Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Snow skills class in LA?

We're planning on climbing Whitney up the main trail over Memorial Day weekend - and from all I've read so far it seems that practical knowledge of snow skills, crampon and ice axe technique would be a very good idea. Currently none of us has this kind of experience. Anyone know of a course offered in, or near, the LA area, that we could take between now and end of May?

I have researched this topic quite a bit, and the closest, reputable place I found was Sierra Mountaineering INternational, based out of Bishop. They run a beginning mountaineering course (over 2 days) that I think costs about $200 (or $100 per day, if you choose to do one of the 2).

Here's a link to their website:
http://www.sierramountaineering.com/

I've heard of other companies doing things on San Jacinto, but have been unable to find them. Everyone I've talked to who've done the Sierra Mountaineering courses have been really impressed. Good Luck!

Sierra Mountaineering is who we used a few years ago. It was very good. It was worth the drive. Nice weekend adventure trip. We could not find anything reputable closer to SoCal.

It won't do you any good for this year, but the Sierra Club has a winter outdoor skills series of classes every year. This year, I believe they had one in the Long Beach area and one in the West LA area. I've heard a few people mention that these classes were worthwhile.

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The Sierra Club course is called "Wilderness Travel Course." I just finished the 10 week course and it was very enjoyable. It includes 10 classroom sessions and four outings. The last outing was "snow camp" in the South Lake area. The course costs less than $200 for Sierra Club members and included bus transportation for the outings. The course is offered only once a year in four locations (Orange County, San Gabriel Valley, Long Beach, and West Los Angeles). More information can be found at:

http://angeles.sierraclub.org/wtc/

The course does not involve use of either crampons or an ice ax. We did learn and practice some basic self-arrest skills both with hiking poles and without any equipment. The Sierra Mountaineering course referenced above is recommended for additional skills.

Like Bob, I also completed "WTC" with the San Gabriel group this year. It gives all the basic information to stay safe in the outdoors, with the additional benefit of basic snow travel and snow camping. For anyone whose interested in sharpening up on navigation and snow basics, it's well worth the $200. All the instructors are volunteers, so you know they love what they're teaching you.

However...
This is not the course you want to take to be able to summit Whitney in the winter. You will need fundamental mountaineering skills, which are outside of the realm of the Sierra Club's WTC course.

Lastly, if you are interested in signing up for the WTC Course, I would recommend signing up for it earlier in the year, as some people were turned away because of the popularity of the course.

We have taken the snow skills course given by Sierra Mountain Center out of Bishop and were very happy with the class.

http://www.sierramountaincenter.com

I don't know of any in the LA area because usually there isn't enough snow and then any place which is easy to get to and has enough run out to be used for a snow skills course is being utilized by kids sledding.

Kurt is an extraordinary teacher. He has been a senior guide on Rainier, and was just the subject of a National Geographic show on the mountain.

Here's a thought. Kurt is from the LA area, he knows it well. He just climbed the Snow Creek route on San Jacinto, about a week ago, so he knows the local conditions.

He is giving a series of slide shows in LA/OC the first week of May. If you contact him, perhaps you can set up a clinic. I'm sure he is free during the day.
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http://www.adventure16.com/discover/events.html
BEAR PREPAREDNESS CLINIC
Kurt Wedberg, veteran of many High Sierra trips, discusses the California ***** Bear and how to safeguard your food and yourself in the backcountry! FREE!

Tarzana Store: Tues., May 3
Costa Mesa Store: Wed., May 4
West Los Angeles Store: Thurs., May 5
San Diego Store: Tues., May 10

wbtravis - I'm glad you liked the snow skills class given by Sierra Mountain Center. I'm taking it on May 21st - I'm looking forward to it. I think they have room for more in that class. We meet in Lee Vining. It's a one-day class and the cost is $125.

wingding,

Be prepared for a long hard worthwhile day.

If you are going the campground route think about June Lake Campground there are showers adjacent to it and the restaurants in town are within walking distance.

BTW, the Mobil Station at Tioga Rd. is has some really good food. Yeah, I know this is very weird. It's worth the checking out.

wingding,

is that class listed on their website? i was looking for it but couldn't find it (i'm sure its hiding right in front of my face...)

mtm,

It's there but hard to find.

Just give them a call for details if you are interested.

Here's the direct link
http://www.sierramountaincenter.com/pages/individualtripspages/summertrips/introtosnowtravel.php

thanks for the link, lcpman

The course with Sierra Mountaineering International is only $98. They have one scheduled for April 30 but will do it any time if you have two or more people. Here's a link: http://www.sierramountaineering.com/snow_travel.html