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Basic Glacier Climbing Course


If you would like to submit an application for the 2025 Glacier Course,
follow this link to access the submission form. The submission window closes at the end of Feb 2025.


 

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.  

The lectures are from 7:00pm-9:30pm.

 
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 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. Weather permitting, 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 (2025). 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.


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.


Location

For 2025, the lectures will be held at The Good Shephard Center located in Wallingford.

Prussik Practice is typically at Marymoor Park in Redmond

Weather and conditions permitting, the field outings are held along highway 90, highway 2 and on Mt Baker.

Cost

The course costs $475 (2025). 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, ropes, stoves and fuel.

2025 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 2025 schedule:
Apr 29
Classroom Introduction, Physical Conditioning, Gear I
May 3
Mt Si Field Outing I (Team 1), Team Building
May 4
Mt Si Field Outing I (Team 2), Team Building
 
May 6
Classroom Gear II
Navigation with Map & Compass Part 1
 
May 13
Classroom  Navigation with Map & Compass Part 2
Gear III
     
May 17 Stevens Pass Field Outing II (Team 1), Snow Travel Skills
May 18 Stevens Pass Field Outing II (Team 2), Snow Travel Skills
 
May 20
Classroom Roped Travel Skills
May 27
Classroom Expedition Gear and Food
     
May 31
June1 (Team 1 & 2)
  Field Outing III, Roped Travel Skills, overnight
 
June 3
Classroom Z Pulley Demo
Hazard Recognition & Avoidance, Glaciology
 
June 10
Park Prusik Practice
Team 1 Pack Check
 
June 12-15 Mt Baker Field Outing IV, Glacier Travel Skills (Team 1)
     
June 17 Classroom Topic TBD
Team 2 Pack Check
June 19-22 Mt Baker Field Outing IV, Glacier Travel Skills (Team 2)
 
June 24th TBD Course Completion Graduation Night