Scrambling Course
Alpine Scrambling Course
Introduction to Mountaineering. Non-technical Rock Climbing. Steep Snow Travel. Off Trail Travel.
Contacts
Mike Murphy
Leader
- Mon, Mar 1, 2021 - Sat, Dec 31, 2022
- Committee: Tacoma Alpine Scrambling Program
- Members: $250.00 Guests: $350.00
- Availability: FULL, 5 on waitlist (46 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
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:
Snow Travel
Alpine Scrambling Course
Rock Scrambling
Course Requirements
| Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Scrambling Activity - Course Kick-Off | |||
| Tacoma Program Center |
Sat, Feb 18, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
1
participant
0 instructors
|
|
| Tacoma Scrambling Activity - Conditioner | |||
| Mount Si Main Trail |
Sun, Feb 26, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
0
participants
|
|
| Mount Si Main Trail |
Sun, Feb 26, 2023
Registration closes Feb 24
|
2
participants
|
|
| Mount Si Main Trail |
Sun, Mar 5, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
0
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Mount Si Main Trail |
Wed, Mar 8, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
5
participants
|
|
| Mount Si Main Trail |
Sun, Mar 12, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
8
participants
|
|
| Tacoma Scrambling Activity - Rock ONE | |||
| SPIRE Rock |
Sat, Mar 11, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
1
participant
0 instructors
|
|
| Tacoma Scrambling Field Trip - Rock TWO | |||
| Leavenworth |
Sat, Mar 25, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
1
participant
8 instructors
|
|
| Tacoma Scrambling Activity - Snow ONE | |||
| Brookville Gardens Community Park |
Sat, Apr 8, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
1
participant
2 instructors
|
|
| Tacoma Scrambling Field Trip - Snow TWO | |||
| Bullion Basin |
Sat, Apr 22, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
1
participant
0 instructors
|
|
| Bullion Basin |
Sat, Apr 22, 2023
Registration closes Apr 20
|
0
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Tacoma Scrambling Field Trip - Camp ONE | |||
| Irish Cabin Property |
Sat, May 6, 2023 -
Sun, May 7, 2023 Registration closes Mar 1
|
1
participant
1 instructor
|
|
| Tacoma Scrambling Field Trip - Camp TWO | |||
| Bullion Basin |
Sat, May 20, 2023 -
Sun, May 21, 2023 Registration closes Mar 1
|
0
participants
3 instructors
|
|
| Bullion Basin |
Sat, May 20, 2023 -
Sun, May 21, 2023 Registration closes Mar 1
|
1
participant
0 instructors
|
|
| Tacoma Scrambling Activity - Team Stewardship (optional) | |||
| Northwest Trek Wildlife Park |
Sat, Jun 3, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
0
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Northwest Trek Wildlife Park |
Sat, Jun 3, 2023
Registration closes Mar 1
|
8
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Additional badges needed to graduate
Completed
Basic Navigation Course
Stewardship Credit
Low Impact Recreation
Wilderness First Aid Course
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 |
|---|