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WINTER CAMPING AND SURVIVAL
Photo by Ed Hershberg

The Winter Camping and Survival Course is for both the beginner or more experienced camper who want to extend their experience to the winter season.  Our primary objective is to show you how much fun winter camping can be and how to stay warm and dry while you are doing it! 

We cover the knowledge and skills required to have an comfortable and enjoyable winter tent camping experience.  Topics include equipment selection, camp site selection, setting-up and securing your tent, and constructing a snug and functional cooking area.  We will also cover winter survival techniques. 

Photo by Ed Hershberg

We snowshoe through the forest about three miles to the edge of an alpine lake.  Here we demonstrate the techniques of setting up tents, creating a cozy kitchen and eating area, and a very cool potty.  After our snow village is in place, we will practice winter survival techniques, including digging an emergency snow trench.  After a great dinner we'll snuggle into our sleeping bags for a very quiet night's sleep.  After a leisurely breakfast the next morning, we break camp and return to our vehicle.

2009 Scheduled Trip:

Overnight Field Sessions -February 21-22, 2009

Price - One person - $600, 2-3 people - $400 each, 4+ people - $300 each.

Includes instructors, snowshoes and poles, transportation, tents and kitchen, and meals. 

Call (877) 965-5100  or e-mail us to schedule a trip.

 

The following trips include a classroom orientation session:

Portland Community College:

Price - $300 + $29 Tuition

CLASSROOM LOCATION: 

Central Workplace Training Center, 1626 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR
DATES:

bulletClassroom - 6:30-9 PM, February 18, 2009. Field Session - February 21-22, 2009

        Call PCC at 503-788-6265  to register for course 16713 or Online.

 

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Clothing

bulletLeather or plastic warm boots
bulletWool or polypropylene socks with liner socks (help prevent blisters)
bulletPolypropylene or equivalent thermal underwear tops and bottoms
bulletWarm sweater, fleece jacket, or wool shirt
bulletWarm pants
bulletGore-Tex (or other water-resistant material) Parka
bulletGore-Tex Wind pants or climbing bibs
bulletSun hat
bulletGloves/Mittens with windproof shells
bulletWarm hat
bulletHeadband
bulletGaiters to keep snow out of your boots

In Your Pack

bulletTen Essentials
bulletWhistle
bulletMap of area
bulletCompass
bulletHeadlamp/Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb or another flashlight)
bulletExtra food and Clothing (wool socks, more warm things)
bulletSunscreen and lip protection
bulletPocket knife
bulletLighter or matches in waterproof container
bulletFirestarter
bulletFirst aid kit (Absolutely no drugs or medicines that will make you drowsy or dizzy.)
bulletTwo and 1/2 Quarts of Fluids
bulletToilet Paper
bulletSmall insulation pad for sitting on
bulletHandkerchief
bulletDark Sunglasses with sideshields/Goggles (It can be bright on the mountain)
bulletCamera and film/memory cards

Backpack - Needs to be large enough (5,500+ cu. in.) to carry your gear and your share of group gear.  Porter Support is available!

Camping Gear (*We will provide trekking poles, sleds, snowshoes, tents, cooking equipment, and food)

bulletWarm Sleeping Bag
bulletSleeping Pads (one ensolite and one Thermarest recommended)
bulletCup, Bowl, & Spoon

We can arrange to rent you boots, backpacks, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags.

For Equipment Recommendations click here.