Search courses
Alpine Scrambling Course - Tacoma - 2021

Scrambling Course

Alpine Scrambling Course

Introduction to Mountaineering. Non-technical Rock Climbing. Steep Snow Travel. Off Trail Travel.

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.

Contacts

Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy
Leader
MOST NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN SUMMITS ARE ACCESSIBLE BY SCRAMBLE ROUTES.  In this course you will learn how to reach those non-technical snow and rock summits.  This course starts at a beginning level and there are no prerequisites to join.  Classroom and field instruction includes proper equipment and clothing, route finding, avalanche awareness and avoidance, rock and off-trail scrambling, snow travel, ice-ax arrest, glissade techniques, field survival and wilderness ethics. Alpine scrambles are moderate to strenuous outings involving off-trail travel. They are generally summit oriented with class 2 or 3 climbing on rock or equally exposed snow slopes. Scrambles do not involve travel over glaciers or rock where a climbing harness and roped protection are called for. Scrambles often visit many of the same destinations as technical climbs, just using different routes.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

  • Physical Fitness: At the first Field Trip, students must complete a conditioning hike demonstrating an ability to hike uphill 2500' of elevation gain in 2 hours (one way) while carrying a full pack.  The class often uses Mt. Si for this which is 3200' in 2.5 hours.  
  • Academic Participation: Students must review the on-line material and class textbook and complete a quiz prior to Field Trips.  
  • Field Trips: These are the most important portion of the course.  Students will learn essential skills at Rock 1 and Snow 1.  At the Final Skills Field Trip, students will get further practice then must demonstrate competency in those essential skills.  Clinics and extra instruction may be available; the need will be evaluated as we go. 
  • Final Written Exam: Students must pass a final that includes information from classroom and field trips.
  • To graduate, in addition to the course programming, students must complete: 3 additional climbs (1 rock, 1 snow, 1 student's choice), first aid course, navigation course, Low Impact Recreation (on-line), and a day of stewardship.  Covid issues may make it difficult to complete these additional requirements.  We will maintain your student status until you are able to attend all requirements.
  • The course is designed to be completed in one year.  If a student needs additional time and/or practice, they may participate in the following year course.  Our goal is student success.

Feel free to contact Mike Murphy for further information.

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements
Course Activity Date Availability Leader
Conditioning Hike (optional)
Mount Si Main Trail
Tue, Mar 1, 2022
Registration closes Feb 27
9 participants
Mount Si Main Trail
Thu, Mar 3, 2022
Registration closes Mar 2
9 participants
Mount Si Main Trail
Sat, Mar 12, 2022
Registration closes Mar 11
7 participants
Mount Si Old Trail
Sat, Mar 12, 2022
Registration closes Mar 10
5 participants
Tacoma Scrambling Class
Online Classroom
Wed, Mar 2, 2022
Registration closes Feb 28
17 participants
SPIRE Rock
Sun, Mar 13, 2022
Registration closes Feb 28
17 participants
Sam Hill (Leavenworth)
Sat, Mar 26, 2022
Registration closes Feb 28
20 participants
Point Defiance Park
Sat, Apr 9, 2022
Registration closes Mar 28
0 participants
Point Defiance Park
Sat, Apr 9, 2022
Registration closes Feb 28
17 participants
Bullion Basin (winter)
Sat, Apr 23, 2022
Registration closes Feb 28
12 participants
Irish Cabin Property
Sat, Apr 30, 2022 -
Sun, May 1, 2022
Registration closes Feb 28
20 participants
Bean Creek Basin
Sat, May 21, 2022 -
Sun, May 22, 2022
Registration closes Feb 28
13 participants
Tacoma Scrambling Field Trip - Rock 1
Little Si
Sun, Mar 13, 2022
Registration opens Mar 10; Instructor registration open now
31 participants
4 instructors
Avalanche Awareness Seminar - Tacoma Alpine Scramble Course
Online Classroom
Wed, Apr 6, 2022
Registration opens Feb 1; Instructor registration open now
21 participants
1 instructor

Additional badges needed to graduate

Completed

Roster
Required Equipment

A list of required equipment is included in the on-line course materials and will be discussed at the Conditioning/Introduction Field Trip. We suggest you wait until then before buying lots of equipment. 

 

Course Materials
Name/Description