A winter mountaineering course for those wishing to learn the skills for winter mountaineering & winter backcountry travel while climbing California's Matterhorn Peak in winter.

This winter climbing course is conducted in the best alpine climbing training ground in California - The Sawoooth Range. You will learn the fundamentals of winter travel and winter mountaineering.

Winter mountaineering training will cover the basics of:

• Snow Camping
• Winter Backcountry Travel & Safety
• Avalanche Awareness
• Ice Ax Self Arrest
• Snow Climbing Technique

This winter mountaineering course includes an attempt at a winter ascent of Matterhorn Peak, a worthy goal for beginner mountaineers. A winter climbing adventure for anyone interested in the winter backcountry as a foundation for more advanced winter climbing, snowshoeing, or ski touring.

View a Slide Show for this trip.

For more California alpine climbing & winter mountaineering courses check out our main Alpine Climbing / Mountaineering page.

Location: Sawtooth Range, California, East Side of the Sierra Nevada near the town of Bridgeport. Only 4 1/2 hours from The SF Bay Area and 6 hours from Los Angeles.

For area information including lodging and driving directions check out our Bridgeport Travel Page

Prerequisites: No previous climbing experience required, but some previous experience in hiking and backpacking is strongly reccommended. Previous Snowshoeing experience is not necessary. Intermediate backcountry skiing skills are required if you are planning on using skis. Give us a call if you have a question.

Dates 2010: Jan 22-24, Feb 13-15 (Pres Day), Mar 12-14, Apr 16-18

Cost: $495

Includes:

• Breakfast & dinner while in the backcountry.
• Group camping equipment, such as tents and cooking equipment.
• All technical climbing equipment (except footwear, snowshoes or skis), is provided.