Alpine Scrambling Course

OVERVIEW & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

(Please Read before registering)

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. Comprehensive instruction includes proper equipment and clothing, route finding, avalanche awareness and avoidance, rock and off-trail scrambling, snow travel, ice-ax arrest, glissade techniques 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.

The Tacoma Branch Alpine Scrambling course consists of seven training events (activities and/or field trips).  Students must register for, attend, and complete all seven events to complete this course and be eligible for graduation.  Students who have not already completed a Wilderness First Aid Course, a Basic Navigation Course, and a Stewardship activity will need to register and complete each of these prerequisites to graduate from this course. 

The 2026 course will be conducted in an indoor and outdoor in-person environment. 

SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR STUDENTS

2026 Students will have a guaranteed space available when registering for our dedicated  Wilderness First Aid Course, Basic Navigation Course & Stewardship Activity.

We are offering a full-day Wilderness First Aid course with space dedicated to 2026 Alpine Scrambling students.  Students can attend a single, full-day class at the Tacoma Program Center.  A link to this course will be sent to registered Alpine Scrambling students.  An additional Wilderness First Aid course fee will be applicable.

Our Navigation course will be held in May, 2026.  A link to this course will be sent to registered 2026 Alpine Scrambling students.  An additional Basic Navigation course fee will be applicable.

At the conclusion of our 2026 training evolution, students can earn a full-day Stewardship credit after completing our activity at Northwest Trek on June 6th. 

NOTE:  Current WFA,  NAV and Stewardship badges must be in your profile to graduate Alpine Scrambling.  If you have already taken these courses and will remain current through October 31, 2026, you do not need to retake these courses or activities.

Required Equipment

Alpine scramble activities require participants to be equipped with, and properly trained in using, an ice axe, climbing helmet, and mountaineering-style boots.  Additionally, proper clothing, pack and the Ten Essentials will be needed to participate safely and comfortably. 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Mountaineers strive to serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We are committed to providing access to outdoor recreation, education, and conservation opportunities for all members of the communities we serve. More information on financial assistance is available here.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

Alpine Scrambling is a highly sought-after course.  As a  courtesy to other potential students and those who will be placed on the  roster waitlist, a cancellation policy will be applied as follows: 

• Students may cancel the course at will before March 1st, 2026 for a full refund less a $10 fee.
• No refunds will be approved after March 1st, 2026,  unless a replacement student can be registered before cancellation. It is the responsibility of the canceling student to find a replacement.
• No refunds will be approved after March 13th, 2026. 

Please refrain from registering for this course if you are currently waitlisted for your preferred branch's course.  

Make-Up Dates 

There are no make-up dates available for any of the published course activities. If you cannot commit to the published dates, please reconsider applying for this course and leave a spot for another student.

Back-Up Dates 

In the event a course related activity is cancelled due to weather or any safety related reason, the Committee will work together with the students to develop a remedy. Students are encouraged to understand that there may be circumstances beyond the control of the training leadership.