Snowshoe and Orienteering Skills

Ditch the crowds. Learn how to travel safely off-trail and practice a range of snowshoeing techniques including climbing hills, traversing and descending. Build confidence with reading maps in snowy terrain, compass skills, dressing to stay warm all day and winter safety procedures.

What should I expect on a Women's Wilderness Course?The Women's Winter Program is designed to help build solid winter outdoor skills for women in an empowering and affirming style. Courses are educational, fun, and supportive. Women's Wilderness Institute staff will lead each course.

You can expect to learn a lot, do a lot, laugh a lot, and be tired out by the end of the day! Our intention is to teach you the skills to go out and have your own adventures, and to have fun in the process. Women's Wilderness Institute courses are real-life adventures, rather than guided expeditions, and you can expect to give a hand in all the aspects of the day, including carrying gear, preparing lunch, and packing up, and to always have a say in whatever you're doing.

What do I need to bring?After you have enrolled, you will be sent a packet that will include a list of things to bring. You should be prepared for any kind of weather for this clinic, and have enough clothing to be comfortable standing around in cold winter temperatures. Some items, including snowshoes, may be borrowed from Women's Wilderness.

What will we eat? We'll pack a great lunch and plenty of snacks. We always have vegetarian options, and we can accommodate some common food allergies and dietary needs. If you have dietary restrictions, or you'd like to bring your own lunch, please let us know several days before your course.

How will I get to the course start?An e-mail with the site and driving directions will be sent to you one week before the course start. The course will begin at 8:00am and will end at 5:00pm.

What about fitness? This course requires a moderate level of fitness. We strongly suggest conditioning for quads and glutes, and regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before your course. If you have questions about your level of fitness or would like suggestions about how to physically prepare, please give us a call.

Payment Schedule & Cancellation PolicyFull payment is required for one day courses with The Women's Wilderness Institute. The application fee of $60 included in the full course fee is non-refundable, unless for some reason we cannot accept you on the course.

CANCELLATION POLICY - PLEASE READ!Our cancellation/refund policy is based on our investment in staff time, course planning, and food and equipment purchases before your course. Course tuition includes a $60 nonrefundable application fee.

Cancellation refunds will be given according to the following schedule:

Days prior to course start:

More than 60 days: 100% of full tuition minus $60 application fee.
21-59 days: 50% minus $60 application fee.
8-20 days: No refunds, however 50% minus the $60 application fee may be transferred to another course in 2010.
Less than 7 days: No refunds or transfers.

If we cancel a trip: TWWI reserves the right to cancel a trip if sign-up is inadequate to make the trip economically feasible for us to operate. If this happens, we will fully refund the stated cost including the application fee. However, TWWI is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip, e.g. transportation costs, gear, etc.

Trip Insurance Safeguard your adventure! Plans can change without warning, which is why we recommend securing your course by investing in trip insurance, for example with: