Note: Applications closed for the 2024 class

Applications are now closed for the 2024 class. They will reopen again in the fall of 2024 (for those interested in the 2025 class).

Applications will close on November 30, 2023. (The cost of the class, if accepted, is $700. Tuition assistance is available - more details in the application.)

Before applying, consider carefully:

• All students must be or become members of the WAC (How to Join) if they are accepted into the class. Inactive WAC members will need to renew.

• Students must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the class. 

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

• All applicants will be interviewed in December and notified of their application status by mid-January. If accepted into the class, you will need to pay tuition within 10 days.

• Refunds are only given if we can fill your spot before class begins.

• Make sure you can attend all classroom lectures and weekend trips on the schedule, including the backup weekends. Attendance is mandatory.

  • To keep all the students on the same content, we strictly enforce mandatory attendance. If you can't make the class, be an adult and let the instructors know. The inability to make a class can result in forfeiting the right to graduate the class. The cost of the class will be donated to the club if an accepted student pays but cannot finish the class.

• Sourcing required gear is your responsibility. Purchasing costs can be substantial, often more than class tuition.

  • The Gear List details all gear you will need for each field trip.

  • Once class begins, we will set up gear nights with local retailers where you can get discounts as students. You may also benefit from waiting to buy or borrow gear until you clarify your exact needs with the help of class instructors.

• Climbing comes with risks. To be considered for the class, you are required to fill out the liability waivers. You must also have health insurance throughout the class to cover any injuries.

• If cost is your primary concern, tuition reduction and gear assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis to a limited number of students. This may take the form of borrowing or renting gear, subsidizing specific costs, and other creative solutions. Let's have a conversation to understand your situation and what we can do to include you. Please do not hesitate to apply!

Application instructions:

1. Submit the application.

   1. • Note that to assess current fitness you need to hike Mount Si carrying a 30-lb backpack and to keep track of how long it takes you to arrive at the meadow at the base of the Haystack. Time yourself from the trailhead to the meadow. You will need a Discover Pass for parking. Directions and trail description are at: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-si. The application will require you to enter in your time, a recent date hiked, and trail conditions.

2. We will contact you via email to schedule an interview. 

3. The class is selected in January, and all applicants will be notified accordingly. Those who are accepted will be sent payment instructions for the class fee and a request to sign the class waiver.

Thanks for applying!