Winter Mountaineering School

If you're looking to expand your winter hiking, backpacking and mountaineering skills, or possibly looking for an alternative vacation this coming winter, you may want to check out the Adirondack Mountain Club's Winter Mountaineering School this year.

Each year, the Adirondack Mountain Club hosts its annual Winter Mountaineering School near Lake Placid, New York. They typically cover the following areas of instruction:

* Winter backpacking skills
* Snowshoe, crampon and ice axe techniques
* Proper clothing and temperature management
* Steep snow and ice travel
* Safe above-treeline travel under winter conditions
* On- and off-trail navigation; map and compass review
* Trip planning
* How to pack a winter backpack
* Group gear review
* Hydration and nutrition
* Constructing snow shelters and a winter backcountry kitchen
* Wilderness first aid
* Avalanche awareness
* Decision making and risk management
* Winter "Leave No Trace" principals

Past participants have included three season hikers and backpackers looking to expand their winter skills, as well as more experienced skiers, trip leaders and winter mountaineers who are wishing to refine their skills or are looking for some excitement and adventure. The organization has an experienced, all-volunteer staff, with a low student-to-instructor ratio. They offer weekend day hikes, weekend backpacking, and weeklong backpacking options from January 29 through February 4, 2010.

The ADK Winter Mountaineering School is non-profit group that has been sponsored for over 50 years by the Adirondack Mountain Club. The purpose of the program is to promote enjoyable and successful winter mountaineering and camping through a learn-by-doing approach and is held in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

For more information, please click here.

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Jeff
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