Scrambling • Courses

• Alpine Scrambling
• Basic Snowshoeing
• Scramble Instructor Orientation
• Winter Scrambling Seminar
• Winter Camping Course
• Scramble Trip Leader Orientation
• Ice Arrest Review for Instructors

Revised January 14, 2013

Course code: TBA
Class size minimum: 20
Class size maximum: 42
Non-members allowed enrollment: Yes
Member cost: $170.00
Non-member cost: $205.00

The Everett Alpine Scrambling course is comprehensive, covering all the important aspects of mountain travel including navigation, compass skills, clothing and gear selection, off-trail travel, snow travel, conditioning, ice axe skills, and use of altimeter.

Alpine Scrambling involves off-trail travel to reach non-technical rock and snow summits. It does not involve technical roped climbing or glacier travel. You can use the skills acquired in this course to reach hundreds of peaks in the Cascades and Olympics. This course will also give you the foundational skills to help you continue on to the Basic Climbing Course if you want more challenge on exposed terrain.

Enrollment:

Enrollment for the 2012 course is open now and will continue to accept applications until February 21st, or until the course is full. Enrollment is on a first-apply, first-accepted basis.  Early enrollment is therefore encouraged. The minimum age is 16 years old. All applicants younger the 18 will need a pre-application screening by the Committee Chair before they will be accepted into the course.

To register by phone call the Mountaineers Program Center at (206) 521-6001 (toll free (800) 573-8484), or on-line at www.mountaineers.org/. Problems registering, questions or just need more information, contact:

Mike Mashock,  mjmash@comcast.net or
Becky Barr, Mitydiver@comcast.net


Note: Registration / payment is not required until shortly after Lecture #1, and refunds are available up to this date as well. So if you want, you may attend Lecture #1 prior to registering, at no cost, to determine if the course is right for you. (However, if the course is full at this time we may not be able to accommodate you.)

Non-members of The Mountaineers may participate in the scrambling course for the non-member fee. To graduate from the course and participate in Club scrambles you must join the Mountaineers. Membership allows participation in the many club activities and most activities are free to members. To join, enroll at www.mountaineers.org or call (206) 521-6000 for membership information.

Graduation Requirements:

• Attendance at all 6 scheduled lectures (1 makeup session allowed by special request).
• Satisfactory completion of all 3 scheduled field trips (makeup opportunities are limited).
• Satisfactory completion of 3 Mountaineers scrambling trips.
• Participation in one day of organized trail, lodge, or lookout maintenance.
• Successful completion of Basic Navigation (from Everett or another Mountaineers branch).
• Successful completion of MOFA or WFA (Wilderness First Aid) from another branch or organization (not offered through Everett Branch). Complete details will be available in class.
• Membership in The Mountaineers.
• All of the above requirements must be completed by date listed in course schedule.
• Approval by the Everett Mountaineers Alpine Scrambling Committee. Committee approval is based on an evaluation of each student's ability to safely participate in club scrambles as evidenced by their performance at the field trips and on the required three Mountaineers scrambles. Teamwork and cooperation are key safety components.

Assuming all lecture/field trip requirements have been met, an extension option for the following calendar season is available for students unable to complete MOFA, navigation or the three graduation scrambles during their course year.

Course Cost:

The cost to members for the course is $170, non-members $205 . The tuition cost does not include the scrambling course textbook, membership dues for the Mountaineers, equipment and clothing costs, or tuition for the Navigation or MOFA courses. See schedule for the last date that refunds will be made.

Attendance and Makeup:

Because the skills learned keep you and your scramble group as safe and as comfortable as possible, attendance at all lectures and field trips is required to complete the course, so plan accordingly. Only one field trip and one lecture may be made up by previous arrangement. Make ups must be taken with another branch and they are often earlier, so plan ahead.

Location:

All evening lectures will be held at the Everett Community College, Whitehorse Hall from 6:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Equipment, Clothing and Costs:

Equipment necessary for the course includes a large daypack, sturdy mountaineering boots, an ice axe, synthetic or wool outdoor clothing, rain gear, first-aid kit, compass, and various other items. If you do not already have this equipment, please do not purchase it until after the equipment and clothing lectures. Some equipment may be rented from various outdoor shops.

Course Textbook:

A complete course syllabus with references and reading materials will be provided to all course participants. Reading assignments will be from Freedom of the Hills 8th edition, published by Mountaineers Books. Mountaineer members can get a discount! This book is available at most bookstores, outdoor stores and The Mountaineers Bookstore in Seattle ((206) 521-6002), on line at www.mountaineersbooks.org.

Basic Navigation with Map and Compass:

This course is offered by Everett and Seattle Branches, equips the learner to use a compass for both field and map bearings, be familiar with different types of maps, have the skills to find a goal using the map and the compass as tools, and be able to identify several navigational tools that help the outdoorsman to stay found in the wilderness. A navigation card will be issued to successful participants.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Date	Activity	Description	Time, Location
Oct. 31, 2012	Registration Starts	Sign-up begins through the clubhouse, (206) 521-6001, www.mountaineers.org - activity #29205.
Feb. 21, 2013	Lecture 1	Scramble Lecture #1 - Orientation / Overview, Slide Show, Ten Essentials, Expectations & Attendance Policy, Navigation course, MOFA course, Food & Nutrition / Fitness	7:00 pm, Everett Community College
Feb. 21, 2013	Registration Ends	Registration closes on this date or earlier if class fills.	5:00 pm,
Mar. 9, 2013	Lecture and Practical	Everett Navigation Course #1. (Note: This course is also available 4/6 through the Everett branch, and other dates through the Seattle branch.)*	7:30 am, Camp Brinkley - Monroe
Mar. 14, 2013	Lecture 2	Scramble Lecture #2 - Clothing, equipment and off trail travel.	7:00 pm, Everett Community College
Apr. 6, 2013	Lecture and Practical	Everett Navigation Course #2 (Note: This course is also available in 3/9 through the Everett branch, and other dates through the Seattle branch).*	7:30 am, Camp Brinkley - Monroe
Apr. 11, 2013	Lecture 3	Scramble Lecture #3 - Ropes & knots, Wilderness Ethics, Climbing Code and safety.	7:00 pm, Everett Community College
Apr. 20, 2013	Field Trip 1	Rock Scrambling skills practice	8:30 am, Leavenworth, WA
Apr. 25, 2013	Lecture 4	Scramble Lecture #4 - Snow travel, ice ax arrest technique and avalanche awareness	7:00 pm, Everett Community College
May. 4, 2013- May. 5, 2013	Field Trip 2	Snow Field Trip. Saturday and Sunday with overnight stay at the Mountaineers Lodge - Stevens Pass. Snow travel skills, emergency shelters and ice axe arrest practice.	8:00 am, Stevens Pass Ski Area
May. 9, 2013	Lecture 5	Scramble Lecture #5 - Mountain weather, scrambling tips, take home test	7:00 pm, Everett Community College
May. 18, 2013	Field Trip 3	Scramble Experience Field Trip - small group summit of a Snoqualmie area peak.	7:30 am, Alpental Ski Area
May. 23, 2013	Lecture 6	Scramble Lecture #6 - Overnight, Scrambling, Volunteer Work Parties / Natl Trails Day, Search & Rescue, Handling Emergencies Potluck dinner	7:00 pm, Everett Community College
Oct. 15, 2013	Deadline for Class Requirements	Graduation application / extension due date. All graduation requirements fulfilled or apply for a one-year extension.

* Navigation Courses are offered by the Everett or other Mountaineers branches on a variety of dates during the scramble class, sign up for just ONE date.

Questions or additional information on the Alpine Scrambling Course, please contact: scrambles@everettmountaineers.org

Revised December 7, 2012

Course code: 33277
Class size minimum: 10
Class size maximum: 55
Non-members allowed enrollment: Yes
Member cost: $55.00
Non-member cost: $75.00

The Everett Mountaineers Introductory Snowshoe Course is intended to provide basic information which will allow students to gain some knowledge and training into the increasingly popular sport of snowshoeing. It emphasizes selection of safe products and introduces safe planning and safe travel practices. Students will be eligible to participate in easy snowshoe tours and enjoy the magic of snow travel.

Come join us for an enjoyable winter experience!

Course completion requires attendance of both lectures and the field trip: only those who attend both lectures are eligible for the field trip.

Registration: Use a credit or bank card to register through The Mountaineers Clubhouse at 206-284-8484 or toll free 1-800-573-8484, or by register on-line at www.mountaineers.org Everett course code: 28987. A service fee will apply. An info sheet/brochure is available by calling the Clubhouse. Registration opens on date listed in the class schedule. Identify the course as Everett Introductory Snowshoe Course.

Applicants who are 16-17 years of age must have parent or guardian permission and complete a supplemental application form. To request a copy of the supplemental application form, call the clubhouse in Seattle at 206-284-8484 or 1-800-573-8484.

Field Trip: The field trip is held near Stevens Pass. Meet at Monroe Park n Ride at 7:30am on Saturday, Jan. 28th to carpool up to the pass. Field trip will finish about 4pm, returning to Monroe around 5:30pm.

Questions: Email or call, contact Ron Riter: ronriter@gmail.com, (425) 388-0203

COURSE SCHEDULE: (Check in for class time is 6:45)

Date	Activity	Description	Time, Location
Dec. 1, 2012	Registration Starts
Jan. 15, 2013	Registration Ends	Registration ends on this date or earlier if the course fills.	5:00 pm,
Jan. 16, 2013	Lecture 1	Tips to enjoyable winter outings on snowshoes	7:00 pm, PUD 2320 California St Everett
Jan. 17, 2013	Lecture 2	Snowshoeing essentials, avalanche awareness	7:00 pm, PUD 2320 California St Everett
Jan. 26, 2013	Field Trip 1	Small group snowshoe adventure. (Easy, moderate and macho) Join us for a meal in Sultan after.	9:30 am, Stevens Pass

Revised January 17, 2012

Course code: 29572
Class size minimum: None
Class size maximum: None
Non-members allowed enrollment: No
Member cost: Free

Each year prior to the Alpine Scrambling Course, we seek to recruit instructors. If you are a scrambling or climbing graduate, we hope that you would consider volunteering as an instructor. Come refresh your skills, discover the rewards in sharing and teaching, and support this years Scrambling program. We will review what’s expected on a field trip and will provide new instructor an orientation. You will be paired up with experienced instructors at the field trip. Please sign up online at mountaineers.org. Questions: email scrambles@everettmountaineers.org or Brian Booth or call Brian @ (206) 783-0409 for information.

Primarily for recent Scrambling graduates – to provide guidance and tips on becoming assistant field trip instructors.  Additionally for any experienced / returning instructors – to refresh on field trip logistics & schedules, leadership & teaching fundamentals, consistency in instructing, and safety.  Also to offer suggestions, tips & lessons learned to new prospective assistant instructors.

Come join the Everett Scrambling community by assisting at field trips.  Benefits of instructing at field trips include:

• Keeping scrambling skills sharp
• Getting a more solid understanding of any skills you feel you may not have mastered during the course and scrambling trips.  (It would take dozens of scrambling trips to put into practice and learn the skills taught & learned at a single field trip.)
• Making and maintaining friendships with Scrambling instructors and trip leaders.  (Did you notice the instructors are all good friends with each other?  You’ll meet and interact with many more people by instructing at field trips as compared to simply going on scrambling trips.)
• Rewarding experience of helping new scrambling students learn how to be safe in the mountains
• Providing a unique perspective as someone who has just completed the course.  Your recent experience in this can be very pertinent & valuable to a new student.

Topics include:

• Field Trip logistics and day itineraries for instructors
• Expectations of instructors
• Filling out Student Booklets
• Roles of Field Trip leaders, lead instructors, and assistant instructors
• Fundamentals of how to teach and demonstrate skills
• Responding to emergencies & unexpected events, and dealing with challenging participants.

Participation in the Field Trip Instructor Orientation session is required to qualify as a new instructor. 

Don’t worry if you feel your skills are not strong enough to confidently instruct others.  First-year instructors are paired with experienced instructors.  While first-year instructors can take on as much teaching, skill demonstration, and answering of questions as they feel comfortable with, no first-year instructors are required to take this on beyond their comfort level.  You can simply watch & listen to the lead instructor, and then gradually take on more of a role of demonstrating & teaching skills as you gain experience.  Mainly it’s a great experience to learn from the lead instructor, while helping keeping the group of students organized and safe.

• Log on to www.mountaineers.org with username & password
• Click on Activity Search > Alpine Scrambling (top left)
• Enter the end date of 3/29/11
• In the “Activity Type” menu, select Leadership
• The event will be listed as “Leadership Seminar”.  Click on the Register button.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Date	Activity	Description	Time, Location
Mar. 27, 2012	Orientation	Open to recent Scrambling grads, first time instructors and experienced / returning instructors.	7:00 pm, Snohomish PUD Training Center, 2320 California St

Revised January 15, 2012

Course code: TBA
Class size minimum: 5
Class size maximum: 50
Non-members allowed enrollment: No
Member cost: Free

Many who’ve done winter scrambling will tell you it is the best time to be out there. You don’t have to be an advanced level mountaineer to enjoy it, and no, the weather isn’t horrendous the whole winter long.  The Everett branch will offer a number of winter scrambles in the upcoming months. Discover the wonder of winter in the mountains. From the microcosm to the vistas, see ice crystals that are a wonder and see vast whiteness with trees totally white.

Once a year we host a Winter Scrambling Orientation. We’re sure you’ll see some friendly, familiar faces, and before the evening’s done, we’ll clue you in on all you’ll need to know to be ready to reach a few summits in the mountains this winter. We’ll talk about the special requirements of winter trips, with a focus on snowshoes, the primary means of getting around on winter scrambles. Any Alpine Scrambling or Basic Climbing graduate is eligible to take part. This one-night seminar is not a requirement to go on winter scrambles, but it is certainly helpful.

Experienced winter scramblers: You are also invited to attend so you can share your expertise with the newcomers. Bring your snowshoes and any of your favorite gear to show off.

Note: Register on the main web site Everett Activity ID TBD (or Activity Search for 'scramble' or 'seminar' & 'future dates') or for more information email scrambles@everettmountaineers.org

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Date	Activity	Description	Time, Location
Nov., 2012	Orientation	Overview of winter scrambling and equipment. 2hr.	7:00 pm, Everett PUD, 2320 California Street

Revised January 17, 2012

Course code: 29574
Class size minimum: None
Class size maximum: None
Non-members allowed enrollment: No
Member cost: Free

Have you developed your mountaineering skills and experience to the point where you’d like to plan and lead your own trips?  Do you have good organizational, communications, time management, risk assessment & group dynamics skills?  Are you “not sure”, but interested in learning more about what’s involved and what it takes to qualify as a Scrambling trip leader?  If so, this Scrambling Trip Leader Orientation session may be for you.

Being just two hours, the session will certainly not be an attempt to discuss all the skills of becoming a good leader. However, it will provide insight into what skills are needed and valuable, and will provide a step-by-step guide on how to qualify as an Everett Scrambling leader.

Summarized briefly, the qualification process consists of leading two (2) “mentored” trips, in which you work with a qualified trip leader as a mentor who aids you in selecting and planning a trip, serves as a “backup” while you lead the trip, and submits and evaluation to the Scrambling Committee.  After receiving two mentor evaluations and an application from yourself, the Scrambling Committee makes the decision on qualification.

Topics covered will include:

• Good leadership characteristics
• Trip leadership skills (trip planning, communication, risk assessment, etc)
• Leadership styles
• Everett Mountaineers safety and other trip guidelines
• The “Mentored Trip” process

Tools provided include:

• Everett Mountaineers Scramble Leaders Handbook
• Mountaineers Scramble Route Descriptions
• Recommended reading in Outdoor Leadership by John Graham

To sign up online go to www.mountaineers.org. For any questions, contact Brian Booth at bbooth626@yahoo.com / 206.783.0409

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Date	Activity	Description	Time, Location
April 17, 2012	Orientation	Part of the req. to qualify as a scramble trip leader	7 - 9pm, Snohomish PUD Training Center, 2320 California St

Revised June 6, 2011

Course code:
Class size minimum: None
Class size maximum:None
Non-members allowed enrollment: No
Member cost: Free

This class will teach new instructors how to teach ice axe arrest and other snow travel skills covered at the Snow Field Trip. Instructors will have time to review their own skills as well.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Date	Activity	Description	Time, Location
Apr, 2012	Seminar	Instructional seminar - snow travel & ice axe arrest	10am to 1pm, Stevens Pass Ski area

Revised March 10, 2011

Course code: TBD
Class size minimum: 5
Class size maximum: 11
Non-members allowed enrollment: Yes
Member cost: $30
Non-member cost: $40

The Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Committees offer a course in winter camping that consists of two nights of lectures with an overnight field trip. Lectures will cover clothing, equipment, winter hazards, snow travel and winter camping techniques.

Because the course includes only a brief review of clothing, equipment and avalanche awareness, students must be graduates from a snowshoe, skiing, basic climbing or scrambling course. Others must obtain leader permission and show they have an equivalent background in mountaineering sports, as well as sufficient knowledge of proper clothing, the Ten Essentials and some avalanche training.

Open to both snowshoers and skiers, the course field trip will be appropriate for each but participants must be competent at one of these; we will not be covering these skills.

Note: When available. register online at www.mountaineers.org. For more information email Carrie Strandell, cwstrandell@gmail.com, (360) 420-2114.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Date	Activity	Description	Time, Location
Feb. 21, 2012	Registration Ends		When class fills or at 5:00pm this date.
Feb. 23, 2012	Lecture #1		6:30 pm, Everett PUD 2320 California Street
Mar. 1, 2012	Lecture #2		6:30 pm, Everett PUD 2320 California Street
Mar. 3-4, 2012	Field Trip	Overnight snow camp, Saturday and Sunday	Wenatchee Ridge