Wilderness Trekking School (WTS)

Wilderness Trekking School is Colorado Mountain Club’s largest school, a comprehensive course on mountain hiking. Students are all ages, from 18 to 80. If you’re new to hiking, WTS gives you the opportunity to learn how to travel safely – and with confidence – in the backcountry. If you’re an experienced hiker, WTS gives you a chance to review, to enhance your skills, and possibly to fill in some gaps:

  • What kind of gear to carry and clothes to wear.
  • How to travel on different types of terrain in different seasons.
  • Navigate in the field using a map and compass.
  • Leadership.
  • Survival techniques.
  • First aid.
  • Weather, avalanche, and wildlife considerations.
  • Snow travel and self-arrest
  • Nutrition

Over a period of five lectures, four field trips, and a group hike, you will get the opportunity to:

  • Learn theories and techniques of safe backcountry travel,
  • Practice skills in a non-competitive, non-confrontational, very safe setting, and
  • Plan and complete a group hike with your field group.

This is a great place to learn and practice skills, make new friends, and become a safe backcountry traveler.

Note - Registration for the Spring 2012 session is now open.

Overview and Curriculum

2012 Spring Schedule      2012 tentative Fall schedule

Online sign-up

FAQs

WTS Student Application Download for mail/fax/in person

Student Manual

Student Discounts

Photos of WTS in Action!

Instructor Photos

Video Project Order Form Fall 2011

WTS Committee Contacts

Testimonial – Don’t Leave Home Without It

Testimonial – Learning the ABC’s of Hiking

WTS Waiver

Wanted: WTS Instructors

Instructor Forms

Poetry Corner

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