The Washington Alpine Club's Intermediate Climbing Class offers lead rock and ice climbing experience that builds on the mountaineering skills taught in the Basic Class. This course focuses on teaching the skills necessary to become competent climbing partners in technical rock, ice, and alpine environments and develop familiarity with leading in these environments. The class format follows that of the Basic Climbing Class. i.e. classroom sessions followed by field trips. Class size remains small to preserve a one to one, instructor to student ratio.

We are now accepting applications for the 2011 class. The deadline is Friday, July 8th.

 

We have an online application system where you can tell us a bit about your climbing background and about your interest in the class. Successful applicants have begun to acquire a solid foundation of mountaineering and climbing skills and have an interest in learning more. Some lead climbing experience (easy sport climbing counts) can be helpful. We also look for applicants that have a desire to participate in a volunteer driven organization. We hope students in the Intermediate Class will consider instructing in the Basic and Intermediate classes in the future.

 

The class is a significant time commitment and we expect that participants will attend all sessions. Exceptions have of course been made in the past but we will factor availability into our decisions on who to admit into the class. There are occasionally opportunities to attend one session "a la carte," so mention your interest in this on your application or contact us to discuss.

 

Space is limited in the class. We typically accept only 8 to 10 students. We regret that we will not be able to accept all qualified applicants but it is important to keep the student to instructor ratio as low as possible.

 

The cost of the class is $180 and should be included as a check with your application. Individual sessions (if approved) may be taken for $60.

 

Each weekend trip is preceeded by a Tuesday night session at 7pm in Wedgewood in North Seattle. 

Participants will need basic climbing equipment that includes harness, helmet and shoes. We do not expect that students will provide their own trad gear (cams, nuts, etc.). These will be loaned out by instructors on each weekend. Students will also need standard outdoor clothing and backpacking gear. Most sessions will take place rain or shine.

 

Each student must be a member of the Washington Alpine Club. When you complete the online application you will be given instructions on how to apply. The membership fee to join the WAC is non-refundable. The fee for the Intermediate Class is refundable and your check will be returned/shredded if you are not accepted.

If you have questions please feel free to contact the co-chairs April McCoy and Andrew Sullivan at chairs@wacintclass.org.

 

We look forward to seeing your application.