONE (1) field trip. The earlier you sign up, the more likely you will get the field trip date you want, so don't delay. If you cancel from the field trip, there is no guarantee there will be space in another, and no guarantee of a make-up trip.

Space at lecture, field trips and regular trips is limited, so please sign up early to ensure you get the dates that work for you.

Link to Mountaineers Financial Assistance Program.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SIGNING UP

1.  While this is an introductory course for beginners, snowshoeing is a highly aerobic exercise, and a moderate level of physical conditioning is expected. A typical field trip will involve approximately 4-5 miles of travel round-trip and up to 900 feet total elevation gain on snowshoes. This is the equivalent of a summer hike of approximately 6-8 miles and up to 2,000 feet elevation gain wearing hiking boots on trail. If you are new to exercising, this is not a class to take to "get in shape."
2. If you are new to the outdoors and don't have equipment or the Ten Essentials, you can expect a moderate level of investment in equipment and clothing ($200-600 for new or mostly new items). Quality used gear and clothing is a good way to begin building your inventory. It is also wise to rent or borrow snowshoes before investing in them. Check the 'Required Equipment' list in advance to begin preparing for the items you will need for this course and for snowshoeing in general. (We will also cover clothing and gear in detail during the lecture.)

Graduates of this course will be eligible to participate in Basic rated snowshoe trips. Those desiring to go on Intermediate rated snowshoe trips, which require additional skills and knowledge, must take the Intermediate Snowshoeing course subsequent to this course.