The Alpine Climbing and Scrambling Course (ACSC) is an exciting and safe way to learn how to summit non-technical
peaks and lookouts in the Cascades and Olympics. Through classroom work and field trips, you learn about safety, equipment, trail and off-trail travel, and finally rock and snow travel. During all phases of the course, a cadre of experienced instructors team with students for detailed, hands on training.
For those of you that have never heard of scrambling before, scrambles are 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 (Tacoma Mountaineers are shown in the pictures climbing one of the classic scrambles of Mount Stuart).
The 2012 ACSC program begins March 6, 2012. Plan to attend one of our Information Nights and meet committee members and instructors of the Scramble courses. Instructors will be on site to answer your questions, describe specific course equipment needs and where the training events are held.
Attendance at the information meeting is required for young adventurers, age 14-17, wanting to sign-up for the course. Parents or guardians of young adventurers must also attend to sign-off on paperwork. To receive the Junior Application Supplement, contact course chair Larry Dunn by e-mail prior to Jan 11, 2012.
Eligibility Requirements: Course participants must be at least 14 years old. 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 here.
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 Larry Dunnby e-mail prior to Jan 11, 2012.
Registration:Registration for 2011 will open online in November 2011.
Course Fees: The fee is $175 for members, $275 for non-members and this includes the student manual. Refunds are available on a case-by-case basis. Students are responsible for the following: Textbook, Mountaineers membership dues (if paying the lower rate), two separate skill courses required for graduation (Navigation and Wilderness First Aid) and equipment and clothing as needed.
Course Textbook: Required course reading assignments are in Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 8th 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.
ACSC schedules: The five lectures are on Tuesday evenings and begin promptly at 6:30pm and last until approximately 9pm. Please arrive at 6:15 p.m. to help with room set-up if needed.
Four one-day field trips are offered on Saturdays. The required overnight in May starts early Saturday morning and concludes Sunday late afternoon. Dates are shown below and will only be changed due to severe weather. Rescheduled events will occur as soon as possible following the original date.
Lecture 1: Mar 6
Lecture 2: Mar 20
Field Trip 1: March 31-Rock 1
Lecture 3: April 10
Field Trip 2: April 14-Snow 1
Lecture 4: April 24
Field Trip 3: May 5-Rock 2
Lecture 5: May 8
Field Trip 4: May 19/20-Overnight
Field Trip 5: June 2-Snow 2
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 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 Wilderness First Aid by graduation.
Participate in day of conservation activity (trail, shore or lookout maintenance).
Submit a graduation packet for 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:
Wilderness First Aid - You will be allowed to participate in the scrambling course without Wilderness First Aid training, but you must complete the training if you wish to graduate from the Alpine Climbing and Scrambles course and continue scrambling with The Mountaineers. You may take Wilderness First Aid through any branch of The Mountaineers. Check online for enrollment information about the Tacoma Wilderness First Aid course.
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.
