Basic Climbing Course   - Tacoma - 2017

Climbing Course

Basic Climbing Course

Basic Climbing Course - Tacoma 2017

The Tacoma Basic Climbing Course combines classroom lectures, field instruction and climbing experience designed to provide the basic skills necessary to safely climb rock, snow and the glaciated peaks of the Pacific Northwest.  The course is set up to be completed in roughly eight months and covers: selection and care of equipment, backcountry travel and camping, basic snow camping, glacier travel, belaying, rappelling, basic rock climbing, crevasse rescue, and many other topics.  During field trips and actual climbs the student will put these skills to practical use with experienced mountaineers.  Previous experience in off-trail hiking and camping is helpful but not mandatory.  Participants should have a desire to learn technical rocking climbing and mountaineering skills and be aware that this course requires a significant investment in time, energy, and money. Solid overall physical conditioning, good cardiovascular strength and psychological commitment are needed as the participants will experience travel in difficult terrain with vertical exposure while carrying a heavy pack in all types of weather conditions.  While the course is challenging and demanding the skills acquired provide the participants opportunities to meet lifelong climbing partners, friends, and gain the skills to safely enjoy mountainous environments for a lifetime.

If you are unsure about whether you meet the course expectations and/or want more information about the course, please attend an Open House or the Basic Climbing Information Night, scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the Tacoma Mountaineers Program Center, attendance at the information meetings is not required to take the course. No application needs to be submitted for registration.

 The course fee does not include the cost of membership, text for the course, personal gear and equipment, Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Navigation course.

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

Lecture and Field Trip Schedule - See Course Requirements

Graduation Requirements

  • Attend all lectures, field trip preps, and field trips 
  • Pass final examination
  • Satisfactorily complete all field trips
  • Satisfactorily complete two Conditioner hikes
  • Satisfactorily complete three Basic Climbs, including one Rock and one Glacier climb
  • Successfully complete the Navigation course
  • Participate in one day's conservation activity/trail maintenance offered by the Mountaineers or another recognized organization or agency
  • Hold a current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) card by the date of graduation
  • Apply for graduation as described in the course manual
  • Current Mountaineer membership
  • Participants have up to two years to complete the course (there is an administrative fee for returning 2nd yr students).

 

Course Materials

You must register for this course to see course materials.