OP Spring 2023 Program Guide

Avalanche Rescue Clinic Sat., Jan. 21 $20 Jan. 16 Learn to Snowboard or Ski Sat., Jan. 21 $20 Jan. 16 Intro to Backcountry Skiing/Riding Sun., Jan. 22 $15 Jan. 16

Cross Country Ski Tour - Molas Pass Sat., Jan. 28 $10 Jan. 23 Ice Skating in Silverton Sun., Jan. 29 $20 Jan. 23

Fri., Feb. 3 to Sun., Feb. 5 $45 Jan. 30 Full Moon Snowshoe Adventure Sat., Feb. 4 $10 Jan. 30 Learn to Snowboard or Ski Sun., Feb. 5 $20 Jan. 30

Cross Country Ski Tour - La Plata Sat., Feb. 11 $10 Feb. 6

Backpacking in Bandelier Natl. Mon.

Thr., Feb. 16 to Sun., Feb. 19 $45 Feb. 6 Ice Climbing Weekend Fri., Feb. 17 to Sun., Feb. 19 $45 Feb. 6

Thr., Feb. 23 Free N/A

Snowshoe Adventure Sat., Feb. 25 $10 Feb. 20

Guided Backcountry Ski/Ride Day Sat., Mar. 4 $15 Feb. 27

Canyon of the Ancients Day Hike Sat., Mar. 4 $10 Feb. 27

Cross Country Ski Tour - Vallecito Sun., Mar. 5 $10 Feb. 27

AIARE Rec Level 1 Avy Course - Hut Based

Wed., Mar. 8 (evening) $350 Feb. 27 Fri., Mar. 10 to Sun., Mar. 12

Intro to Mountain Bike Clinic Sat., Mar. 11 $10 Mar. 6

Exploration of Bears Ears Natl. Monument

ACA Kayak Instructor Course

Intro Backpacking Weekend

Meteor Shower Viewing - Natural Bridges

Fri., Mar. 31 to Sun., Apr. 2 $40 Mar. 27

Fri., Apr. 7 to Sun., Apr. 9 $170 Mar. 27 Fri., Apr. 21 to Sun., Apr. 23

Fri., Apr. 7 to Sun., Apr. 9 $40 Apr. 3

Fri., Apr. 21 to Sun., Apr. 23 $40 Apr. 17

Clinics and Upcoming Events

Kayak Pool Sessions @ the Pool

Wednesday Evenings from 6 to 8 PM (Beginning Jan. 18) Come learn the basics of whitewater kayaking. All equipment is provided. All you need is a bathing suit. Cost: Free!

Women’s History Month Events

Women Take Over the Wall - Wednesday, March 1 from 5 to 8 PM

Women Take Over the Pool - Wednesday, March 8 from 6 to 8 PM

Women’s Beginner Mountain Bike Clinc - Wed., Mar. 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM No Man’s Land Film Festival - Thursday, March 30 @ 7 PM (Vallecito Room)

Spring Break Equipment Check-out

Tuesday, March 14 from 7 to 9 PM Get your spring break adventure started early by heading over to OP on Tuesday evening before the break. Our doors open at 7 PM.

OP Gear Sale & Swap

Fri., Apr. 28 from 11 to 1 PM Need some quality outdoor gear for an affordable price? Come check out OP’s annual gear sale where we will be selling our used equipment. This is also a great opportunity for OP members to sell their personal gear. Contact OP for additional information.

For Trip Descriptions Please

Visit: www.fortlewis.edu/life-at-flc/health-safety/outdoor-pursuits/op-home

Avalanche Rescue Clinic - Sun., Jan. 21st

For those heading into the backcountry during winter, preparation is the key to staying safe. Join OP for a 1-day clinic focusing on the necessary skills to execute an efficient avalanche rescue. Sign-up begins Monday, January 16th. Cost: $20. Includes transportation, instruction, & equipment.

Learn to Snowboard or Ski - Sat., Jan. 21st & Sat., Feb. 5th

Ever wanted to learn how to shred the ski slopes on a snowboard or skis? Outdoor Pursuits will host two introductory clinics in each of these amazing snow disciplines. Just sign up for whatever one you want to learn. Sign-up begins the Monday prior to the clinic (Jan. 16th & Jan. 30th). Cost: $20. Includes equipment, instruction & lift ticket.

Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Riding - Sun., Jan. 22nd

Let OP introduce you to backcountry skiing/riding in the beautiful San Juan’s. We will cover such topics as the use of skins, how to lay a skin track, and safe route/line selection. We will be skiing/riding advanced-beginner through intermediate terrain—not steep, avalanche prone slopes. Sign up begins Monday, January 16th. Cost: $15. Includes transportation, instruction & equipment.

Welcome Back to the Climbing Wall Comp - Tue., Jan. 24th from 6 to 9 PM The wall will be reopening for the year with a fun rope climbing comp for all levels and abilities. Cost: Free!

Cross Country Ski Tour (Molas Pass) - Sat., Jan. 28th

Venture out with OP for a day of cross-country skiing on Molas Pass. All levels and abilities are welcome as we tour in the white fluffy stuff. This will be a great day out! Sign-up begins Monday, January 23rd. Cost: $10. Includes transportation, instruction & equipment.

Ice Skating in Silverton - Sun., Jan. 29th

Are you an experienced ice skater or just want to try something new? Join OP for a day of ice skating in the winter wonderland of Silverton, CO. We will depart campus mid-morning for Silverton’s outdoor ice rink. After spending some time skating across the frozen water while enjoying hot chocolate and the incredible mountain views, we will return to campus by late afternoon. All abilities and levels are welcome. Sign-up begins Monday, January 23rd. Cost: $20. Includes transportation, equipment & instruction.

Backcountry Skiing/Riding Hut Trip - Fri., Feb. 3rd to Sun., Feb. 5th

Experienced skiers and riders are invited on this amazing hut trip in the San Juan Mountain Range. Departing on Friday afternoon we head to our base camp hut for the weekend. From there we will access an abundance of backcountry ski terrain as we shred the slopes during the day and sleep warm and cozy at night. Sign-up begins Monday, January 30th. Cost: $45. Includes 2-nights lodging, food, transportation & equipment. **Instructor permission is required prior to signing up for the trip.**

Full Moon Snowshoe Adventure - Sat., Feb. 4th

Explore the deep winter landscape under the light of a full moon as OP heads to the mountains for a relaxed and peaceful snowy adventure. Sign-up begins the Monday, January 30th. Cost: $10. Includes transportation & equipment.

Cross Country Ski Tour (La Plata Canyon) - Sat., Feb. 11th

Venture out with OP for a day of cross-country skiing in La Plata Canyon. All levels and abilities are welcome as we tour in the white fluffy stuff. This will be a great day out! Sign-up begins Monday, February 6th. Cost: $10. Includes transportation, instruction & equipment.

Backpacking

MINI BREAK

in Bandelier National Monument - Thr., Feb. 16th to Sun., Feb. 19th

Take a break from winter with OP as we head to warmer climates for three days of backpacking in Bandelier National Monument. This will be a memorable trip into an area rich in cultural history. Sign-up begins Monday, February 6th. Cost: $45. Includes food, camping, transportation, equipment & permit.

Ice Climbing - Fri., Feb. 17th to Sun., Feb. 19th

OP is heading to the ice park in Lake City, CO for the weekend. This trip is for all abilities as we will climb frozen water falls during the day and sleep warm and cozy indoors at night. Sign-up begins Monday, February 6th. Cost: $45. Includes transportation, lodging, food, instruction & equipment.

Ode to Spandex @ the Climbing Wall—A Bouldering Comp - Thur., Feb. 23rd from 6 to 9 PM

Dress up in your favorite and most vibrant spandex and make your way down to the climbing wall for an epic battle of bouldering. OP’s annual winter bouldering competition is open to all levels and abilities with plenty of great prizes to go around. Cost: Free!

Snowshoe Adventure - Sat., Feb. 25th

Explore the deep winter landscape as OP heads to the mountains for a relaxed and peaceful snowy adventure. Sign-up begins Monday, February 20th. Cost: $10. Includes transportation & equipment.

Guided Backcountry Ski/Ride Day - Sat., Mar. 4th

Tired of skiing/riding the same old familiar runs? Then come spend the day with OP as we seek out new terrain and show you some powder stashes that are worth leaving the old behind. The ability to ski/ride powder is required. Sign up begins Monday, February 27th. Cost: $15. Includes transportation & equipment.

Canyon of the Ancients Day Hike - Sat., Mar. 4th Tired of the cold winter weather? Join OP for a day excursion as we hike to cultural sites and enjoy the warm sunshine of the high desert. Sign up begins Monday, February 27th. Cost: $10. Includes transportation & equipment.

Cross Country Ski Tour (Vallecito) - Sun., Mar. 5th Venture out with OP for a day of cross-country skiing around Vallecito Lake. All levels and abilities are wel come as we get one last ski tour in for the season. This will be a great day out! Sign-up begins Monday, February 27th. Cost: $10. Includes transportation, instruction & equipment.

AIARE REC Level 1 Avalanche Course - Hut Based Wed., Mar. 8th (evening), Fri., Mar. 10th to Sun., Mar. 12th In this extensive course, we will learn the essentials of avalanche science and how to stay safe while enjoying winter in the backcountry. Participants completing this course will receive an AIARE Avalanche Rec Level 1 certificate of completion. Sign-up begins Monday, February 27th. Cost: $350. Includes course materials, instruction, lodging, food, transportation & equipment).

**Participants must be an intermediate or above skier/rider**

Intro to Mountain Bike Clinic - Sat., Mar. 11th

Come learn the ways of riding a bike off pavement. This afternoon clinic will cover such topics as bike fit, shifting, braking, and riding position. Sign up begins Monday, March 6th. Cost: $10. Includes instruction & equipment.

SPRING BREAK

Rock Climbing @ Horseshoe canyon Ranch, AR - Sat., Mar. 18th to Sat., Mar. 25th Escape the desert southwest for a week of warm weather rock climbing in the balmy southeast. Driving from Durango we will make our way to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch where we will spend the week climbing beautiful sandstone cliffs and enjoying the starry skies as we camp each night. This trip is open to all levels and abilities. It will be a spring break to remember! Trip sign-up begins Mon., Feb. 6th. Cost: $200. Includes transportation, food, equipment & camping.

Backpacking in the Desert Southwest - Sat., Mar. 18th to Sat., Mar. 25th Low on cash, but want to have a grand adventure? Join OP for a spring break of backpacking through the wild canyon country of the desert southwest. Seeking to escape winter and find solitude under sunny skies, we will strike out for the parts unknown to explore the wonders of the desert while carrying all that we need to live. Trip sign-up begins Monday, February 6th. Cost: $150. Includes food, transportation, equipment, camping, & permit.

Wilderness First Responder Course - Sat., Mar. 18th to Sun., Mar. 26th Be prepared for the worst the next time you venture into the backcountry by learning professional medical skills from one of the most respected organizations in wilderness medicine. The Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS will teach you how to handle everything from a sprained ankle to anaphylactic shock. Cost: $700 for OP Members/$750 for non-Members. Call 866-831-9001 for registration information.

SPRING PROGRAMMING

No

Man’s Land Film Festival -

Thr.

Mar. 30 @ 7 PM (Vallecito Room)

As a finale to Women’s History month, OP will be hosting a screening of the 2022 No Man’s Land Film Festival—a celebration of women through adventure and sport. This will be an entertaining and inspiring evening so make sure you reserve a seat as early as possible. Cost: Free! + a Suggested Donation with all proceeds going to SOLES—a local organization providing opportunities for girls to get outside. Contact OP @ 247-7293 for more information or to reserve seats.

Exploration

of Bears Ears

National Monument - Fri., Mar. 31st to Sun., Apr. 3nd Escape to the desert for the weekend with OP as we utilize a campground as a basecamp and then spend our days exploring the many wonders of Bears Ears through day hikes. This trip is open to all levels and abilities. Trip sign-up begins Monday, March 27th. Cost: $40. Includes food, transportation, camping, equipment & permit.

ACA

Kayak

Instructor Trainer Course - Apr. 7th to 9th & Apr. 21st to 23rd

Attention all intermediate or above whitewater kayakers who wish to take their paddling to the next level or want to work as a kayak instructor! OP will be offering an American Canoe Association certification course that will progress your boating and teaching skills, as well as allow you to work as a professional in the industry. Course sign-up begins Monday, March 27th. Cost: $170 ($100 for instruction and course materials; $40 ACA Membership; and $30 SEIC Dues). More more information contact Brett Davis at davis_b@fortlewis.edu.

Intro to Backpacking Weekend - Fri., Apr. 7th to Sun., Apr. 9th

Heard of this thing called “backpacking”, but have never tried it? This beginner level trip is an introduction to this great outdoor activity as we focus on the equipment needed; how to pack; plan a trip; and the nuances of moving through terrain. The number of miles hiked will be low, but the number of smiles will be high. Trip sign-up begins Monday, April 3rd. Cost: $40. Includes food, transportation, equipment & permit.

Meteor Shower Viewing @ Natural Bridges Natl. Monument - Fri., Apr. 21st to Sun., Apr. 23rd OP will be heading to the darkest sky in the southwest to view the Lyrid meteor shower. Our evenings will be spent gazing while we explore the national monument by foot during the way. This will be a great way to relax before the final week of classes. Sign-up begins Monday, April 17th. Cost: $40. Includes transportation, food, camping, equipment & permit.

OP Gear Sale & Swap - Fri., April 28th from 11 to 1 PM Need some quality outdoor gear for an affordable price? Come check out OP’s annual gear sale where we will be selling our used equipment. This is also a great opportunity for OP members to sell their personal gear—contact OP for additional information.

MAY PROGRAMMING

A Ski Traverse of the Weminuche—Choo Choo Ski Hoo! - Fri., May 19th to Wed., May 24th Attention all ski and snowboard bums! OP will be continuing the ski season with a traverse of the Weminuche Wilderness. Utilizing the Durango & Silverton Train, we will venture deep into the range and then hike & ski our way to Silverton. Covering nearly 40 miles and 20,000 vertical feet. After a celebratory lunch in Silverton we will hop the train for a return ride to Durango. This will be one to remember! Trip sign-up begins Monday, March 27th. Cost: $250. Includes train ticket, food & equipment. **Instructor permission is required prior to signing up for the trip**