The Mountaineering School begins every year in October with the details published sometime in September. If you've stopped by sometime between March and August, have a look around and check back in September for the coming year's details.

Interested in Mountaineering?

The Explorers Club of Pittsburgh Mountaineering School runs annually from October through February. This is a great introduction to winter climbing in the mountains, and is a fantastic time! Put in the work, and you will definitely enjoy yourself. If you are interested, start digging into this website or download an application.

Class topics include:

  • physical conditioning
  • navigation and cold weather camping
  • alpine climbing
  • glacier travel and crevasse rescue
  • trip planning

Check out the full schedule.

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Comments from students

Wanted to let you know i had a greaaaaaaat time and learneeeeed a lot at the school. I pledge to send a photo from summits of some of the mountains that I hope to do (I will).Rojo, student in 2007-08

A lot of fun! Everything was interesting and great. Challenging and rewarding. Great support from instructors.Susy Altamura, student in 2005-06

Initial Motivations to Join:

  • Next logical step from the ECP Rock School.
  • To say that "I did it."
  • The mountaineers seemed far more motivated than others to go out and do stuff.
  • Get to meet new people.

Joe Stahovic Jr, student in 2005-06

Probably the greatest driver post graduation has been the people I've met through the school. Great motivators. Setting good examples of what I could accomplish. The school DEFINITELY increased my interest level. The outings were the best!Geo Moore, student in 2005-06