Alpine Scrambling Course

Alpine scrambling is non-technical climbing of ridges, peaks, and high routes. Glacier travel is not a part of alpine scrambling, and ropes are used only for emergency situations. However, you'll be trained to handle emergencies by other experienced Mountaineers.

In preparing for your scrambles; You'll learn about informed equipment choices, conditioning, basic navigation and route-finding, and proper rock, snow, and ice skills necessary to get you to the top. You'll also become a steward by practicing Leave No Trace ethics in the fragile alpine environment.

Graduates can sign up for scrambles with any Mountaineers branch.

Participants must be members of the Mountaineers.  Graduation requirements include the following:

• Attend all classroom sessions
• Satisfactorily complete all field sessions
• Obtain the gear by the date(s) required
• Pass all skills tests
• Pass a conditioning test
• Complete 3 scrambles consisting of either rock, or alpine
• Complete a separate Navigation course (approximately $50)
• Complete a separate Wilderness First Aid or Mountain-Oriented First Aid course (approximately $50)
• Fulfill a stewardship activity

If you cannot achieve the required summits in one year, an extension may be granted if you are continuing to accumulate mountaineering experience. Besides the above class costs, you can figure on another $300-700 on boots and gear.

The Alpine Scrambling Course begins in January and finishes in May. The four monthly class sessions are 6:00 to 9:00pm Thursdays at the Kitsap Cabin, 7 miles outside Bremerton.  The five monthly field trips are usually one day, but will include an overnight snow camp. Depending on weather, field trips could run into July.

Freedom of the Hills, 8th Edition; is the basis for the instruction, and is highly recommended.