Overview 

When the Sierra Nevada is packed with snow, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) can pose more than the typical endurance challenges.  This has been a record snowfall year and thru hikers on the PCT will face barriers to completing the trail that could compromise safety, including steep, firm snowfields and trail navigation issues that are usually more benign.  

Our two-day course will prepare you to meet the challenges of the trail and manage greater risks that will give you confidence to manage hazards and complete the 2,650-mile trail in good style.

Topics Covered

• Microspikes vs. Crampons - will microspikes be sufficient this year?
• Trail runners vs. crampon compatible boots. What is the boot of choice given the conditions?
• Strategies and skills for managing steep, icy slopes.
• Self-arrest using tools you're carrying, covering both ice axe techniques and ski poles and when it is appropriate to use each.
• River crossings - water could be higher than ever this year!
• Navigation/Route Planning (some trails will be completely covered by snow)
• Route timing - to avoid avalanche danger and post-holing in soft snow.
• Altitude Illness - how to prevent and how to recognize (HACE/HAPE)
• Snow camp craft - camping in the snow with lightweight gear
• Emergency Communication in remote areas - devices to consider and strategies for communicating with your emergency contacts (and support team)

Equipment

We'll provide the for our Intro to Mountaineering course, but we encourage you to bring different gear items to test them out and decide what will work best for you during your trip.