Intro to Winter Map & Compass Navigation

  • Participants

    Age 14 and up

  • Fitness level: 2

    Easy Active

Head out into the snow for a day of hands-on navigation training. You will learn to see three dimensions of the land in the two dimensions of a topographic map. We will don our snowshoes and teach you how to read contour lines, landmarks and other map features. We'll also talk about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation, and help you make sense of it all. From there, you'll learn how to take a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can triangulate your position and plan a route even in the snow. Maps and compasses will be provided. Prior snowshoeing experience is recommended (Introduction to Snowshoeing Class or equivalent skills). This is not a snowshoeing skills class and students should be able to snowshoe for 2-3 miles.

Gear provided by REI

  • Compass
  • Group First Aid Kit - Our guides carry a comprehensive first aid kit, but you are welcome to bring any personal first aid-items that you prefer.
  • Maps - Local course area maps.

3 sessions available