Winter Camping Course - Foothills - 2016

Scrambling, Snowshoeing & Backcountry Skiing Course

Winter Camping Course - Foothills

This course, including a lecture and several choices of overnight field trips, will teach and help you practice the skills and methods for safe backcountry tent camping in winter snow conditions, and guide you in selecting appropriate gear. The course is appropriate for first-time winter campers, though basic snowshoeing and backpacking experience would be helpful.

LECTURE AND GEAR DEMONSTRATION:  January 25th at the Eagle Room in Issaquah City Hall, 130 E Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA.   6:30-9:30PM.

Would you like to enjoy the quiet serenity of wintertime?  Be there as sunrise and sunset light up the snowscapes in shades of yellow and orange and red? Watch a winter fox or rabbit at work or at play?

This winter camping course will focus on the practical aspects of safe tent camping.  We will not be building elaborate snow caves, but you will learn how to make emergency snow shelters in 1-2 hours.

The course is comprised of an evening lecture and a number of snow camping field trips.

Course content will include

  • trip planning and site selection,
  • winter gear and clothing requirements,
  • winter cooking and food and water,
  • getting around in winter,
  • winter hazards and first aid, and
  • how to set up a winter camp.

The course lecture will be an evening event at a venue on the east side.  A gear demonstration table will be set up so you can talk with experienced winter campers before and after the lecture about gear needs and options.

Field trips will be scheduled to practice winter camping techniques and skills.  Field trips may be at Mount Rainier, Meany Lodge, or other sites along the I-90 corridor.  Mid-season and late season options will be made available.  Field trip dates and locations are subject to change based on winter snowfall and depth.

Graduation from the course will require completion of the lecture and at least one field trip.

Some specialized winter camping gear will be required; rental options will be explored.

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

Necessary gear will be discussed in pre-class emails and at the lecture night.

Winter gear rental options will also be discussed.

 

The key gear:  a 3 (or possibly 4-season tent); a sufficiently insulated sleeping pad or dual-pad set-up; a warm sleeping bag, and warm clothes.

Course Materials

There are no materials for this course.