Our Hiking Intro Course is seasonal in that its content is adapted to follow the seasons. So, in winter, it really becomes a mirror of our Winter Skills course, with a few tweaks. What changes over that course, in essence, is the scope, scale, and objective. The Hiking Intro course is followed by a 3-4 hour educational hike. There we there discuss some of what was learned in the classroom, and we talk about the concepts of flat footing as applied to spikes, snowshoes, or whatever’s on our feet for the afternoon. We also practice various ascent, descent, and energy conservation methods, using poles, etc. The Winter Skills course on the other hand is often followed by our half day Mountaineering Skills course and a summit attempt on Mt Washington the next day — often as part of our two-day program.
One couple came to us looking for just this thing. That wasn’t exactly clear at first, but Redline Guide Mike Cherim asked some questions and the answers he got helped him shape the day to suit. As it turned out, what was laid out before them for the day was a perfect fit. The team got some nice views, a bit of a workout headed up to the Whitehorse Ledge summit, and they all had a terrific time. All while taking in a ton of information to help keep them safe and happy out there winter hiking. Here are some photos (mostly of the hike).
