Introduction to Alpine Climbing

Are you an experienced hiker and backpacker ready to take your outdoor adventures to new heights? The Introduction to Alpine Climbing (IAC) course is an immersive, skills-based program designed to equip you with the essential techniques and knowledge needed to safely tackle the iconic peaks of the Pacific Northwest—from snow-covered summits like Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens to challenging rock faces as a key member of a climbing team.

In this course, you’ll engage in up to six days of focused, hands-on training, typically spread over three weekends. Our curriculum blends fundamental technical sessions with real-world field experiences, emphasizing critical skills such as knot tying, harness and helmet fitting, belaying, rappelling, and fixed line usage. You’ll also refine your climbing movement, learn effective nutrition and conditioning strategies, and boost your outdoor self-management and navigation techniques—all while practicing Leave No Trace principles. Whether you’re preparing to climb as a follower on a top rope or learning to execute safe descents on varied terrain, IAC is structured to meet you where you are and elevate your abilities.

Our teaching philosophy is rooted in student-centered, experiential learning. We believe that the best way to learn is by doing, which is why the majority of instruction takes place in realistic outdoor settings. You’ll receive continuous, informal feedback from experienced team leaders who celebrate your progress while providing personalized guidance. The course is designed not only to develop technical proficiency but also to build the critical decision-making, teamwork, and situational awareness needed to navigate the mountains confidently.

We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment where every participant is valued. IAC proudly welcomes individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. As you work alongside fellow outdoor enthusiasts, expect engaging dialogue, mutual support, and a shared passion for alpine adventure.

For those seeking an even deeper experience, an optional Alpine Experience Extension offers an additional two days of training, including an overnight alpine snow camping session that simulates the physical and logistical challenges of high-altitude climbs—further enhancing your mountaineering skills and preparing you for future summits.

Join us on this transformative course to not only master the fundamentals of alpine climbing but also to discover the confidence, resilience, and camaraderie that come with conquering the great outdoors.

Enrollment is open to Mazama members and non-members. Mazama members pay reduced tuition and receive priority admittance.

Course Objectives

When you have completed the Introduction to Alpine Climbing course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency with general mountaineering skills.
• Demonstrate foundational technical climbing skills for rock up to low 5th class (5.0 – 5.4).
• Demonstrate foundational technical climbing skills for moderately steep snow.
• Demonstrate proficiency with basic climbing knots.
• Demonstrate proficiency with top rope and quick belay methods.
• Demonstrate proficiency with rappelling methods on rock and snow anchors.
• Demonstrate fixed-line travel and running-belay skills.

Course Objectives: Alpine Experience Extension

When you have completed the Introduction to Alpine Climbing optional Alpine Experience course extension, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency and working knowledge of general mountaineering and alpine snow camping skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of preparing and packing for an alpine climb.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Leave No Trace principles.
• Demonstrate knowledge of preparing for a Mazama A or B climb.

Course Structure

The Introduction to Alpine Climbing (IAC) course requires a commitment of up to eight days of training, including six days of required training and an optional two day alpine experience field session. The exact schedule will vary by team.

Core Course

Fundamental Skills Session (1 day): This session introduces the course structure, instructors, classmates, and essential gear. Participants will begin learning and practicing technical skills in preparation for outdoor field sessions including, knots, belaying, and rappelling.

Adventure Hike Field Session (1 day): This is an opportunity to implement and practice the skills learned at the Fundamental Skills Session in rugged hiking terrain. Objectives of this field session include team-building, pace management, physical fitness for climbing, and ample skills practice. This session will have an emphasis on rappelling.

Rock Skills Field Session(s) (2 days total): Two days of instruction and practice of rock climbing skills on outdoor rock. These two days of training typically occur on a single weekend (with group camping), or may be broken up into two individual field session days. This depends on the specific team.

Snow Skills Field Session(s) (2 days total): Two days of outdoor learning and practice of snow climbing skills on realistic snow climbing terrain. These two days of training typically occur on a single weekend (with group camping or lodging), or may be broken up into two individual field session days. This depends on the specific team.

Optional Alpine Experience Course Extension

The alpine experience operates as an optional extension with separate prerequisites, primarily focused on physical fitness. Students interested in participating must complete a parallel application alongside their IAC course application. Tuition for this extension is separate from the primary IAC course.

Alpine Experience Field Session (2 days): This field session offers an overnight alpine experience in realistic snow climbing terrain. Participants will learn and practice essential alpine skills, including:

• Alpine snow camping
• Packing an alpine backpack
• Planning nutrition for extended climbs
• Preparing for high-elevation climbing
• Layering effectively for variable conditions
• Navigating early or nighttime starts and hiking in the dark

This session simulates the physical and logistical challenges of an alpine climb. As an added goal, the course may include a summit attempt (e.g., Mt. Adams), conditions permitting.

A Supportive & Inclusive Learning Community

At Introduction to Alpine Climbing (IAC), we are committed to fostering a learning environment where all participants feel welcomed, respected, and supported. We recognize that alpine climbing is not just about technical skills—it’s about teamwork, communication, and shared experiences in the mountains. This course is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly and embraces individuals of all gender identities, backgrounds, and life experiences. We honor each person’s pronouns and are dedicated to creating a space where diversity is valued.

Respect, encouragement, and mutual support are core to our team-based approach. Every participant contributes to a positive and inclusive culture by practicing respectful communication, supporting one another through challenges, and embracing learning as a shared journey. Whether you’re new to alpine climbing or expanding your skills, you belong here.