
Climbing Course
Basic Climbing Course
Basic Climbing Course - Kitsap 2017
- Info
- COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers course.
- Wed, Jan 18, 2017 - Wed, Oct 31, 2018
- Committee: Kitsap Branch Climbing Program
- Members: $400.00 Guests: $500.00
- Availability: FULL, 2 on waitlist (24 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Contact Ralph Wessels, Chair Kitsap Basic Climbing Course, for course information. ralphwessels@comcast.net; (253) 857-5658.
Thank you for your interest in joining the 2017 Basic Climbing Course offered by the Kitsap Branch of the Mountaineers. As a basic climbing student, you will meet interesting and goal-oriented people that all share a common interest - mountaineering. The course is a combination of classroom and field sessions that prepare you for climbing rock, snow, and glaciers. The course is taught by experienced mountaineers that share their knowledge and time as volunteers. Students will progressively gain knowledge and technical skills throughout the class and ultimately apply them to actual climbs. The class utilizes the book, Freedom of the Hills, 8th Edition, as part of the instruction. Classes are held at the Kitsap Cabin and field sessions at a variety of locations to meet the specific training.
For insight about the course from a 2016 student, please read the blog at the following link. https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/kitsap-basic-alpine-course-expanding-my-reach
The climbing course involves a commitment of time both in and outside of the scheduled classes and field trips for learning about mountaineering and climbing, developing technical abilities, and conditioning.
Cancellation from the course will incur a $100 fee prior to registration closure. Cancellation after registration has closed will result in partial or no refund, subject to the Chair's decision.
Please consider the time commitment, course schedule, and cancellation policy before registering.
Participants must be members of the Mountaineers. Graduation requirements include the following:
- Participants have up to 2 years to complete the course
- Attend all classroom sessions
- Satisfactorily complete all field sessions
- Obtain the gear by the date required.
- Pass all skills tests
- Pass a conditioning test
- Complete 3 climbs consisting of one rock, one glacier, and one of either rock, alpine, or glacier
- Complete a separate Navigation course (~ $70)
- Complete a separate Wilderness First Aid or Mountain-Oriented First Aid course (~ $190)
- Fulfill a stewardship activity
Class and field sessions are as shown below (some dates or locations subject to change).
Classroom Sessions |
Field Sessions |
Class #1 -Wilderness Basics Weekend Kitsap Cabin January 18, 2017. 6:00 PM. 10 Essential Systems, Knots, Leave No Trace, Conditioning, Packing, Documentation, Course Expectations |
FT #1 - Initial Field Experience Green Mountain State Forest January 21, 2017. 8:00 AM |
Class #2 - Ropes, Anchors, and Belay Kitsap Cabin February 1, 2017. 6:00 PM. |
FT #2 - Ropes, Anchors, and Belay Field Session Kitsap Cabin February 11, 2017. 8:00 AM. |
Navigation (separate class registration) Kitsap Cabin TBD, 2017. 6:00 PM Maps, Compass, Navigation Systems |
Navigation Field Session (separate class registration) Kitsap Cabin/Green Mountain State Forest TBD, 2017. 8:00 AM. |
Class #3 - Snow Climbing and Avalanche Awareness Kitsap Cabin March 8, 2017. 6:00 PM. |
FT #3 - Snow Climbing and Avalanche Awareness (Snow 1) Mt Rainier National Park March 18 and 19, 2017. 9:00 AM. Snow Camping, Roping Up, Avalanche Evaluation Skills, Belaying on Snow, Snow Anchors |
Class #4 - Rock Climbing in the Alpine Environment Kitsap Cabin April 5, 2017. 6:00 PM |
FT #4 - Rock Climbing (Rock 1) Spire Rock - Spanaway April 8, 2017. 8:00 AM |
Class #5 - Glacier Climbing and Crevasse Rescue Kitsap Cabin April 26, 2017. 6:00 PM. |
FT #5 - Crevasse Rescue Ground School/Prusik Practice Kitsap Memorial Park April 29, 2017. 8:00 AM. |
|
FT #6 - Rock Climbing (Rock 2) Mt. Erie, vicinity Anacortes May 20, 2017. 8:00 AM |
|
FT #7 - Glacier Climbing and Crevasse Rescue Practice (Snow 2) Easton Glacier, Mt Baker National Forest. May 27 and May 28, 2017. 8:00 AM Possible break into groups for climbs of Mt. Baker and Sherman Peak on May 29th. |
Badges you will earn:
Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
---|---|---|---|
Basic Climbing Course - Meet and Greet (optional) | |||
Mountaineers Kitsap Program Center |
Sat, Nov 23, 2019
Registration closed Nov 21
|
20
participants
4 instructors
|
|
Basic Climbing Class #4 | |||
Mountaineers Kitsap Program Center |
Wed, Mar 25, 2020
Registration closed Mar 23
|
1
participant
5 instructors on waitlist
|
|
Basic Rock 1 Field Trip | |||
Tacoma Program Center |
Sat, Mar 28, 2020
Registration closed Mar 27
|
1
participant
1 instructor on waitlist
|
|
Basic Rock 2 Field Trip | |||
Mount Erie |
Sat, Apr 18, 2020
Registration closed Apr 2
|
1
participant
2 instructors on waitlist
|
|
Basic Climbing Class #1 | |||
Mountaineers Kitsap Program Center |
Wed, Jan 13, 2021
Registration closed Jan 12
|
15
participants
20 instructors
|
|
Basic Field Trip #1 - Knots | |||
Mountaineers Kitsap Program Center |
Sat, Jan 16, 2021
Registration closed Jan 15
|
15
participants
2 instructors
|
|
Basic Climbing Class #2 | |||
Mountaineers Kitsap Program Center |
Wed, Jan 27, 2021
Registration closed Jan 26
|
15
participants
2 instructors
|
|
Basic Belay/Rappel Field Trip #2 | |||
Mountaineers Kitsap Program Center |
Sat, Feb 6, 2021
Registration closed Feb 5
|
15
participants
1 instructor
|
Additional badges needed to graduate
Completed
Helmet
Climbing harness with belay loop
Mountaineering boots (not hiking boots)
Non-locking carabiners (6)
Locking carabiner pear shaped (1)
Locking carabiner - oval or D-shaped (3)
Approved belay device (similar to Petzl Reverso 4 or Black Diamond ATC Guide)
Chock pick
Belay gloves (big box leather gloves work)
10 essentials (see info on approved compasses)
Overnight pack
Day pack
Ice axe with leash
Crampons - 12 point steel that fit your boots
Snow shovel
Picket - 24"
Rescue pulley - prusik minding
Appropriate clothing
Camping items that fit into pack
Slings, webbing, and perlon cord (we will go over what is needed in class)