Snowshoeing Course
Basic Snowshoeing Equivalency
This course is for granting Basic Snowshoeing equivalency to those who have basic snowshoeing experience.
Contacts
- Rolling Enrollment: Wed, Dec 8, 2021 - Sun, Jan 30, 2022
- Committee: Seattle Snowshoeing Committee
- Members: $30.00
- Availability: 6 (14 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Equivalency permits members with appropriate levels of previous training and experience to bypass the Basic Snowshoe course. The process involves an application, a short email or phone conversation, and if approved, an equivalency fee. The review process may take a week or more, depending on schedules.
To apply for equivalency locate the "Go to Application" link found in the "Register Participant" section at the bottom right of this page. Complete the online application to provide details of your snowshoeing experience, and click Submit. By selecting Seattle as your home branch your application will be forwarded to the Seattle Snowshoe Committee Equivalency team for response.
A current Avalanche Awareness badge (or higher) is also required. It is not necessary to have this badge to apply for equivalency and start the equivalency process, but the badge must be completed before equivalency can be granted.
Equivalency candidates are usually requested to volunteer as an Assistant Instructor at one of the Seattle Branch Basic Snowshoe Course field trips to demonstrate proficiency and become familiar with the Seattle Snowshoe program.
If the equivalency applicant attends in-person events, field trips or posted activities, the Mountaineers' COVID-19 policy will apply.
All participants are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. By registering for this course, participants acknowledge that they are or will be vaccinated. Participants will be required to show copies of vaccine cards prior to attending the first event. More details on the process will be emailed. Additionally, masks will be required when indoors for any in person lectures.
Due to the ongoing pandemic and the rise of variants of the COVID-19 virus, we will evaluate the restrictions closer to the course dates and modify the course as needed for the safety of our students and instructors.
Badges you will earn:
Basic Snowshoeing Course
This course has no scheduled activities.
Avalanche Awareness Course
Every person's clothing needs are different. Some people get colder more quickly than others. Remember: NO COTTON. If you don't have any of this gear, try borrowing it from friends before you spend money.
For the field trip, you must bring the Ten Essentials and Clothing & Equipment.
TEN ESSENTIALS: Map (provided to you), compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, emergency shelter, headlamp/flashlight, first-aid supplies, fire starter, matches, knife, extra food & water. Sun protection is a must. Snow reflection is highly damaging to eyes; UV damage and sunburns are common if proper protection is not used.
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
- Pack (large enough for all winter gear)
- Snowshoes
- Ski Poles/Trekking poles with baskets
- Sturdy, lug-soled, waterproofed boots
- Clothing Layers (no cotton)
Inner Layer:
- Wicking Liner socks, 2 pairs (one pair worn, other pair carried)
- Synthetic Warm Underwear, top & bottom, 2 sets (one set worn, other set carried)
- Liner gloves, (+extra set in pack)
Insulating Layer:
- Outer socks, 2 pairs (one pair worn, other pair carried)
- Pants, synthetic fleece or wool. Soft-shell or sturdy hiking pants suffice for many.
- Shirt or sweater, synthetic fleece or wool
- Mittens or gloves, 2 pairs (one pair worn, other pair carried)
Protective Layer:
- Rain parka with hood – waterproof & breathable preferred; remember, coated nylon doesn’t breathe and traps moisture under the clothing.
- Rain pants – waterproof & breathable preferred to avoid trapped moisture.
- Long gaiters. Be sure they fit your boots correctly so that snow doesn’t crawl underneath. GoreTex or insulated gaiters are not necessary.
- Hats (one for warmth; one for sun protection).
- Wind jacket (which may be your rain parka). A fleece or wind stopper vest is also handy if it is warm.
- Scarf or neck gaiter if you tend to get cold easily.
Additional Recommended Equipment/Supplies for the Field Trip:
- Foam sit pad
- Hand and toe warmers
- Toilet paper, sealable plastic bags, and hand sanitizer
- Pack cover
- Dry clothes and shoes in your car for the trip home
- Garbage bags in your car for wet gear
- Camera and extra batteries, if desired
| Name/Description |
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| 2021-22 Basic SS Course Guide.pdf |
| 2021-22 Seattle Basic Snowshoe FAQ.pdf |