Snowshoe Trip Ratings

Snowshoe Trip Ratings

The technical and strenuousness rating systems, and descriptions. Note the minimum standards were updated for 2020-21, but are pending updates to individual routes.

Snowshoeing Rating System.jpg
*Students should have successfully attended the respective course field trip to attend Basic or Intermediate Snowshoeing Trips. Scramble and Climbing graduates are welcome to join all Snowshoeing Trips.

Technical Rating SYSTEM

Beginner​: Terrain is flat or gentle with minimal avalanche danger.

Open to all properly equipped members and non-members of The Mountaineers.

Basic:​ No exposure to steep terrain which would require the use of an ice axe with minimal avalanche danger.

Must be a student or graduate of Basic Snowshoeing, and students must have successfully completed the field trip prior to sign-up.

Intermediate:​ Exposure to terrain that may require the use of an ice axe and/or the use of avalanche tools: beacon, probe, and shovel.

Must be a student or graduate of Intermediate Snowshoeing, Alpine Scrambling graduate, or Basic Climbing graduate. Intermediate Snowshoeing students must have successfully completed the field trip prior to sign-up.

Strenuousness Rating System

Easy:​ up to 750 ft.  elevation gain, and up to 6 miles round trip. Most likely on an established trail or road.

Moderate:​ up to 1,500 ft. elevation gain, and up to 8 miles round trip.

Strenuous:​ up to 2,500 ft. elevation gain, and up to 10 miles round trip.

Very Strenuous: over 2500 ft. elevation gain, or over 10 miles round trip.

Click here to see updated club-wide standards.