PCT Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike Prep Course
Gain the skills needed to successfully complete your PCT thru-hike despite unusually snowy, wintery conditions! Learn the difference between microspikes and crampons, how to self-arrest with an ice axe in case of a fall, route timing to avoid avalanche danger and post holing in soft snow, safe river crossings, and more!
Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear
We'll cover all of the topics you need to feel comfortable completing the Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada, in any conditions. We cover planning, altitude illness, trail conditions, prep, winter camping and more!
Here's the schedule for your course:
- Pre-Course Webinar We'll go over some of the basics and planning for the PCT and dial in the logistics and plan for the field portion of the prep course
- Day 1 Briefing for the field days, gear check and final packing, camp setup and field lessons.
- Day 2 Mountaineering skills lessons, practice and coaching,
- See the Itinerary Tab for details on all of the topics covered!
We'll cover the following topics throughout the course, between the webinar and 2 field days:
- Microspikes vs. Crampons - will microspikes be sufficient this year?
- Trail runners vs. crampon compatible boots. What is the boot of choice given the conditions?
- Strategies and skills for managing steep, icy slopes.
- Self-arrest using tools you're carrying, covering both ice axe techniques and ski poles and when it is appropriate to use each.
- River crossings - water could be higher than ever this year!
- Navigation/Route Planning (some trails will be completely covered by snow)
- Route timing - to avoid avalanche danger and post-holing in soft snow.
- Altitude Illness - how to prevent and how to recognize (HACE/HAPE)
- Snow camp craft - camping in the snow with lightweight gear
- Emergency Communication in remote areas - devices to consider and strategies for communicating with your emergency contacts (and support team)
Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:
- This is an introductory program - No mountaineering experience is required!
- Basic Fitness - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 3-5 miles and climb 1,000-1,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.
- Mountaineering Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Ropes and Gear for training
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
- Wag bags for human waste disposal - in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness
- Guide Gratuities
Mountaineering Gear
- Ice Axe
- Crampons
- Climbing Harness
Know Before you go
Price/Person
$650.00
Private Programs
Duration: 2 Days
View Full Itinerary
PRIVATE PROGRAMS
- Custom Scheduling: Choose your dates and plan around your availability.
- Tailored Experiences: Itineraries and objectives are adjusted to suit your goals, experience, and fitness.
- Cost-Effective for Most Large Groups: Private programs are typically more cost-effective for groups of 3 or more.
- Flexibility Comes at a Price: For groups of 1-2, private programs are generally more expensive.
- AIARE Courses: AIARE course pricing is based on a group of 6. Running these as a private program with fewer than 6 participants will increase the per-person cost.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMS
- Fixed Dates & Costs: Scheduled programs have set dates, itineraries, objectives, and pricing.
- Great for Solo or Small Groups: Ideal for individuals or small groups looking to share costs with others.
- Affordable for 1-2 People: Scheduled programs are typically less expensive for groups of 1-2.
- Less Flexibility: Dates fill quickly, and group programs require adapting to the skill level and pace of all participants
- Group Atmosphere: Meet others with similar interests and make some new backcountry buddies!
Note: Any scheduled program can also be run as a private program with customized dates and rates.
Both options offer exceptional guiding and experiences. Choose what works best for you!
Full Itinerary
https://blackbirdguides.com/collections/rentals-services
We'll cover all of the topics you need to feel comfortable completing the Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada, in any conditions. We cover planning, altitude illness, trail conditions, prep, winter camping and more!
Here's the schedule for your course:
- Pre-Course Webinar We'll go over some of the basics and planning for the PCT and dial in the logistics and plan for the field portion of the prep course
- Day 1 Briefing for the field days, gear check and final packing, camp setup and field lessons.
- Day 2 Mountaineering skills lessons, practice and coaching,
- See the Itinerary Tab for details on all of the topics covered!
We'll cover the following topics throughout the course, between the webinar and 2 field days:
- Microspikes vs. Crampons - will microspikes be sufficient this year?
- Trail runners vs. crampon compatible boots. What is the boot of choice given the conditions?
- Strategies and skills for managing steep, icy slopes.
- Self-arrest using tools you're carrying, covering both ice axe techniques and ski poles and when it is appropriate to use each.
- River crossings - water could be higher than ever this year!
- Navigation/Route Planning (some trails will be completely covered by snow)
- Route timing - to avoid avalanche danger and post-holing in soft snow.
- Altitude Illness - how to prevent and how to recognize (HACE/HAPE)
- Snow camp craft - camping in the snow with lightweight gear
- Emergency Communication in remote areas - devices to consider and strategies for communicating with your emergency contacts (and support team)
Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:
- This is an introductory program - No mountaineering experience is required!
- Basic Fitness - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 3-5 miles and climb 1,000-1,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.
- Mountaineering Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Ropes and Gear for training
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
- Wag bags for human waste disposal - in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness
- Guide Gratuities
Mountaineering Gear
- Ice Axe
- Crampons
- Climbing Harness
PCT Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike Prep Course
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PCT Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike Prep Course
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