If you enjoy hiking and want to see views from the top of the mountains not served by trails, this course is for you! Most Northwest mountain summits are accessible by scramble routes. In this course you will learn how to reach those non-technical snow and rock summits.
Comprehensive instruction includes proper equipment and clothing, route finding, avalanche awareness and avoidance, rock and off-trail scrambling, snow travel, ice-ax arrest, glissade techniques and wilderness ethics.
Alpine Scrambling Climb and Outing Definitions:
Alpine scrambles are strenuous, but non-technical, outings involving off-trail travel and possibly ice axes. They are generally summit oriented with considerable class 2 or 3 climbing, or equally exposed snow slopes. Scrambles do not involve travel over glaciers, exposed rock (4th-class or higher) or other places where roped protection is called for. Scrambles often visit many of the same destinations as technical climbs. Students and graduates of the Alpine Scrambles and Climbing courses, or those with equivalency status are invited to participate in club scrambles.
The Alpine Climbing and Scrambling Course (ACSC) and scrambling experience, is also excellent preparation for technical climbing courses such as the Basic Rock and Glacier Climbing Course. (Note: Due to scheduling, it is not possible to take both of these classes in 2010.)
The 2010 ACSC program starts on February 10, 2010. Plan to attend our Information Night on either Dec 15, 2009 or January 6, 2010.
Dec 15 and Jan. 6, Wed. - Information Meeting: If you are unsure about whether you meet the eligibility requirements and/or want more information about the Alpine Climbing and Scrambles course, you should attend an information meeting at the Tacoma Clubhouse, 7 p.m., 2302 N. 30th St.
Representatives of the Basic Rock and Glacier Climbing course will also be there. Attendance at the information meeting is not required except that; junior members (age 14-17), and their parents or guardians must attend one of the information sessions.
Eligibility Requirements: You must be a member of The Mountaineers to pay the lower course fee. You can join online at www.mountaineers.org or call 206-284-8484 or 1-800-573-8484. Non-members also may call the Clubhouse Secretary, 253-566-6965, to request a New Member Packet, or download the packet from New Member Packet.
Course participants must be at least 14 years old. (Those under 18 must complete the Junior Application Supplement and attend an information night with a parent or legal guardian. To receive the Junior Application Supplement, contact course chair Margot Tsakonas by e-mail prior to Jan 6, 2010.)
This course requires good physical conditioning, a moderate commitment of time and energy, appropriate outdoor gear and clothing, and of course a positive attitude. Hiking experience is helpful but not required. If you are interested in obtaining Scrambles Equivalency, contact the course chair Margot Tsakonas by e-mail prior to Jan 6, 2010.)
Registration: Registration for 2010 will open on line late in 2009.
Course fees: The fee is $125 for members, $175 for non-members. Refunds are available on a case-by-case basis. Course fees include a student manual but do not include the course textbook, membership dues for The Mountaineers, required Navigation and MOFA courses, or equipment and clothing as needed.
Course textbook: Required course reading assignments are in Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 7th Edition, published by Mountaineers Books. The book is available at The Mountaineers Bookstore in Seattle, by email at bookstore@mountaineers.org, or by phone, 206-284-6310 or 1-800-573-8484. It is also for available at other bookstores and outdoor stores.
Current trips can be searched for using the link at the top of the page
Trips are rated by how strenuous on a 1-5 scale, and on technical difficulty/exposure, also on a 1-5 scale. For example, a 5-3 rating indicates an extremely strenuous trip with an average amount of technical difficulty/exposure.
ACSC schedules: The lectures are on weeknights in the Tacoma Clubhouse and begin promptly at 7 p.m. and last until approximately 10 p.m. Please arrive at 6:45 p.m. to help with room set-up if needed.
The one-day field trips are offered on Saturdays and may be offered Sundays for scheduling flexibility if class size requires. You will also have one required weekend overnight field trip. Dates are as follows and are subject to change:
Lecture 1: Feb. 10
Field Trip 1 (Rock 1): Feb. 20
Lecture 2: Feb. 25
Field Trip 2 (Rock 2): March 6 or 7
Lecture 3: March 16
Field Trip 3: (Snow 1): March 20
Lecture 4 and Exam: April 7
Exam Review: April 28
Field Trip 4: Overnight: May 15 & 16
Field Trip 5: June 12 or 13
About equipment and clothing: Equipment necessary for the course includes a large daypack, sturdy mountaineering boots, crampons, climbing helmet, ice ax, synthetic or wool outdoor clothing, rain gear, first-aid compass, and various other items. Equipment information will be discussed at the first lecture so it is recommended that you NOT purchase new items prior to that.
Graduation Requirements
Attend all three scheduled lectures.
Pass the final exam.
Satisfactorily complete a conditioner hike.
Satisfactorily complete all five scheduled field trips.
Satisfactorily complete three Mountaineers scrambles.
Satisfactorily complete the Navigation course.
Satisfactorily complete or be enrolled in Mountaineering Oriented First Aid (MOFA) by graduation.
Participate in day of trail, lodge or lookout maintenance.
Approval by the Tacoma Mountaineers Alpine Climbing and Scrambles 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.
Other Required Courses for Alpine Climbing and Scrambles Students:
Mountaineering Oriented First Aid (MOFA) - You will be allowed to participate in the scrambling course without MOFA training, but you must complete MOFA if you wish to graduate from the Alpine Climbing and Scrambles course and continue scrambling with The Mountaineers. You may take MOFA through any branch of The Mountaineers. For enrollment information about the Tacoma MOFA course, look in the Go Guide.
We are seeking volunteers who have interest in working with the Scrambles Committee, and / or in leading Conditioners and Scrambles. We also offer Scrambles Leadership Training if interest level is sufficient.
Hiking and Peak Awards
To promote interest in trails and climbs across Washington and into California, Oregon and Canada, the Mountaineers have established Hiking and Peak Awards. The awards are available to members that complete the requirements listed for a particular group of destinations.
If you enjoy hiking and want to see views from the top of the mountains not served by trails, this course is for you! Most Northwest mountain summits are accessible by scramble routes. In this course you will learn how to reach those non-technical snow and rock summits.