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ADK Winter Mountaineering School

Program Information

Deadline for registration for is Januray 15 , 2009.  Register soon - space is limited!  For a complete application package, click here.  All attendees must also read our student handbook.  If you have questions regarding our programs, click here to contact us.  For gear questions, click here.

Program Options

We will be offering three sections in 2009.

Weekend Day Hikes:  This section begins Friday, January 30th and ends at noon on Monday, February 2nd.  It features evening lectures Friday and Saturday, workshops and shorter hikes on Saturday and Monday, and a climb of an above 4,000-foot peak on Sunday.

Cost:  TBD

Weekend Backpacking:  This section also begins Friday, January 30th and ends at noon on Monday, February 2nd.  It features lectures on Friday, followed by a Saturday to Monday backpack into remote area with a climb of an above 4,000-foot peak on Sunday.

Cost:  TBD

Week Long Combination Day Hikes/Backpacking:  This section includes all the activities of the weekend day hike section, followed by a backpack from Monday to Thursday into a remote area for additional ascents and instruction.  Many feel this is the best value we offer, giving participants a chance to learn a variety of skills from all of our instructors during the weekend, followed by a fantastic backpack trip into the High Peaks.  The weeklong combination program begins Friday, January 30th and ends on Thursday, February 5th.

Cost:  TBD

Program costs include all meals while at basecamp (participants are responsible for their own food during backpacking trips) and bunkroom lodging with shared bathrooms.  Payment can be by check or credit card – download the application package for more information.  Note that ADK membership is required to participate in the program – you can join when registering if you are not yet a member.

Basecamp Information

This year basecamp will be located at the Adirondack Mountain Club's Adirondak Loj near Lake Placid, NY, in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks area.  The Loj is about a two and a half hour drive from Albany.  It provides a warm and comfortable place to gather each evening and participate in special interest programs, adjust and repair equipment, dry any wet clothing and enjoy hearty meals.  Staff will be sharing these accommodations and will always be available to interact with students and answer questions.

General Information

Our experienced, all volunteer staff will help you learn new or practice existing skills in small groups with a low student-instructor ratio.  The lengths of our programs allow you ample time to hone your skills in a fun and supportive team environment.

Students in all sections should plan on arriving on Friday.  Upon arrival, each student’s gear will be checked and evaluated by one of our instructors.  Be sure to read our Student Handbook to ensure that you arrive properly equipped! If in the judgment of our instructors your gear is not adequate for the section you have registered for, you may not be able to participate.  Your safety, and the safety of the group, takes precedence over all other considerations.

The following areas are typically covered in our programs.  Note that not everything will be covered every year – much depends on the snow conditions at the time of the program and the interests of our students:

  • Trip planning and leadership
  • Snowshoe, crampon and ice axe techniques
  • Use of map, compass, altimeter, and GPS
  • On and off trail navigation
  • Winter backpacking skills
  • Constructing snow caves, igloos or other snow shelters
  • Steep snow and ice climbing
  • Safe above-treeline travel under winter conditions
  • Wilderness first aid and safety
  • Avalanche awareness
  • Hydration, nutrition and winter backcountry kitchen skills