Is this a good course if I am a beginner?

If you have some previous experience and are interested in starting to alpine climb then this course will help develop the skills needed to do so. A strong background in hiking or backpacking and some rock climbing experience will make it easier to pick up the information. If you have no previous climbing or backcountry experience something like an Intro to Rock Climbing course might be more appropriate.

Do I need to have my own overnight equipment?

In addition to any climbing equipment needed we provide group overnight equipment such as tents, stoves, and water treatment. We do not provide personal overnight equipment such as outdoor clothing, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, or backpacks. Please contact us if you have questions about equipment or need recommendations.

Do I need to understand avalanches to take this course?

Alpine climbing in particular is a progression of skills. While this course covers some basic avalanche knowledge the focus is on ascending skills and techniques. It is not necessary to understand avalanche terrain for this course but in the long term we do recommend a Beginner Avalanche Course if you plan to spend significant time in avalanche terrain.

Will weather change the curriculum?

While we can't control the weather we can adapt to provide the same curriculum. In all but extreme weather conditions we will be able to find appropriate terrain to teach the requisite skills for the course. If conditions make some part of the curriculum infeasible we will try to teach the skills on comparable terrain. For example in a low snow year we may have to use a snow berm in a parking lot to teach something or move to a different location to get out of the rain.