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:

• mountaineering equipment and concepts
• navigation
• surviving in the cold
• physical conditioning
• alpine climbing on rock, snow, and ice
• glacier travel and crevasse rescue
• expedition/trip planning

Check out the full schedule.

Come to the intro party.

Comments from students

The thousands of steps I took during the school helped me take my first step towards becoming a well rounded, safe, and confident mountaineer. It was a big personal challenge, but the rewards are things that I can use and enjoy for years to come. Aaron Stout, student in 2009-2010

This is an extremely empowering course that will open the door to thoroughly enjoying the winter season. Michelle Najera, student in 2009-2010

It's the most challenging thing I've done in years. And one of the most enjoyable. Derek Stuart, student in 2009-2010

The process of getting ready for the graduation trip - mentally and physically - was challenging, fun, and life-altering. I feel tremendous gratitude to the impressive team of experienced, dedicated, and supportive mountaineers who come out year after year to put on this course. Judith Scanlon, student in 2009-2010

The ECP Mountaineering School will test your strength, push your limits and open a world of possibilities that you never thought existed! This course is to be taken humbly and with an open mind. It is so good I took it twice! Kevin Chartier, student in 2008-2009 & 2009-2010

The school will push you beyond what you thought you could accomplish. Friends that you make on the mountain are unlike any that you will have in any other aspect of your life. Justin Kaiser, student in 2009-2010