Exkursion
School of Wintercraft
 
When the snow starts to fall and the ice starts to form, Western Pennsylvania becomes a climbing and skiing playground! Learn to explore it with our skilled and experienced instructors!
 
Classes include:
Basic Ice Workshop
Cross Country Ski Workshop
XC & Tele Waxing Workshop
 "Telepalooza 2008" Ski Demo
Intro to Winter Backpacking
Advanced Winter Backpacking / Winter Mountaineering Introduction
To Register: Call (412) 372-7030

 
Basic Ice Workshop
 
Suggested Prerequisite: Top-Rope Workshop (Rock)
 
Winter doesn't mean the end of climbing season; for us it is just the beginning! Join us to learn the techniques essential to climb waterfall ice. Basic experience with knot-tying, belaying, and proper use of equipment is expected. All ice-specific topics will be discussed, including handling ice tools and crampons and moving efficiently over ice.
 
The class will consist of one indoor session during which we will discuss equipment, technique, and belaying from the comfort of Exkursion Monroeville. After completing one of the indoor sessions, we will place you on our call list for outdoor sessions. When the ice comes in, we'll give you a call and start the ice chips flying!
 
**THE MINIMUM AGE FOR THE CLASS IS 18.
 
ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE BASIC ICE CLASS, YOU ARE INVITED TO CLIMB WITH ANY OF OUR SUBSEQUENT OUTINGS! (BOOTS/CRAMPONS NOT INCLUDED)
 
Dates:
Indoor Sessions:
  • January 3rd, 7-9 PM
  • February 7th, 7-9 PM
    Outdoor Sessions:
  • TBA (based on ice conditions)
     
    COST:
     $130 if we provide boots and crampons
     $100 if you have your own boots and crampons
     

     
    		•  Cross Country Ski Workshop
     
    Got skis? Get skills! Learn to take advantage of the wide range of ski trails accessible to Pittsburgh XC'ers. We will discuss equipment such as bindings, boots, wax and waxless ski bases, as well as technique for groomed and backcountry trails. This class is a fantastic way to break into a great aerobic activity that will keep you going during the winter months!
     
    Dates: January 20th, February 17th 2008
    Location: Laurel Highlands Region
    Dates:

     
    COST: $10* (FREE with purchase of full XC ski package!)
    XC & Telemark Ski Waxing Clinic
     
    Tired of variable Northeast snow conditions ruining your day out? Take advantage of our years of experience and learn to wax like a pro! Even "waxless" skis work better with waxing know-how. Wax on. Wax off.
     
    Date: January 20th, 2008
    Location: Exkursion and Boyce Park in Monroeville

     
    COST: FREE! *call ahead to reserve your spot
    Telepalooza 2008 Ski Demo
     
    Ever go downhill skiing and wonder what those folks are doing with their knee dropped? Come to the Telepalooza festival and find out all about telemark skiing! Join us to demo the latest telemark skis and boots and learn why they say, "Free your heel, free your mind!"
     
    Dates: February 2nd-3rd, 2008
    Location: Seven Springs Resort
    Intro to Winter Backpacking
     
    Backpacking in the winter doesn't have to hurt. Come out for a snowy weekend of backpacking in the Laurel Highlands region. We will be camping in shelters, so no tents are required! The class consists of two indoor sessions and one weekend outing. Topics we wil cover include specialized equipment, how to stay warm in frigid temps, and cooking.
     
    Dates:
  • Indoor Sessions: February 4th & 11th, 7-9 PM
  • Outing: February 16th-17th, 2008
     
    LOCATION:Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
    COST:$15
     
    		•
    Advanced Winter Backpacking - Winter Mountaineering Intro
     
    Prerequisites: Intro to Winter Backpacking AND Basic Ice Workshop
     
    Living it up in the shelters of the LHHT isn't enough anymore? Eager for something more than Western PA rolling hills? Come out and learn to live comfortably in the wild places of our world. We will prepare for, plan, and execute a weekend-long backpacking/climbing trip to one of the most intense wilderness areas in the northeast: the High Peaks of the Adirondaks. Our major goal for the trip will be a winter ascent of the Trap Dike, a moderate and classic Northeast mountaineering objective. Expect solitude, deep snow, hard ice, frigid temps, great food, and an even better experience!
     
    Dates:
  • Indoor Sessions: Please call store for details
  • Outing: Please call store for details
     
    LOCATION:High Peaks region of the Adirondaks, NY
    COST:$125

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