Families Mountaineering 101 (FM101)

FM101 typically gets underway in early August 

FM101 typically hosts an Information Night in early June at the Mazama Mountaineering Center; 527 SE 43rd Ave (may be virtual for 2021)

The application period is June/July. 

Moderate–FM101 requires a moderate time commitment over a period of 6 months. There are periods of intense activity and then periods of time where there are several week breaks.

Long–FM101 takes place over a period over a period of 6 months. The program is intensive and sequential.

FM101 tuition for 2022–23 is $450 for members and $550 for nonmembers. Tuition for participants under 18 is $100 less than the current rate. Tuition for individuals selected as assistants will be prorated based on experience, qualifications and capacity to support the committee with class production.

There are other costs and fees not covered by your tuition.  Some of these fees may include:

• Parking passes at field sites.
• Gear costs (purchase and rentals) - roughly $200 per person
• Gas for travel to field sites such as Horsethief Butte and Timberline Lodge.

It is recommended that participants wait to purchase gear until the class begins as those enrolled in Mazama classes receive discounts at local climbing shops.

Mountaineering skills including: rock climbing (belaying, rappelling, movement on rock, communication, and knots), snow climbing (snow travel, roped travel, self-arrest, glissading, and footwork), car camping, navigation, outdoor clothing, conditioning, weather and first aid.

Open to students entering the 3rd grade and older; younger children may be considered on a case by case basis by class coordinators. Email with questions.

All participating adults must submit to and pass a background check.  All adults associated with FM101 will also review and certify understanding of the Mazama Policy for Working with Youth.

Tuition assistance is available! We are offering a limited number of scholarships to allow families to participate who would not be able to do so without financial assistance and by whose participation can help expand the Mazamas membership base beyond current cultural, economic, and ethnic demographics.

A scholarship is for course tuition ONLY. Mazamas may cover the cost of your course up to 90 percent of the course tuition based on factors listed above. Other costs associated with the course may apply. You must have access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet to participate in the course. Information about associated costs and logistics is below. All scholarship awardees will qualify for select course gear at a discounted rate.

The tuition assistance and payment plan option is included in the course application; no separate step is needed.

The FM101 application will request information describing your family’s outdoor interests, experience, and why you want to take this class.

Each applicant (including children) will need to create an account on our website and apply for the program individually. Parents will likely create their child's account for them. Each person must have a unique email address to create an account (if you use gmail, creating a unique address if very simple). Contact us if you need assistance with this step.

Adults typically enroll as a student with their currently enrolled child. They may serve as an assistant if they can demonstrate competency with FM101 skills. These skills include: knots (overhand, rewoven figure 8, figure 8 on a bight, double fisherman, prusik, girth hitch, clove hitch and alpine butterfly), slingshot belay, rappelling with the use of autoblock, Fixed line of travel and Running belay. One way to meet this requirement is to have participated as a student or instructor in a Mazama BCEP, ICS, AR, or ASI class within the last 3 years. Please contact the coordinator with questions.

Children and their participating adult(s) (parents, legal guardians, or adult with permission of the child’s legal guardian) must sign and abide by the Code of Conduct Agreement

Enrolled adults must be accompanied by a currently enrolled child. Adults must fully participate in the course either as students or assistants. Children may not be dropped off or left unaccompanied for a session.

All participating adults must submit to and pass a background check. All adults associated with FM101 will also review and certify understanding of the Mazama Policy for Working with Youth.

We do not recommend making any new gear purchases before the Gear Night.  More specific information about required gear and timing will be available at Information Night.

Essential Gear

• Backpack (seek advice from your instructors before buying a new one)
• Sturdy boots for hiking (same as above)
• Water bottle or hydration bladder (about 2 liters)
• Rain shell (seek advice from your instructors before buying a new one)
• Ten Essentials, including a whistle for all minors
• First aid kit
• Pocket knife/multi-tool
• Headlamp & extra batteries
• Sun protection (Sunscreen, lip-balm, sunglasses)
• Extra synthetic clothes (hat, mittens, long sleeve shirt, insulating layer)
• Camping gear including a 3 or 4 season tent, sleeping pads, sleeping bag rated for temperatures down to 20-30 degrees, etc. (needed before the first camping session)

Standard Climbing Gear

Climbing harness
Locking carabiners
Non-locking carabiners
Nylon slings
Tubular belay device
Prusik slings
13 cm Sterling Hollow block
Climbing helmet
Tubular belay device

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, published by the Mountaineers Books

Allen and Mike’s Really Cool Backpacking Book, by Allen O’Bannon and Mike Clelland

Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun!, by Jeff Alt

FM 101 Class Handbook will be made available to students enrolled in the class.

Students who pass the FM101 Practical Skills Assessment and who participate all field sessions will receive an FM101 Graduation Certificate. Students with an FM101 Graduation Certificate will be considered qualified to participate in both Mazama “A” and “B” level climbs. Mazama climbs are graded to indicate approximate experience and/or ability levels required. To view the description of ‘A’ and ‘B’ level climbing grade, visit the Getting Started with Mazamas Climbing webpage. Scroll down and review the section labeled “climb grades.”