BMC does not have any prerequisite climbing skills, this is a course covering the basics.  It is helpful, but not required, to have some hiking and camping experience.

As part of the application process, a fitness evaluation will be required for all students and instructors.

The fitness evaluation is designed to help better balance the BMC teams with a range of fitness levels. This will help all students to receive a nearly identical mountaineering learning experience regardless of team.

Additionally, it will give you an evaluation of your own fitness before the class starts, and an idea of the exertion expected on the class outings.

Reference the Fitness Evaluation for more details.

Yes.

No, we recommend waiting until after the first lecture to purchase gear to ensure you know the appropriate gear choices for this course.  We also are often able to work with local gear shops to get deals for our students.

Note: The caveat is with the stressed supply chain, it may be more difficult that normal to find a good selection in stock.

Please see the BMC Course Policy document for details.

Generally, you can cancel with a full refund prior to class starting.

The application window opens January 1st and remains open until January 15th.  We will notify applicants of acceptance or regrets on or before February 1st.

All applications submitted during the window are considered.

A copy of the application will be available on this page in December for those who would like extra time to prepare their answers.

As BMC is a strenuous and physically demanding course, we ask that all applicants hike the Mt. Si trail with a 20 lb pack before submitting their application. Time the hike from leaving the parking lot until the trail leaves the woods and reaches the pile of boulders (just time the climb, not the round-trip).  This time will ideally be around 2 hours (a little longer if the trail is icy).  If the time is over 2:15(ish), you will need to increase your fitness in order to be successful in the course.  Additionally, we ask that you submit your GPS track or other proof of your hike when you send your application.

Returning students from the cancelled 2020 course will have a streamlined application process and will be emailed the applicable form on or around Jan 1.  All returning students must indicate their decision to join BMC-2022 by Jan 15th, or their spot will be opened to new applicants.

They will receive a credit towards 2022 class fees equal to the amount not refunded to them in 2020.

If they do not feel comfortable returning to BMC in 2022, they have the option of deferring until 2023, with the same priority application and fees credit (please let the BMC Head Instructor know if this is your intention).