Welcome to the 2025 OSAT Glacier Climbing Course
Registration for the course will open November 10th, 2024
Events planned can be found here: OSAT Calendar
For general questions about registration contact 2025 GCC Registrar Jimmy V. at registrar@osat.org.
2024 OSAT GCC Committee with contact info
2025 GCC Scholarship Program
Our 2025 pilot scholarship program has proven incredibly successful! In light of this, OSAT is proud to announce that the program of financial aid scholarships will be expanded to increase our reach in the recovery community. Please see the GCC Scholarship information sheet for details.
GCC Instructor Resources:
Instructions for Calendar Event Creation
Conditioner Log for Check In
Additional Trip Leader Resources are on the Activities>Resources menu
Glacier Climbing Course FAQs
Q: Who can participate?
A: The GCC is for members of 12 step recovery programs, as well as their family and friends who actively support them in recovery. In order to enroll in the GCC course, you must first be an OSAT club member. To become an OSAT club member, please visit www.osat.org/join.
Q: What skills will be taught?
A: During the six month course, students will learn how to choose and use mountaineering equipment, maintain the safety of their team, navigation, ice axe self-arrest techniques, proper team roped travel skills, snow camping, and crevasse rescue technique. Summiting Mount Baker or El Dorado Peak (condition dependent) are often exciting opportunities chosen for a final course graduation climb.
Q: What is required?
A: The course requires participants to undertake a serious conditioning and training regimen. The course starts in January and is typically organized with a monthly seminar (weekday evening), field trip (weekend), and conditioner (various options) each month. Additionally, there will be ongoing google classroom assignments, skills assessments, timed physical trials, and a stewardship activity required before June graduation climbs (weekend). GCC participants must be able to attend all in-person events (both indoor and outdoor) to continue in the course. To ensure the safety of our climb teams, 100% attendance is required in order to be eligible for graduation, no exceptions. Participation requires a willingness to adhere to all safety guidelines published by the 2025 GCC committee.
**2025 dates TBD. Check back soon!**
Q: What exactly are the GCC conditioners and how often do they take place over the course of a month?
A: Conditioners are scheduled events led by a GCC instructor. In past years they have generally capped out at 10-12 people per conditioner and once the course begins conditioners are scheduled throughout the year. We offer conditioners on both weekends and weekdays. They are an opportunity for students to practice skills, enhance learning about mountains/hiking/climbing/outdoors, and condition your mind and body as well as get to know your fellow students and instructors. At every conditioner there is a conditioner lead, support instructor, and a WFA (wilderness first aid trained instructor) in addition to 8ish students. Conditioning should not be limited to these hikes and we recommend prioritizing additional conditioning throughout the month. We often use the acronym: ABC = Always Be Conditioning
Q: What are time trials?
A: Time trials are a measure of safety and skill. We want to make sure students can safely carry weight up a mountain in a certain amount of time. Starting in February, our conditioners will have increasing weight requirements to help ensure student success before the first time trial in April. We offer more than ample opportunity for students to register for and complete time trials.
Q: What prior experience is needed to be able to participate in the course?
A: Not much prior experience is required although hiking, walking, carrying weight, and working out are all assets which will enhance your ability to complete this course and navigate the mountains safely and enjoyably. If you have very little previous experience hiking or climbing, you can start working out, walking, hiking, etc. now to start building some strength and experience. Again, ABC :)
Q: How many people participate in the GCC course each year? How can I prepare for registration?
A: The course fills up quickly and has been capped at 66 students in the past (2025 details coming soon!). If you're interested in becoming a GCC student for 2025, we recommend becoming an OSAT member now (register via website) and getting your calendars ready for when registration for the 2025 GCC opens on November 10, 2024 at 6 AM. You will need a Google email address to participate in the course (we'll be using Google Classroom for lessons). There is a waitlist available once the course is full.
Q: How much does the course cost?
A: A $175 fee is due at sign up (2025 details TBD). Fee is refundable if you cancel before midnight on December 31st, 2024.
Q: When does the course start?
A: The first event is usually in-person in January (date TBD), but there will be some required online work and a Tiger Mountain Meeting to attend due before then. We will communicate the details, via email, once registered for the course.
Q: How do I Register?
A: First, join OSAT.
OSAT club meetings and AA meetings are good places to learn more about OSAT, and visitors are always welcome. If you would like to join us and access members-only portion of the web site, including our activities calendar and forums, become a member today!
Once you are a member, you'll be able to access the calendar to see prior year's events and register for the 2025 GCC on November 10th, 2024.
Q: What about COVID-19?
A: Given that OSAT prioritizes the safety of all members, participations (students and instructors) in the 2025 GCC are highly encourage to be fully vaccinated as recommended by state and local guidance.