Climb High in the Cascades

     Do you want to explore the Cascade Mountains that are right in your backyard? Have you done some hiking, but would like to go past the end of the trail? Are you curious about rock and snow/glacier climbing and want to learn it in a safe environment from skilled climbers with years of experience?

     Sign up for the Skagit Valley College Mountaineering Course. Held Spring quarter at SVC and taught by volunteers from the Skagit Alpine Club, the class runs 10 weeks beginning March 28th. The course combines a weekly classroom lecture held on Tuesdays from 6pm-9pm, with day and overnight weekend trips each weekend. The course introduces the following:

· Basic climbing gear
· Basic rock climbing instruction, including rope handling, knots, belaying and rappelling
· Snow travel and ice ax arrest training
· Basic backcountry first-aid
· Camping techniques and equipment
· Map/compass use and route finding
· Glacier travel and crevasse rescue
· Local natural history

     Outings include hiking (on and off trail) and scrambling, rock climbing, snow travel in steep terrain, roped alpine climbing, and an opportunity to climb Mt. Baker. Being in good physical condition prior to the beginning of the class is necessary. Outings range from 4 hours with 2500’ elevation gain in one day to 7500’ elevation gain traveling over snow in a 2-day trip to climb Mt. Baker. Lectures and outings are mandatory to continue to participate in the class each week.

     Register (call Terri Nogler at 360-416-7909) for the mountaineering course listed in the Community Service section of the SVC course catalog. Registration begins February 13. The course fee is $140.00. The class has a limited number of students and fills up quickly.

     For class information, e-mail Rick Rogers at stillyfish@valleyint.com, call Wade Bessett at 360-770-0250, or visit the Skagit Alpine Club web site at www.skagitalpineclub.com.

***The climbing gear, hiking gear, and clothing costs to participate in this class vary greatly from student to student. In general, students spend about $200-$1200 on gear depending on what they already own, borrow, rent, or the type of gear/clothes they buy (used, sale, brand, etc.).