Do you often find yourself:
- Wishing the backpacking season didn’t have to end with the first snow?
- Wanting to learn to build an igloo or snow cave—and sleep in it?
- Eager to get outdoors early in the season even with snow still on the ground?
- Bummed that the weather has made you change your plans?
- Wanting to extend your backcountry skiing season?
- Wondering how to prepare for higher elevation hikes?
Photo by Lorrie Poch.
- Looking to learn about the appropriate gear needed for cold weather in the backcountry? Or,
- Wanting to visit our parks when they’re covered in beautiful snow?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you’re an excellent candidate for snowcamping! Come join the Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter’s Snowcamping Section for the upcoming 2023 training program. Our snowcamping training is now in its 53rd year and has prepared more than 4,000 people to extend their backpacking adventures into the winter. In snowcamping, there is no “off” season!
The training program includes a mandatory virtual orientation on January 7th, 2023 and two mandatory field trips (with multiple dates offered). Our curriculum covers basic snowcamping knowledge, snow gear 101, tips and tricks for handling unforeseen weather, and even how to build snow structures as shelters. Lessons will be in a group format with leaders and assistant leaders to escort you on the field trips which will allow each student to see and experience a variety of techniques and equipment. We will also have training options available for adults, families, and youth.
We started accepting applications in October, and early-bird applications will be open until November 30, 2022. The final application deadline is December 16, 2022 at 5:00 PM. Prospective students should be experienced backpackers in good physical shape.
There are a limited number of scholarships available. For more information, go to snowcamping.org.