NOTE: This new common application is for the Everett and Foothills programs ONLY. To apply for the Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, Kitsap, and Bellingham programs, please see their respective course pages.
We, the Everett and Foothills Mountaineers, are glad you're applying for the Basic Climbing Class and look forward to instructing and climbing with you this season.
This is a comprehensive introduction to alpine mountaineering. Graduates will develop the fundamental skills necessary to climb alpine peaks in the northwest. We will cover knots, anchors, belaying, rappelling, rock climbing, glacier travel, the fundamentals of self rescue, and crevasse rescue. This course runs approximately five-six months. Each branch has separate curriculums and schedules, but all branches will adequately prepare you to enjoy alpine climbing.
When selecting a branch for your application, please note the following
- Each branch has a different location, schedule, and meeting frequency/requirements
- Each branch has their own class sizes
- Everett - class size of 40
- Foothills - class size of 12
- You will be able to indicate a first and second preference for your application if you wish to apply to both programs.
The Mountaineers is committed to building and fostering a representative climbing community that reflects the spaces in which we live and recreate. We recognize that outdoor recreation has historically excluded communities of color, women, and LGBTQ+ people. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other underrepresented communities.
***Please do not sign up for the course unless you can attend ALL field trips and ALL lectures (missing one lecture due to unforeseen circumstances can be arranged - please contact the leader to discuss it when in doubt).
Selection Criteria
All applications will be rated out of 100 points. As the Mountaineers is a volunteer organization, applications are heavily weighted to those with recent volunteer experience, especially those already volunteering with the Mountaineers. Our programs seek those who are willing to volunteer with the course after taking it and give back by instructing or supporting the climbing committees that organize the courses. The participants will be selected based on volunteer experience, outdoor experience and personal statements.