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Basic Glacier Climbing Course


Applications for the 2024 year have closed. To those of you who applied, we will let you know if you qualified at the end of March.


Want to learn some basic climbing skills? Looking to have fun in the mountains and make new friends?
 
The Basic Glacier Climbing Course will provide the instruction of glacier travel skills that you will need to climb the big volcanoes of the Cascades. The course will also introduce you to a fun and friendly climbing community.  If you are a hiker, backpacker or gym climber dreaming of new heights, the Bushwhacker Glacier Course is a great start!


The course consists of Tuesday evening lectures, plus four field trips - see schedule below.

 
There are two sections, each section composed of six students, assistants and one instructor. Each section has its own outings, but both sections share the evening lectures. The lectures are from 7:00pm-9:30pm. Location is TBD (most likely Bellevue Community College).
 
The first and second field trips are full-day outings. The third field trip is an overnight. The fourth field trip is four days and three nights in the mountains. The four-day field trip features a summit climb attempt of Mt Baker. All field trips require full days of activity.

Course Requirements

Applicants should have some basic hiking and backpacking experience as well as comfort moving on steep terrain. Some outings will be strenuous with long days and applicants should be in good physical condition.  Collaboration and effective communication are essential aspects of working in a team, particularly when it comes to rope travel. 

Students will need the following equipment to participate in this course. We will talk a great deal about specific gear in the lectures - we advise course participants to hold off on new gear purchases until after the classroom discussions. Some gear can be rented, as well:
  • Mountaineering boots
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Climbing harness
  • Climbing helmet
  • Compass (simple base plate compass preferred)
  • Suitable outdoor clothing
  • Overnight camping equipment & backpack (the club provide stoves & tents)

Application

Applications for our glacier course are accepted in February. Please note that the number of available seats is based on the Club's ability to support two sections. Selected applicants will be notified in early March and all other applicants will be on a wait list. There is a wait list every year.

Applications for the 2024 year have closed. To those of you who applied, we will let you know if you qualified at the end of March.


Note: You do not have to join the club in order to submit your application.  If you take the class or you would just like to join the club, then you need should fill out the club membership form.




Cost

The course costs $425. In addition, club membership is required, which costs $35.  Students provide their personal gear, clothing, food, and transportation.  The club provides group gear such as tents and ropes.

2024 Course Schedule

The Basic Glacier Course includes Tuesday night lectures. Outings are every other weekend in May and June. The course pretty much follows this routine every year. We always deliberately avoid Memorial Day weekend.
 
Here is the draft 2024 schedule:
 
Apr 30
Introduction, Physical Conditioning, Gear I
May 4
Field Outing I (Team 1), Team Building
May 5
Field Outing I (Team 2), Team Building
 
May 7
Gear II
Navigation with Map & Compass Part 1
   
May 14
Navigation with Map & Compass Part 2
May 18 Field Outing II (Team 1), Snow Travel Skills
May 19 Field Outing II (Team 2), Snow Travel Skills
 
May 21
Gear III
May 28
Roped Travel
June 1-2 (Team 1 & 2) Field Outing III, Roped Travel Skills, overnight
 
June 4
Hazard Recognition & Avoidance, Glaciology
   
June 11
Prusik Practice
   Team 1 Pack Check
   Team 2 Pack Check
   
June 13-16 Field Outing IV, Glacier Travel Skills (Team 1)
June 18 TBD
June 20-23 Field Outing IV, Glacier Travel Skills (Team 2)
   
June 25th  Course Completion Graduation Night