Alpine Skills Weekend (ASW) is PATC-MS’s premier winter mountaineering skills clinic, offering members a unique opportunity to gain experience in the alpine environments of the Northeast. Held annually in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, ASW is a four-day/three night immersive program designed to introduce and reinforce foundational skills for safe and effective winter travel in the mountains.
ASW is more than just a course — it’s a shared adventure, a test of winter grit, and a chance to grow alongside other driven members of the PATC-MS community
When is ASW?
ASW is typically scheduled in the second half of January to align with other major events, including the Adirondacks Ice trip and the Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest, allowing participants to make the most of their winter season. However, the program includes many pre-departure activities including training hikes, gear check, and team meetings to ensure everyone has the information and equipment needed for a safe and successful ASW.
What do Participants learn at ASW?
Once the group is on the mountain, the curriculum includes instruction and coaching in essential winter techniques such as crampon and ice axe use, movement on snow and mixed terrain, self-arrest, and rope-team travel. Participants tent camp near the Harvard Cabin and self-management in extreme cold is often the biggest challenge of ASW. The program culminates in a summit attempt of Mount Washington via the Lion Head Winter Route, conditions permitting. This summit day challenges participants to apply some of the skills they’ve developed in a real alpine environment.
Some years no summit attempt is possible. When this occurs, participants are introduced to top-rope ice climbing in the surrounding North Conway area, providing hands-on experience with vertical ice in a controlled setting.
Participating in ASW
Due to the physical and environmental demands of the program, ASW is application-based and highly competitive. Applications typically open in the fall (October-ish), and selection is based on motivation, experience, volunteerism, and alignment with the club’s values of safety, learning, and community. While prior winter experience is not required, applicants should have a solid foundation in hiking or or comparable outdoor activities and be prepared for physically demanding conditions.
Estimated Costs
Estimated participant expenses for ASW are generally in the range of $300–$700, which includes travel to and from North Conway, New Hampshire, 2-3 nights of lodging (typically shared), food, and gear rentals if needed. PATC-MS provides group gear (tents, ropes, pickets, etc.) and group instruction at no cost, as well as some individual items such as boots, crampons, and ice axes available from the gear locker.