Apply

Before you apply

You must have completed an AIARE Level 1, or a formally recognized equivalent such as AST Level 1 or ISTA Level 1 within the last five years, and before October 15, 2026.

You may still apply while registered for an avalanche course you haven't taken yet, as long as the course you're registered for is completed before Lecture 1 of the class. We will require proof of your course completion.

You must have an active Washington Alpine Club membership for the duration of the course. You do not need an active membership to apply, but you must have an active membership once the course begins.

You are responsible for supplying your own equipment (see Gear).

Skiing and riding ability

This is a course in backcountry travel, navigation, and decision making, and the descent is not the primary focus of this course. If you are still learning to ski or ride, we encourage you to hone your skills for a bit longer on- and off-piste and apply again when you feel more comfortable.

You do not need to be an expert. We will not be skiing steep or narrow lines, and will not be venturing into "big" terrain. We choose terrain that best helps facilitate the goals of the course, while being safe and enjoyable to ski. You should be able to move through variable terrain under control. Crud, breakable crust, wind affected snow, trees, and tighter turns may all be encountered on tours. If you have concerns about being able to ski these types of conditions safely, or would like to discuss your abilities with us, please reach out. We're happy to help.

How to apply

1. Submit the student application during the application window. The application link will appear here and on the home page once the window opens.
2. After you apply, we will schedule a 15 minute video interview with you to get to know you a little bit better, and for you to ask us questions.
3. Wait for an email from us. We select course candidates after the application window closes.
4. If you are accepted, you will pay for the course, join or renew your WAC membership, and finish your course registration.

Selection process

We select our cohort once the application window has closed (no rolling admissions). We consider various aspects, including fundamental skiing and snowboarding skills, previous involvement in other WAC activities and courses, previous applications to this course, and access / lack of access to the outdoors.

We are looking for people who can safely and skillfully enjoy the class, and who are excited about contributing to the greater backcountry community.

We typically have more applicants than there are available spots in the course. If you are not selected for this year's cohort, we do encourage you to apply again next year.

Access Scholarship

The Access Scholarship reduces tuition for two students each year. It exists to support the participation of people from marginalized communities in backcountry travel.

It is a self-selected field: check the box on the application. Only the co-chairs see who select it. There are no extra forms or obligations attached, and if more people self-select than we can fund, we choose among those at random.

Consider self-selecting if any of these describe you. The list isn't exhaustive:

• you identify as a member of a marginalized community
• you don't have an undergraduate degree
• you're a single parent, or you support dependents financially
• English isn't your first language
• you aren't a U.S. citizen
• you rely on credit card debt for necessities
• you don't have financially stable family to fall back on
• affording or getting healthcare is a struggle
• you're unemployed or underemployed
• you have little discretionary income

Questions about any of this reach the co-chairs, and only the co-chairs, at wac-bc-chairs@googlegroups.com.