Intermediate Alpine Climbing Program

To join the course:

you must first register and complete a short survey of your climbing history and goals (which will be made available during registration). After completing the survey, Please return to the course page and immediately continue registration by checking the "I have permission" checkbox. 

For admission into the course, it is mandatory that you pass both a skills test and conditioner, which take place January 21st & 22nd, 2017. There are no alternate or make up dates for these events, so please make sure you are available.  

Picking up where the basic climbing course ends, in the intermediate climbing course you will learn the skills necessary to become a confident, capable and thoughtful alpine climber. You will discover what it takes to be a leader: whether that means leading a challenging rock pitch; guiding new basic students on their first climb; or working together with a team of peers to reach a new summit. This course covers it all and more, with an emphasis on safety, leadership and club involvement. 

As you start out, an Intermediate-level route generally means leading up to 5.7 rock, ascending 55 degree snow and ice, and easier mixed climbing. This alone includes thousands of routes in Washington and around the world. Beyond that, with the base of general knowledge you will develop, the sky becomes the limit: trad cragging, expedition climbing and waterfall ice will all be within your reach.

The course structure is a combination of lectures, field trips and mentor nights. For details, see last year's manual under the "course materials" tab. Please contact the course chair with any questions.