January 5, 2000 MITOC Winter School 2
Goals of Winter SchoolGoals of Winter School
• Introduce wilderness winter sports
• Teach techniques
• Demonstrate equipment
• Teach safety
• Instill wilderness ethics
• Provide first hand experience
January 5, 2000 MITOC Winter School 4
ActivitiesActivities
Hiking (below and above treeline)Winter CampingCross-Country SkiingIce Climbing (limited)
January 5, 2000 MITOC Winter School 7
Why Winter School?Why Winter School?
• Everybody is here with free time (IAP)
• Unique challenges posed by weather and terrain
• Mountains are less crowded
• Preparation for other expeditions
January 5, 2000 MITOC Winter School 9
Pre-Requisites Pre-Requisites
• No winter experience necessary
• Mild weather experience desired but not necessary
• Open mind (accept what others teach you)
• Common sense (know your limits)
• Enthusiasm is welcome
January 5, 2000 MITOC Winter School 10
OverviewOverview
• Why is attendance important?
• First and most important things (clothing, food)
• Cool stuff (lectures, movies, talk shows)
• Leaders are people too - ask questions, get to know them, make friends
January 5, 2000 MITOC Winter School 11
Inherent DangerInherent Danger
• Winter environment is unforgiving
• You will be far away (up to a day) from any help
• Serious injury can result from frostbite, injury, and other accidents. You can lose digits or entire body parts
• Death can occur from hypothermia, exposure, accidents, drowning, and other ways
• Several people die every year in the White Mountains, especially the Presidentials
January 5, 2000 MITOC Winter School 23
LogisticsLogistics• Optional lectures concern special topics:
xc skiing, orienteering, cold-weather injuries, avalanches
• Some lectures cumulative and mandatory: clothing, day hikes, overnights, above treeline travel, safety
• Gear rental Thursday (8-9pm)
• Weekend outing
• Return gear on Monday (5-6pm)
Lectures: 35-225, 6:30 – 9:00pm
Office: 4th floor Student Center (w20-461)
Bring Checkbook – No Cash or Credit Cards
January 5, 2000 MITOC Winter School 24
Trip ScheduleTrip Schedule
Week 1Below tree-line day hiking, XC skiing
Week 2Above tree-line hiking, XC skiing, snow camping
Week 3 and laterMulti-day hikes and sustained above tree-line travel
We will continue to have easier hikes throughout Winter School if demand is sufficient.