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Mountaineering Program
MWR Community Recreation is bringing back our Mountaineering Program in 2026! We will teach you all the foundations of mountaineering, including avalanche awareness, ascending steep snow slopes, and using an ice axe. Our program will culminate with climbing two of Washington’s volcanoes: Mount St. Helens in May and Mount Adams in June. Attendance at our Avalanche Awareness and Ice Axe Skills Workshops is required to participate in our two summit attempts. Visit the Community Recreation office or call (425) 304-3573 for more information
Information Classes (Free)
Thursday, Feb. 12 | 6-7 p.m.
Curious about summiting one of Washington's five volcanoes, or other major peaks? Come find out what mountaineering is all about in this introductory class! We will cover gear, training, and skills, and give you a rundown of MWR's mountaineering program in 2025, where we will summit Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams.
Avalanche Awareness Classes (Free)
Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, March 12 | 6-8 p.m.
Learn how to identify avalanche terrain in the field and read avalanche forecasts to ensure you stay safe on your winter excursions. This class is a prerequisite to participate in our Mount St. Helens climb in May and Mount Adams climb in June.
Ice Axe Skills Workshops ($16 Community Recreation, $14 Liberty-Eligible)
Saturday, Feb. 28 – 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 – 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 –7 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Ice Axe Skills: Learn how to safely navigate snow slopes using an ice axe. We will cover self-belay, self-arrest, glissading techniques, and other items for basic mountaineering skills. This class is a prerequisite for our Mount St. Helens climb in May and Mount Adams in June.
Summit Attempts
Mount St. Helens: May 11-12, $200
Mount Adams: June 18-20, $260
Disclaimer: 18+ to participate. Open to 14-17 with a parent participating in the program.
