Intro to Mountaineering

Join Gearhouse as we journey into scrambling and mountaineering, explore how you can begin your journey to unlock new adventures.
This clinic meets at Basecamp Cafe. We will dive into scrambling and mountaineering, as well as how they differ from a classic hike. We will examine basic gear and introduce techniques for ice axe use and movement over rocks and snow.
We will end by going over future opportunities to learn and get involved in more outdoor adventures:

• Gearhouse Scrambling Series
• Weekly conditioning events
• Opportunities for crevasse rescue and glacier mountaineering classes
• Ice axe use & snow travel workshop

What is Scrambling?
Scrambling is the bridge between hiking and mountaineering—perfect for hikers looking to take their adventures to the next level. It involves off-trail travel over rock and snow, often using your hands for balance as you move across rugged terrain. Unlike technical climbing, scrambling doesn’t require ropes or specialized gear beyond a helmet and sometimes an ice axe or crampons. It’s all about confidence, route-finding, and embracing the challenge of reaching new summits.

What is Mountaineering?
Mountaineering shares the same goal as scrambling—reaching a peak—but involves more technical skills, such as traveling across glaciers and using ropes for safety. If you’re interested in progressing beyond scrambling, mountaineering is the natural next step!