Frequently Asked Questions

A list of answers to questions that we get asked often about our courses and guided offerings.

If you don't see your question below, please reach out and ask us!

Table of Contents (click to jump ahead)

  1. Guided Climbing/Skiing
  2. Avalanche Education
  3. Leave No Trace Education

Guided Climbing/Skiing

What does a day of guided climbing or skiing look like?

A day with a guide starts long before you meet in the field. We want to know what you're wanting and expecting to get out of the day so that we can plan accordingly. We will keep you informed of the plan ahead of the actual day of guiding.

Once we're in the field, you can expect to be treated with respect and your needs to be met. One of the biggest benefits to going out with a guide is learning how they think about and manage risk in the mountain environment. We will discuss our risk decisions and let you into the weighing of pros and cons about what we're doing.

Is my guide qualified?

Yes. Our guides only operate in the terrain/environment for which they have been trained and assessed.

Avalanche Education

Which avalanche course is right for me?

We invite you to read our AIARE course progression page to make an informed choice about which course is right for you. We would love to answer all of your questions, so please reach out.

Where will my course take place?

Your course will take place on Mt. Hood but the exact location decision will be made about a week out from the course. There will be an email sent at that time with key logistics including the field location.

Generally speaking, we aim to utilize a variety of sno-parks as way to reduce/eliminate parking issues. The sno-parks we may use include: Pocket Creek, Bennett Pass, Trillium Lake, MHM Sunrise Lot, Timberline Lodge, Tilly Jane, and White River West & East.

Oregon sno-parks require a sno-park pass to park. We will provide you with a sno-park pass to use if you do not have one.

On rare occasions, we may utilize the SnowKing sno-park near Trout Lake, WA. This is a Washington sno-park which requires a separate pass and we do not keep any of these on hand.

How long is each course day?

We generally aim to run from 8am to 4pm, car to car. This may change due to weather or other circumstances.

What equipment do I need?

You are responsible for procuring all of the equipment outlined on our ski touring packing list. We have partnered with Next Adventure to provide discounted rentals and purchases. Details for that will be in your enrollment email.

Leave No Trace Education

Do I really need a course on Leave No Trace?

Yes! There are seven Leave No Trace principles and each of them will benefit from a formal course. You will be much better positioned to teach others about Leave No Trace after receiving professional education. And you will pick up some new pro tips from your instructors and other course participants while enjoying the beautiful mountains of Oregon & Washington.

What types of people is the Skills Course targeted towards?

All people are welcome to take the Leave No Trace Skills Course. We have taught weekend warriors, hikers and backpackers, outdoor guides, Boy Scouts, skiers, and many more people.

How long is the course?

The Skills course is two days, with an overnight in the field. We will meet at 8am on the first day and aim to be wrapped up by 4pm on the second day.

Do I need any prior experience?

You do not need any prior experience. Often the experiences of the other participants are varied and it's fun and informative to learn from others.

What should I bring to the course?

Participants are encouraged to bring:

  • Comfortable outdoor clothing
  • Sturdy footwear
  • Personal camping gear
  • Notebook and pen for taking notes
  • Any personal items needed for two days outdoors (food, water, snacks, sunscreen, etc.)

How can I get involved with Leave No Trace beyond the course?

There are many ways to get involved, including volunteering with local LNT organizations, becoming a LNT trainer, or participating in community outreach and education programs.