Basic Snowshoeing

Learn how to snowshoe and basic winter travel techniques. Even if you already know how to snowshoe, the training in avalanche terrain recognition and avalanche avoidance is well worth taking the class and improving your safety in the backcountry.

Open for enrollment now.  When you join, you will received a series of emailed information on Snowshoes, Clothing and Gear.  Don't go shopping until you read it. 

Some learning is best done in a group in a classroom, and some in a group on a field trip.  But much information can be sent to you as informative written articles, which you can download and read at your convenience, and refer to before you buy stuff, and in preparation for the classroom session and the field trip.

Shortly after you register, you will be be sent the first in a series of articles on clothing, gear and snowshoes.  You will be sent the other articles one at a time up until the classroom session. We strongly encourage you not to buy stuff for snowshoeing, and to hold off on your holiday gift lists for outdoors clothing, etc., until you read these articles.   Clothes that are perfectly suited for ice fishing or for riding a ski chair lift up a mountain may not be well suited  for a high-energy activity such as snowshoeing, especially on mountains.   Most of us have a limited budget, and want to make the right purchase the first time.

Classroom Session (full Saturday with lunch break):
Introduction to Winter Activities and avalanche awareness:
We will cover winter hazards and weather, winter ailments, ten essentials for winter, clothing, gear and what's in a snowshoer's day pack; choice of routes (avalanche avoidance); trail etiquette; hands-on with snowshoes: the types, adjustment and use; and what to expect on the field trip.

Field trip:
Full day field trip at a location with sufficient snow (likely Mount Rainier National Park, possibly White Pass or I-90 Snoqualmie corridor). Class will be divided into small groups, each with one or more instructor-leaders. Students will learn, practice and demonstrate basic snowshoe techniques. Avalanche test pit demonstration, time and conditions permitting.

Course fees:
The course fee is $97 for adult Mountaineers members,  and $146 for non-member guests. Mountaineer member youths (under age 18 on 1/10/26) are charged half price if they enter this promo code when registering: CO26OLYSNOWSHOEYOUTH  This code is only valid for youths under 18 registering for the 2026 Olympia Basic Snowshoe Course.  The Mountaineers may award scholarships in some cases to assist with course fees and other expenses.  The scholarship procedure is confidential.  Trip leaders and participants will not be aware of anyone applying for or getting a scholarship.  Here is link to the Mountaineers scholarship program: https://www.mountaineers.org/membership/scholarships/scholarships

Depending on location, a trail fee or vehicle entry or parking fee may be required for the field trip. These are not included in the course fee. There is no fee for the Avalanche Awareness class presented by NWAC.

Snowshoe trips:

Prior to the course field trip, Basic Snowshoe students (and other members) may register for Mountaineers-led snowshoe trips which are rated Beginner, or unrated, and which are reasonably within their abilities.    After successful completion of the course field trip, Basic Snowshoe students may also register for snowshoe trips rated Basic, and which are reasonably within their abilities.

Graduation (Badge) requirements:
You will get a Basic Snowshoe Course Student badge when you enroll. To graduate and get the Basic Snowshoe Course badge, attendance at the classroom session and successful completion of the field trip are required.  You must also successfully complete at least one Mountaineers-led snowshoe trip before the end of the calendar year following the field trip. An avalanche safety course, which may be the Northwest Avalanche Center Avalanche Awareness class (90 minutes), or a higher level such as AIARE is also required. Please see registration instructions below.

Registration instructions:
To join and complete this course, you must register for the course. This should also automatically enroll you in the classroom session and the field trip. Be sure to check the roster for each after you register for the course. If your name has not automatically appeared in the roster, please register yourself manually or contact leader for assistance. An Avalanche Awareness class is also required to graduate. We are offering one in connection with this course.   Here is a link to that class:   https://www.mountaineers.org/locations-lodges/olympia-branch/committees/olympia-snowshoe-committee/seminars-clinics/avalanche-awareness-class-olympia-friends-meeting-house-2

 You must take this avalanche class this unless you have already taken or will take the Avalanche Awareness class elsewhere, or a higher level course, such as AIARE, and provide proof of completion.  Also, please use the link in the listing for the Avalanche Awareness class to register for that same class with NWAC.  In other words, register with The Mountaineers and then register with NWAC.  The link to register for it is here: registration link

This is an adult (age 18 or over) course. Youths age 14 and up may register with a parent or guardian who is taking the course and who will be primarily responsible for their supervision, under Mountaineers' policies for youth participating in adult programs.  Parent or guardian must be sure that youth will heed and follow instructions of trip leaders, instructors and other responsible adults.  Field trip will be close to areas of danger.  Children 12 to 14 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Contact course leader.  Youths must be Mountaineers members, and their parents or guardians must complete the liability waiver and release, youth information form and youth in adult program form. Please enter the date of birth of registrant under 18 in "Registration Notes".  Youths under age 18 on January 10, 2026 entering the promo code will be charged half the adult fee.