
Climbing Course
Basic Alpine Climbing Course
2016 Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Course
- 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.
- Sun, Dec 6, 2015 - Sun, Oct 30, 2016
- Committee: Seattle Climbing
- Members: $550.00 Guests: $700.00
- Availability: FULL, 45 on waitlist (162 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This course is currently underway. Cancellations received after Jan. 14 will not be eligible for a refund.
Interested candidates should consider taking the course at another branch. The Seattle branch also offers excellent Alpine Scrambling and Glacier Travel courses.
DO NOT REGISTER FOR THE COURSE UNLESS YOU HAVE explicit permission TO DO SO.
We ask that applicants to the 2016 Seattle Basic Alpine Course take a brief Application Survey. The survey takes approximately five minutes. Most applicants will be notified within a few days whether their application has been approved. In a few instances we might have follow up questions. It is important that you do not register for the course before you have explicit permission to do so. Applicants who register without permission will be removed from the roster and will have to wait till all other applications have been processed, which means you are likely to end up on the waitlist.
Discount for Glacier course Graduates
We offer a discount to graduates of the Seattle Mountaineers Glacier Course. Email basic.climbing@gmail.com to receive a discount code before you register.
Course Description
The Basic Alpine Climbing Course is a year-long program preparing students to be solid and competent climbers reaching rock and glacier summits of the Pacific Northwest. The course format is a combination of class lectures, in-town field trips, small group instruction at local crags and alpine climbs in the mountains during the summer. The course includes 5 lectures and 7 field trips plus readings.
After the "in-town" training, students start going on climbs, always with carefully selected, experienced leaders. We expect students be able to hike Mount Si or equivalent (3300 feet of elevation gain) in two hours or less from the trailhead to the base of the haystack carrying 15% of their own body weight by the end of March 2016. This is the minimum fitness requirement to ensure students are physically able to participate in climbs.
Skills taught in the course include belaying, rappelling, rope handling, 5th class rock climbing, snow climbing, glacier travel, back-country camping including on snow, guidance on gear purchases and conditioning, and more - lots more.
NOTE: FIELD TRIPS AND COURSE MATERIALS ARE STILL BEING ADDED.
The course is a significant time commitment and also requires the purchase of several hundred dollars of clothing and equipment, especially for those who do not already have hiking or backpacking gear. Even those who have some equipment already can expect to spend at least $500 on gear, and the course fee is $550.
Not all things need to be purchased right away, however, and some things can be rented from local mountain shops or borrowed from friends. But be aware our course requires an investment of both time and money. Some things to keep in mind: This is not rock climbing at the crags, it's summit-oriented alpine climbing in the mountains on rock, snow and glaciers. There are no refunds beyond the first class meeting in January.
Alpine climbing with The Mountaineers is an awesome opportunity to confidently and competently visit places where few can go; to experience levels of instant trust, bonding, and community not commonly experienced in everyday life, all while pushing your physical limits and achieving personal goals. Welcome to your new adventures. We look forward to sharing them with you.
NOTe: Field Trip registration generally begins "2 mondays" before the first Field trip session.
Badges you will earn:
Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
---|---|---|---|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Lecture #0 - Meet & Greet with Course Introduction | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Sun, Dec 4, 2016
Registration closed Dec 2
|
42
participants
13 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Sun, Dec 3, 2017
Registration closed Dec 1
|
20
participants
5 instructors on waitlist
|
|
Seattle Basic Climbing - Optional Student Skills Practice (optional) | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Dec 5, 2016
Registration closed Dec 3
|
25
participants
2 instructors on waitlist
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Dec 12, 2016
Registration closed Dec 10
|
20
participants
2 instructors on waitlist
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Dec 19, 2016
Registration closed Dec 17
|
23
participants
1 instructor on waitlist
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Jan 23, 2017
Registration closed Jan 21
|
17
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Thu, Jan 26, 2017
Registration closed Jan 23
|
28
participants
2 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Feb 8, 2017
Registration closed Feb 6
|
30
participants
3 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Feb 13, 2017
Registration closed Feb 11
|
25
participants
2 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Feb 15, 2017
Registration closed Feb 13
|
28
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Feb 20, 2017
Registration closed Feb 18
|
27
participants
3 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Feb 22, 2017
Registration closed Feb 20
|
30
participants
4 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Mar 13, 2017
Registration closed Mar 11
|
86
participants
8 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Mar 15, 2017
Registration closed Mar 13
|
89
participants
10 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Mar 20, 2017
Registration closed Mar 18
|
88
participants
10 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Mar 22, 2017
Registration closed Mar 20
|
87
participants
8 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Mar 27, 2017
Registration closed Mar 25
|
87
participants
31 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Apr 3, 2017
Registration closed Apr 1
|
83
participants
32 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Apr 17, 2017
Registration closed Apr 15
|
49
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, May 1, 2017
Registration closed Apr 29
|
49
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, May 8, 2017
Registration closed May 6
|
48
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, May 15, 2017
Registration closed May 13
|
45
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, May 22, 2017
Registration closed May 20
|
53
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Dec 11, 2017
Registration closed Dec 9
|
64
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Dec 18, 2017
Registration closed Dec 16
|
64
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Jan 8, 2018
Registration closed Jan 6
|
44
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Jan 15, 2018
Registration closed Jan 13
|
53
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Jan 22, 2018
Registration closed Jan 20
|
53
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Jan 29, 2018
Registration closed Jan 27
|
48
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Dec 16, 2019
Registration closed Dec 14
|
34
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Jan 20, 2020
Registration closed Jan 18
|
110
participants
21 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Feb 10, 2020
Registration closed Feb 8
|
111
participants
17 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Feb 24, 2020
Registration closed Feb 22
|
113
participants
23 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Jan 4, 2021
Registration closed Jan 5
|
41
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Sun, Feb 7, 2021
Registration closed Feb 7
|
42
participants
3 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Sun, Mar 7, 2021
Registration closed Mar 6
|
5
participants
4 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Sun, Mar 7, 2021
Registration closed Mar 6
|
6
participants
2 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Lecture #1 - Intro to Rock | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Jan 4, 2017
Registration closed Jan 4
|
45
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Jan 3, 2018
Registration closed Jan 1
|
10
participants
16 instructors
|
|
Seattle SIG Practices and Conditioners (optional) | |||
Wallace Falls Loop |
Sat, Jan 7, 2017
Registration closed Jan 5
|
8
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Mailbox Peak (winter) |
Sun, Mar 5, 2017
Registration closed Mar 3
|
11
participants
|
|
West Tiger Mountain No. 3 Cable Line |
Sat, Jan 6, 2018
Registration closed Jan 4
|
8
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Mailbox Peak |
Sat, Jan 20, 2018
Registration closed Jan 18
|
5
participants
|
|
Mailbox Peak (winter) |
Sat, Jan 27, 2018
Registration closed Jan 26
|
6
participants
|
|
Mount Si Main Trail |
Sun, Feb 11, 2018
Registration closed Feb 9
|
7
participants
|
|
Mailbox Peak |
Sun, Feb 18, 2018
Registration closed Feb 16
|
3
participants
|
|
Mount Si Old Trail |
Sun, Mar 11, 2018
Registration closed Mar 9
|
6
participants
|
|
West Tiger Mountain No. 3 |
Fri, Apr 27, 2018
Registration closed Apr 25
|
11
participants
|
|
West Tiger Mountain No. 3 Cable Line |
Mon, Dec 10, 2018
Registration closed Dec 8
|
4
participants
|
|
West Tiger Mountain No. 3 |
Tue, Jan 15, 2019
Registration closed Jan 13
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Mount Si Main Trail |
Sun, Jan 20, 2019
Registration closed Jan 18
|
2
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Little Si |
Thu, Feb 7, 2019
Registration closed Feb 5
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
West Tiger Mountain No. 3 Cable Line |
Thu, Feb 28, 2019
Registration closed Feb 26
|
2
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Rattlesnake Ledge |
Thu, Mar 7, 2019
Registration closed Mar 5
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Silver Peak |
Sat, Mar 16, 2019
Registration closed Mar 14
|
4
participants
|
|
Mount Si Main Trail |
Tue, Mar 19, 2019
Registration closed Mar 17
|
1
participant
0 instructors
|
|
Mount Si Main Trail |
Thu, Apr 4, 2019
Registration closed Apr 2
|
10
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Mount Hood/South Side |
Fri, Jun 7, 2019
Registration closed Jun 5
|
4
participants
4 instructors
|
|
Mount Washington (Snoqualmie, winter) |
Sat, Feb 8, 2020
Registration closed Feb 6
|
7
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Mount Si Main Trail |
Wed, Feb 12, 2020
Registration closed Feb 10
|
7
participants
0 instructors
|
|
West Tiger Mountain No. 3 Cable Line |
Tue, Feb 25, 2020
Registration closed Feb 23
|
9
participants
3 instructors
|
|
Instructor/Mentor Curriculum Review (optional) | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Sun, Jan 22, 2017
Registration closed Jan 20
|
27
participants
6 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Climbing Lecture #2 - Rappels, Belays, & Anchors | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Feb 1, 2017
Registration closed Jan 30
|
149
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Feb 1, 2017
Registration closed Jan 30
|
37
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Jan 29, 2020
Registration closed Jan 27
|
3
participants
24 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Lecture #2 - Alpine Rock | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Mar 8, 2017
Registration closed Mar 6
|
29
participants
10 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Mar 6, 2019
Registration closed Mar 4
|
17
participants
23 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine SIG Field Trip - Rock Climbing | |||
Vantage (Frenchman Coulee) |
Sat, Mar 18, 2017
Registration closed Mar 17
|
2
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Red Rock Canyon |
Fri, Mar 31, 2017 -
Mon, Apr 3, 2017 Registration closed Mar 29
|
5
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Red Rock Canyon |
Fri, Mar 31, 2017 -
Mon, Apr 3, 2017 Registration closed Mar 29
|
0
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Leavenworth |
Sat, Mar 17, 2018 -
Sun, Mar 18, 2018 Registration closed Mar 15
|
2
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Mount Erie |
Sun, Mar 10, 2019
Registration closed Mar 8
|
0
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Smith Rock |
Fri, Mar 15, 2019 -
Sun, Mar 17, 2019 Registration closed Mar 14
|
12
participants
|
|
Vantage/The Feathers |
Sat, Mar 16, 2019 -
Sun, Mar 17, 2019 Registration closed Mar 14
|
0
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Mount Erie |
Sat, Mar 16, 2019
Registration closed Mar 14
|
1
participant
0 instructors
|
|
Vantage (Frenchman Coulee) |
Sun, Mar 17, 2019
Registration closed Mar 15
|
0
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Mount Erie |
Sun, May 19, 2019
Registration closed May 17
|
3
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Mount Erie |
Sat, Mar 14, 2020
Registration closed Mar 12
|
0
participants
3 instructors
|
|
Mount Erie |
Sat, Mar 26, 2022
Registration closed Mar 24
|
3
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine SIG Field Trip - Overnight Snow Scrambling | |||
Snoqualmie Summit Ski Areas |
Sat, Apr 1, 2017
Registration closed Mar 31
|
0
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Paradise |
Sat, Apr 8, 2017 -
Sun, Apr 9, 2017 Registration closed Apr 6
|
2
participants
2 instructors
|
|
Mount St. Helens/Worm Flows |
Sat, Apr 15, 2017 -
Sun, Apr 16, 2017 Registration closed Mar 23
|
1
participant
1 instructor
|
|
Camp Muir & Anvil Rock |
Sat, May 6, 2017 -
Sun, May 7, 2017 Registration closed May 4
|
2
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Snoqualmie Summit Ski Areas |
Sat, Apr 21, 2018 -
Sun, Apr 22, 2018 Registration closed Apr 19
|
9
participants
2 instructors
|
|
Mount St. Helens/Worm Flows |
Sat, Apr 20, 2019 -
Sun, Apr 21, 2019 Registration closed Mar 20
|
0
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Mount St. Helens/Worm Flows |
Sat, May 4, 2019 -
Sun, May 5, 2019 Registration closed May 3
|
7
participants
2 instructors on waitlist
|
|
Cowboy & Big Chief Mountains |
Sat, May 18, 2019 -
Sun, May 19, 2019 Registration closed May 16
|
0
participants
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Lecture #3 - Snow Travel, Avalanche | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Apr 5, 2017
Registration closed Apr 3
|
39
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Apr 4, 2018
Registration closed Apr 2
|
11
participants
24 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Thu, Apr 4, 2019
Registration closed Apr 2
|
18
participants
22 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Field Trip #4 - Rock Evaluations | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Apr 17, 2017
Registration closed Apr 15
|
7
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Apr 24, 2017
Registration closed Apr 20
|
4
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, May 1, 2017
Registration closed Apr 29
|
2
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Tue, Apr 30, 2019
Registration closed Apr 28
|
13
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Thu, May 9, 2019
Registration closed May 7
|
15
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, May 20, 2019
Registration closed May 18
|
8
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Tue, Apr 26, 2022
Registration closed Apr 24
|
5
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Field Trip #6 - Snow Travel, and Snow Anchors | |||
Snoqualmie Summit Ski Areas |
Sat, Apr 29, 2017
Registration closed Apr 27
|
1
participant
1 instructor
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Lecture #2 - Alpine Rock | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, May 3, 2017
Registration closed May 1
|
41
participants
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, May 2, 2018
Registration closed Apr 30
|
20
participants
24 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, May 1, 2019
Registration closed Apr 29
|
16
participants
25 instructors
|
|
Online Classroom |
Wed, Apr 28, 2021
Registration closed Apr 26
|
53
participants
11 instructors
|
|
Basic Glacier Climb - RETIRED (optional) | |||
Little Tahoma/East Shoulder |
Fri, Jun 2, 2017 -
Sat, Jun 3, 2017 Registration closed Jun 1
|
1
participant
0 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Field Trip #1 - Belay/Lower | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Fri, Jan 18, 2019
Registration closed Jan 16
|
17
participants
3 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Wed, Jan 22, 2020
Registration closed Jan 20
|
5
participants
2 instructors
|
|
Seattle Climbers Reunion & Celebration (optional) | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Fri, Oct 25, 2019
Registration closed Oct 23
|
0
participants
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Field Trip #5 - Crevasse Rescue Demo & Practice | |||
Magnuson Park |
Thu, Apr 14, 2022
Registration closed Apr 14
|
16
participants
8 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Lecture #4 - Glacier Travel + Trip Planning & Climbing Team | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Tue, May 17, 2022
Registration closed May 15
|
15
participants
4 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Skills night (optional) | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Tue, May 17, 2022
Registration closed May 15
|
0
participants
0 instructors
|
Additional badges needed to graduate
Completed
Gear
If you have little or no climbing experience, it might be better NOT to purchase any technical climbing equipment until after the first lecture. This includes boots.
Gear Matrix
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT (X),
|
Rock Climbs |
Glacier Climbs |
Rock Climbs |
Glacier Climbs |
|
9/16” or 1” tubular nylon webbing as follows: |
Gloves (wool/synthetic) |
X |
X |
||
|
X |
X |
Second pair gloves/mittens(T) |
O |
|
|
X |
X |
Mitten shells (overmitts) |
O |
X |
|
X |
X |
Day pack (frameless or rucksack)(4) |
X |
O |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
5mm or 6mm perlon as follows: |
Overnight pack (internal or external) (3) |
Note 5 |
X |
||
|
X |
X |
Compass(T) |
X |
X |
|
X |
X |
Map of climbing destination(T) |
X |
X |
|
X |
X |
Sunglasses/eye protection(T) |
X |
|
Commercial seat harness |
X |
X |
Glacier glasses w/side shields(T) |
X |
|
Leather belay gloves |
X |
X |
Sunscreen(T) |
X |
X |
Climbing helmet |
X |
X |
Lip balm w/sun protection(T) |
X |
X |
Six non locking carabiners |
X |
X |
Insulating sit-pad |
O |
O |
Three locking carabiners |
X |
X |
Headlamp (T) |
X |
X |
Munter Hitch locking carabiner (1) |
X |
X |
Extra batteries (and bulb if not LED)(T) |
X |
X |
Rescue pulley (SMC “CR” or Petzl Mini) |
X |
First Aid Kit(T) |
X |
X |
|
Ice Ax |
X |
Waterproof matches or lighter(T) |
X |
X |
|
Front-point crampons |
X |
Fire starter(T) |
X |
X |
|
Chock Pick |
X |
Knife(T) |
X |
X |
|
Belay Device |
X |
X |
Food |
X |
X |
Insulating hat (wool or synthetic) |
X |
X |
Extra food(T) |
X |
X |
Sun hat or bandanna |
X |
X |
Water bladder/bottle (wide mouth) (T) |
X |
X |
Underwear (wool or synthetic) |
X |
X |
Second water container(T) |
X |
X |
Thermal base layer--pants and LS shirt (wool or synthetic) |
X |
X |
Water filter or purification method (one per 2-3 climbers) (T) |
Note 5 |
X |
Shirt/Sweater, SL and LS (wool/synth) |
X |
X |
Emergency shelter (T) |
X |
X |
Insulated jacket (puffy) |
X |
X |
Paper and pencil (or waterproof pen) |
X |
X |
Wind shell jacket (2) |
O |
O |
Toilet kit |
X |
X |
Rain shell jacket |
X |
X |
Sleeping bag |
Note 4 |
X |
Pants (wool/synthetic) |
X |
X |
Insulating pad |
Note 4 |
X |
Second pair pants (wool/synthetic) |
O |
O |
Tent (can be shared) or bivy bag |
Note 4 |
X |
Rain pants |
X |
X |
Stove and fuel (one per two climbers) |
Note 4 |
X |
Gaiters |
X |
Pot (one per stove) |
Note 4 |
X |
|
Boot Socks (wool/synthetic) 2 pair |
X |
X |
Bowl and/or cup |
Note 4 |
X |
Liner socks(T) 2 pair |
O |
O |
Spoon |
Note 4 |
X |
Mountaineering boots |
X |
X |
Ear Plugs/ Eye cover |
Note 4 |
0 |
GEAR MATRIX NOTES:
-
The Munter Hitch requires an oversize pear-shaped HMS locking carabiner.
-
Lightweight windshells are great layers for many conditions when a rain shell is not necessary. ie serious rain.
-
Instead of two separate packs, a large internal frame pack that can be compressed for day climbs may be used.
-
You will need overnight gear on some rock, alpine and glacier climbs.
-
It may be necessary to filter or purify water on long day trips.
Name/Description |
---|
2022 Basic Alpine Climbing Handbook.pdf |
Basic FT CURRICULUM 2022.pdf |
Crevasse rescue 2021 Illustrated crevasse rescue, v 2021 |
2021 SIG Rock FT Guide.pdf Guidance for SIG Rock Field Trip |
2021 SIG Snow FT Guide.pdf Guidance for SIG Snow Field Trip |
Reporting an Overdue Climber What is an overdue climber, and what should family/friends do if you do not return on scheduled day. |
Basic Climbs Guide A description of climbs eligible for graduation credit. 2010 is the most recent version. |
Basic Alpine Course Graduation Application On-line graduation application form. Please do not submit an application before you complete all requirements UNLESS you can not complete them before October 15 (and want 2nd year status). Use this form to apply for extensions or for a conditional graduation request. |
FAQs Your survival guide to Basic Alpine Climbing |
Lectures Slides for lectures |
How to navigate our Mountaineers' website Ever wondered how to navigate our Home Page, How to set up alerts and notifications on your profile for new courses, activities, seminars, and/or clinics OR Finding Courses (First Aid, Navigation shown) OR Finding Stewardship and Climbing Conditioner activities OR Finding Basic Climbs. Also includes navigating Trip Page, route description and trip reports. DO NOT FORGET TO USE CHAPTERS IN THIS VIDEO TO TAKE YOU TO DESIRED TOPIC OF YOUR INTEREST. |