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ADK Winter Mountaineering School

The Adirondack Mountain Club has sponsored Winter School for over 55 years. The purpose is to promote enjoyable, safe, and successful winter mountaineering and camping.

2012 Winter Mountaineering School will be based out of Adirondak Loj from Jan. 27– Feb. 2. The deadline for registration is Jan. 15, 2012.

Come experience an Alpine Winter Adventure! Whether you’ve just started on the trail to become a winter mountaineer or have some experience, Winter Mountaineering School may be just what you need to learn new techniques, refine existing skills, and experience new winter activities.


This winter, four sections will be offered - all of which will include instruction in climbing steep terrain using crampons and ice axes, honing snowshoeing skills, winter trip planning, mountain safety, navigation, and opportunities for above tree-line travel in winter.


Weekend Day Hike Section: This section begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, and ends at noon on Monday, Jan. 30. It features lectures and workshops Friday and Saturday, a shake-down hike on Saturday, and a full-day 4000 ft+ hike on Sunday ($340).

Weekend Backpacking Section: This section begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, and ends at noon on Monday, Jan. 30. It features lectures and workshops on Friday, followed by a Saturday-to-Monday instructional backpack into a remote area, with a full-day 4000 ft+ hike on Sunday ($340).

Weeklong Combination Day Hike/Backpacking: This section includes all the activities of the weekend day-hiking section, followed by a backpack from Monday-to-Thursday into a remote area for additional ascents and instruction. The weeklong combination program begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, and ends roughly at noon on Thursday, Feb. 2 ($395).


Advanced Backpacking: Offering up to five nights in the field and featuring advanced topics and ambitious trip plans, this section requires successful completion of either the Weekend Backpacking Section or the Week-long Combo Section as well as instructor recommendation. It is intended as a chance for participants to plan and execute their own mini-expedition. This section also represents a great opportunity to learn and practice advanced winter backcountry skills from experienced instructors, and to participate in all aspects of backcountry trip planning. Please contact us at techinfo@winterschool.org for more information and to obtain instructor approval prior to submission of an application. Registration and gear check date/time will be announced. The section will end around noon on Thursday, Feb. 2 ($405).


For more information and downloadable application forms, go to www.winterschool.org or call 518-523-3441