Intermediate Alpine Climbing Program

The Tacoma Intermediate Alpine Climbing Program consists of mountaineering training in alpine environments to help students develop the skills needed to serve as rope leaders on basic climbs and swing leads on routes at the Intermediate level (trad rock routes at 5.6/5.7, and/or ~55-degree snow/alpine ice).

The Tacoma Intermediate Program is divided into three tracks or modules that focus on (1) rock climbing (2) glacier climbing (3) alpine ice climbing. All modules require a substantial personal commitment (see schedules below). The 2026 schedule is reproduced below.  Please ensure you can be present for the entirety of the course schedule.

Prerequisites:

1). Member of the Mountaineers

2). 18 years old or older

3). Completion of the Tacoma Program Center Basic Climbing Course or equivalent

4). Pass the qualifier practical exam

5). Pass the qualifier conditioning exam

Fees:

Rock module: $400

Glacier module: $400

Ice module: $200

Additional courses required for graduation:

AIARE (required for glacier module)

Wilderness First Aid (if not yet completed)

Financial aid is available through The Mountaineers. Click on the link below for more information.

https://www.mountaineers.org/membership/scholarship-financial-assistance/scholarship-financial-assistance

Application instructions: Application is free. If accepted into the course, registration payment is due by December 31st, 2025.

Apply through this link by 11/15/2025.

The application process for the Intermediate Alpine Package is open from October 15th to November 15. During this time, the Intermediate Climbing Committee will collect applications. There will be no response during this time - please refrain from inquiring about your status.

After November 15, the Intermediate Climbing Committee will get together and select applicants for the course qualifier. This process will be finalized by November 22. If you are notified of acceptance into the course you will need to register for the 2025 Intermediate Alpine Climbing course Qualifier - Tacoma before November 30 or you will lose your spot.  Upon successful completion of the qualifier, you will be required to register and pay for the respective modules by December 31.

Course Schedule: Please ensure you can be present for the entirety of the course schedule.

CS-Classroom Session; FT-Field Trip