Bellingham Mountaineers Speaker Series Event
Splitters and Choss Piles
Tuesday, January 8 @ 7:30pm
Backcountry Essentials

Climber Steph Abegg and geologist Doug McKeever will join forces to discuss the variety of rock types that are most commonly encountered in climbs in Washington. Steph will provide photos illustrating the various rock types and the quality of climbing they afford, while Doug will provide detail about the various compositions, origins, and locations of the different rock types.

More info at:  http://bit.ly/SplittersandChossPiles

Intermediate Mountaineering Course
January – September 2019
Bellingham, Leavenworth, Mount Baker and more!
Now Accepting Applications DUE Jan 15, 2019

The Bellingham Mountaineering Intermediate Course is a continuation of the Basic Course or for those climbers with equivalent experience. This course focuses on building on your knowledge while emphasizing safety, leadership and climbing instruction. Successful completion requires a significant commitment of time, effort and money. You will learn techniques such as leading on rock or ice, setting protection, anchors, handling multi-pitch routes, self rescue AND MORE! Graduates have the knowledge and skills to organize and lead basic-level climbs and participate in intermediate level climbs.

Mountaineers Methow Valley Winter Weekend
Friday, Jan 4 at 3:00pm to Sunday, Jan 6 at 5:00pm
Methow Valley,  Winthrop, WA

Head over to the beautiful Methow Valley for a weekend of enjoyable outdoor activities in central Washington! The Methow Valley is home to some of the best skiing and snowshoeing in the country, and the local community is lively with activity all winter long.

• Contact: Danielle Graham
• Email: pedergraham@gmail.com
• Committee: Seattle Skiing Committee
• Branch: Seattle

New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunges and Runs
Tuesday, January 1
Lake Padden, Birch Bay, or Sudden Valley
Event Details from BE in Bellingham

Polar Bear Plunge at Birch Bay, Jan. 1, 2019, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This local tradition has been ongoing since 1982 and has become an international destination on New Year’s Day. Be sure to bring towels, a blanket and an extra set of warm clothes!

Lake Padden Resolution Run and Polar Dip, Jan. 1, 2019, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For those who like a good fun run before they plunge into ice cold water, try this event at Lake Padden. Silly costumes are encouraged! More details here. (Check the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Facebook page by December 31 to find out if the event has been canceled due to algae.)

Polar Bear Plunge in Sudden Valley, Jan. 1, 2019, 10 a.m. – Noon. Join Sudden Valley Community Association for their first Annual Polar Bear Plunge at the Sudden Valley Marina! There will be fire pits, a warming tent, FREE Hot Cocoa and Cider, Hot Adult beverages for purchase, and prizes for best costume.

Mount Baker LBS Locals Qualifer
Sunday and Monday, January 20 & 21
Mount Baker Ski Area

Locals, you must either have a 2018-19 Mt. Baker season pass or live in one of the following areas; Whatcom, Skagit or Island County or the Lower Mainland of BC (White Rock, Surrey, Langley, Matsqui, Abbottsford, Chilliwack). Locals who win a spot in the LBS must complete their registration (including entry fee payment) by the posted deadline or their spot will be given away to another lucky racer.

Locals Entry Begins: January 8, 2019 at 9:00 am
Locals Entry Deadline: January 15 or the first 250 racers, whichever comes first

Avalanche Awareness Training
Multiple Dates
Mountaineers and Others

If you’re planning to head out in the mountains this winter, make sure you have the education and skills to make risk decisions in avalanche terrain.

Mountaineers Courses
American Alpine Institute Courses
Other WA Course Providers
Northwest Avalanche Center
American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education

NSEA Work Parties: 
Work Party Info

1/21 10:00am to 1:00pm
Whatcom Creek estuary in Maritime Heritage Park, 1600 C Street. Sign in near the fish hatchery. Work party will be followed by a celebration with free pizza and a raffle.

WTA:  Find a Work Party

1/3 Deception Pass State Park

1/4 & 1/5  Sehome Arboretum

1/9, 1/16 & 1/23 Larrabee State Park

1/18, 1/19 &1/20 Oyster Dome

1/26 & 1/27 Hemlock Trail