Snowshoeing Course
Basic Snowshoeing Course
Our introduction to snowshoeing. Learn how to get out in the winter wonderland confidently and safely on snowshoes.
Contacts
- Tue, Dec 6, 2022 - Sun, Apr 2, 2023
- Committee: Foothills Snowshoeing Committee
- Members: $110.00 Guests: $132.00
- Availability: 11 (50 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
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 are new to snowsports and want to have fun in the winter outdoors, or yearn to extend the hiking season to include winter adventures, this is the course to get you started. This course will cover basic balance, maneuvering on snowshoes and handling up- and downhills through a combination of lecture and field practice. Topics include selection and use of proper equipment, renting equipment, choosing a trip based on conditioning and skill level, winter clothing and winter travel safety.
Graduates will be eligible to participate in Basic-rated snowshoe trips with the confidence of having a solid foundation in snowshoeing.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Course Lecture to be held on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
- Course Field Trip (ONE field trip)
- Completion of separate Avalanche Awareness seminar, offered through the Mountaineers or externally.
- Completion of eLearning Low Impact Recreation course.
SIGN-UP PROCEDURE
- When registering for the Basic Snowshoeing Course, sign up for an available Course Lecture. This is a 3-hour class on a weekday evening. Also note that attendance at the lecture is mandatory in order to attend a Field Trip. There are NO exceptions.
- Sign up for an available Field Trip that follows the Lecture. This is a full day of field practice on a Saturday or Sunday at Commonwealth Basin, Snoqualmie Pass.
- Link to Mountaineers Financial Assistance Program is here.
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.
AVALANCHE AWARENESS
You are required to obtain the Avalanche Awareness badge to graduate from the Basic Snowshoeing course. This badge can be obtained by attending any one session of the Avalanche Awareness seminar offered by various branches of the Mountaineers or third parties such as REI or the Northwest Avalanche Center.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SIGNING UP:
- 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 800 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."
- 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). Used quality 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 join Intermediate snowshoe trips, which require additional skills and knowledge, must take the Intermediate Snowshoeing course, which is typically offered in early February, in addition to this course.
Badges you will earn:
Basic Snowshoeing Course
This course has no scheduled activities.
Avalanche Awareness Course
Low Impact Recreation
A large part of the classroom evening is devoted to gear and clothing, how/why to choose it and where it may be purchased or rented. We suggest that those new to snowshoeing refrain from purchasing new equipment until after the classroom session, or try borrowing it from friends before you spend money. This will probably avoid a few of the missteps of over-purchasing or purchasing inadequate gear. One thing to remember, NO COTTON.
Important note: Some people's feet get colder more quickly than others, and everyone's feet are different. Students should wear winter boots with insulation for snowshoeing. If you're bringing a pair of boots that you wear in the summer, they're not warm enough. The guidance we give for snowshoeing is to wear insulated, waterproof winter boots. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers and insulation. If you're not sure, winter boots are made to wear in snow and are too warm to wear in summer.
A limited number of MSR snowshoes will be available for students to rent. If you're interested in this option, please contact the leader for more information.
For the field trip, and on regular trips, you must bring your Clothing & Equipment and Ten Essentials.
TEN ESSENTIALS
Map (provided to you), compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, emergency shelter, headlamp/flashlight, first-aid supplies, fire starter, matches, knife, extra food and water. Sun protection is a must. Snow reflection is highly damaging to eyes; UV damage and sunburns are common if proper protection is not used.
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
- Winter boots (insulated)
- Gaiters
- Snowshoes
- Backpack (large enough for all winter gear)
- Ski / trekking poles with snow baskets
- Clothing layers (adjustable to your activity level and the weather - No cotton)
- Base layer: Wicking liner socks, glove liners, synthetic or wool long underwear that wicks away moisture, insulates well and dries quickly. Lightweight or midweight versions are available; pick a thickness based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go.
- Insulating layer: Wool socks, synthetic soft-shell pants, Polartec® or Primaloft® polyester mid-layer jackets. "Active Insulation" clothing makes a good mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
- Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants that keep you dry and fend off wind.
- Hats, Gloves and Accessories (to prevent loss of body heat/protect from sunburn)
- A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days or keep snow out of your eyes.
- Waterproof ski gloves or mittens are a must to keep your hands dry and warm. On cold days, combine shells with fleece mittens or gloves. In milder conditions, glove liners may be all you need.
- A scarf or neck gaiter is a must especially on windy days, or if you tend to get cold easily.
Additional Recommended Equipment:
- Foam sit pad
- Hand and toe warmers
- Pack cover
- Toilet paper, sealable plastic bags, and hand sanitizer
- Dry clothes and shoes in your car for the trip home
- Garbage bags in your car for wet gear
- Camera and extra batteries, if desired