Climbing Course
Basic Alpine Climbing Course
Basic Alpine Climbing Course - Seattle - 2024 Please read instructions for applications below.
- Thu, Nov 2, 2023 - Thu, Oct 31, 2024
- Committee: Seattle Climbing
- Members: $975.00 Guests: $1,250.00
- Availability: 4 (90 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Welcome to the Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing course! Our beautiful Pacific NW offers a lot of great alpine places that we want to share with you. Please thoroughly read the text below before applying.
Application process and timelines
This course has many more applicants than we can accommodate. Therefore, every applicant is added to a lottery for admission. Please use the link below to submit your application. Timelines for the application process:
- Applications accepted: Oct 2-15 (non-members can apply)
Link, which will be active Oct 2nd:
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7543458/2024-Seattle-Basic-Alpine-Climbing-Course-Application - Application results published via email: starting Nov 6th
- Successful applicants can register: Nov 7-13
- Further admissions past Nov 13 if spots remain unclaimed.
- Cancellation: course fee minus $10 by Dec 17th.
Course content:
The Basic Alpine Climbing Course is a year-long program that prepares you to be a solid and competent follower on Basic rock and glacier climbs of the Pacific Northwest. You will learn belaying, rappelling, rope handling, low 5th class rock climbing, snow climbing, glacier travel, backcountry camping including on snow; you will get guidance on gear purchases and conditioning, and a lot more. The course is taught in a combination of class lectures, field trips, and small group instruction at the Program center and outdoors. Once you have passed the training, you are qualified to sign up as a participant for basic alpine climbs during summer climbing season.
Commitment:
This course is a significant time and financial commitment:
You are expected to join seven field trips and four lectures. It is highly recommended to participate in the Monday evening training events of your small instructional group (SIG). You will also need a base level of fitness that is required to join the climbs. You will also need to complete the Navigation and Wilderness First Aid courses, as well as to attend a full day of Stewardship.
Expect to spend $500+ on climbing-specific gear on top of general backpacking equipment. You don’t need your equipment right away, and your instructors can give you guidance.
Read about Cody’s experience with the course.
Scholarships and Financial assistance
The Mountaineers are committed to making our courses accessible to everyone, regardless of your ability to pay. We encourage students who cannot afford this course to apply for our scholarship program, which is funded by generous donors.
Please apply early for a Scholarship. Applications may take up to 2 weeks to process and financial assistance can only be applied before you register for the course.
Badges you will earn:
Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
---|---|---|---|
Seattle Basic Alpine Field Trip #6 - Snow Travel, and Snow Anchors | |||
Snoqualmie Summit Ski Areas |
Sun, Apr 28, 2024
Registration closed Apr 26
|
4
participants
6 instructors
|
|
Snoqualmie Summit Ski Areas |
Sat, May 4, 2024
Registration closes May 2
|
3
participants on waitlist
5 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Skills night (optional) | |||
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Apr 29, 2024
Registration closed Apr 28
|
57
participants
31 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, May 6, 2024
Registration closes May 5
|
72
participants
37 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, May 13, 2024
Registration closes May 12
|
56
participants
36 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Lecture #4 - Glacier Travel + Trip Planning & Climbing Team (optional) | |||
Online Classroom |
Thu, May 2, 2024
Registration closes Apr 30
|
25
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Conditioner (optional) | |||
Camp Muir |
Sat, May 4, 2024
Registration closes May 2
|
1
participant
0 instructors
|
|
Mount Si Main Trail |
Sun, May 5, 2024
Registration closes May 3
|
4
participants
2 instructors
|
|
West Tiger Mountain No. 3 Cable Line |
Wed, May 8, 2024
Registration closes May 8
|
7
participants
|
|
Mount Si Main Trail |
Sat, May 25, 2024
Registration closes May 18
|
0
participants
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Practice (optional) | |||
Marymoor Park |
Wed, May 8, 2024
Registration closes May 6
|
2
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Seattle Program Center |
Mon, Jun 17, 2024
Registration opens May 1; Instructor registration open now
|
0
participants
2 instructors
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine SIG Field Trip - Overnight Snow Scrambling | |||
Mount Baker Recreation Area: Squak Glacier |
Sat, May 18, 2024 -
Sun, May 19, 2024 Registration closed Apr 24
|
0
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Bean Creek Basin |
Sat, May 18, 2024 -
Sun, May 19, 2024 Registration closes May 16
|
1
participant
1 instructor
|
|
Seattle Basic Alpine Field Trip #7 - Crevasse Rescue Evaluation | |||
Magnuson Park |
Tue, May 21, 2024
Registration closes May 19
|
0
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Magnuson Park |
Thu, May 23, 2024
Registration closes May 21
|
3
participants
1 instructor on waitlist
|
Additional badges needed to graduate
Completed
See handbook under Course Materials
Name/Description |
---|
2024 Basic Alpine Climbing Handbook.pdf |
Basic FT CURRICULUM 2023 All about the Field trips |
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. |