Quick Details
Beginner Mountaineering
**ONLINE COURSE COMING THIS FALL!
We are currently converting this course to an online curriculum so you can learn the foundational skills of mountaineering at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. Take advantage of the rainy season to get this down and you’ll be ready to get on the mountain by spring!
In the meantime, we can offer this course to groups of 4 or more as a custom course if needed. Please contact us to schedule.
Learn the basics of what it takes to climb a mountain in this eight-hour indoor course. Our Beginner Mountaineering course will teach you required mountaineering skills like meal preparation, map, and compass navigation, how to pack a backpack, and what to bring on a climb.
After this one-day course, you will be ready for our Glacier Mountaineering Skills Course, where you get to climb Mount Baker for a three-day mountaineering course and summit attempt!
This course is great for hikers and backpackers looking to become technical mountaineers and explorers of Washington and Oregon’s volcanoes.
Additional Information
-
Coming Fall 2024: We are currently converting this to an online curriculum. We will update the description when it is complete. In the meantime, we can offer this course to group of 4 or more s as a custom course if needed. Please contact us.
This classroom-based course is designed to introduce you to the exciting journey of mountaineering.
The course is delivered in lecture format, discussing the rigors, equipment, and logistics of glacier mountaineering. Kaf will help you build a foundation of skills needed to travel in snowy and glaciated terrain. The course is designed to prepare you for a guided, overnight, multi-day peak ascent.
-
- 18+ for adult courses or 16+ with consent from a guardian and Kaf approval
- 12-18 for youth courses
-
This is a beginner level course. Any backcountry knowledge will enhance your ability to learn, but no prior experience is necessary.
-
- Trip planning and preparation practice
- Discussion of land management agencies and land use permits
- Fitness and conditioning requirements
- Detailed review of equipment and clothing requirements
- Navigation
- Meal preparation
- Understanding mountain hazards
- Mountain weather and forecasting
- Climbing styles and ethics
- Leave No Trace principles and ethics
- Glacier rigging and travel
- Basic emergency response
-
- Professional instruction from full time mountaineering instructors
- Mountaineering packet
- Kaf resources
- Group climbing gear
- Professional instruction from full time mountaineering instructors
-
- Lunch and snacks
- Transportation
- Glacier rig kit
- Lunch and snacks
-
Mountaineering gear is not required but if you have questions about your gear feel free to bring it with you.
-
Please note: We are currently converting this to an online curriculum.
-
After you’ve completed this introductory course, you’ll be ready to practice your skills on the Glacier Mountaineering Skills Course Course. So sign up today and let’s go climb a volcano!