Applications for Alpine Skills Weekend (ASW) are now being accepted! The application period is October 12, 2025 to October 24, 2025 5:00pm. Applications will not be accepted after the cut-off. Applicants will be notified on or by October 26, 2025 9:00pm.

ASW will run Thursday January 29 to Sunday February 1, with mandatory travel days on or before Wednesday January 28 and on or after Monday February 2. In addition to the January 28 to February 2 dates, participants will attend a series of virtual and in-person training meetings.  Applicants must be able to attend 2 of 3 virtual meetings and 1 of 2 hikes. The first two meetings are particularly important for orientation! Gear check is also mandatory and anyone unable to make the scheduled gear check must schedule an in-person gear check with one of the mentors.

Training Events:

November 9 Virtual Meeting 5-7:00p

November 16 Virtual Meeting 5-7:00p

November 22 Training Hike 8:00a-4:00p Shenandoah NP

December 6 Gear Check 9:00a-2:00p Location TBD

January 10 Training Hike 8:00a-4:00p Shenandoah NP

January 26 Virtual Meeting 7-8:00p

You must be an active member of the Potomac Mountain Club (aka PATC-MS) in order to apply. Applicants must be in good standing (membership dues paid). Applicants should also be reasonably fit, although you do not have to be an experienced mountaineer. Due to high demand, participant spots are limited to 10 people. Admission is competitive and based on a variety of factors including ability to attend ASW related events, preparedness for the activities, past volunteerism with the club, and other factors. This application is your chance to share your background and tell us why you’re ready for ASW. Applications are blinded and reviewed by the four mentors: Ana Mills, Chris Close, Carl Robichaud, and Marydale Oppert.

What is ASW?

ASW is the Club’s flagship winter mountaineering clinic. Designed for the novice and aspiring mountaineer, it is four days of hands-on instruction, team-building, and Type II fun in one of the most rugged and legendary mountain environments on the East Coast: Mt. Washington, home of “the world’s worst weather.” More detailed information on ASW is available here.

Led by experienced club members, you’ll learn foundational alpine skills, including:

• Winter layering, cold-weather systems, and gear use
• Ice axe self arrest
• Crampon techniques
• Team movement
• Snow camping basics
• Summit attempt (weather and team dependent)

Why should you do ASW?

• You’ll push your limits in a challenging but supportive environment
• Learn real alpine skills that translate to bigger objectives
• Bond with a team of equally stoked and slightly unhinged mountain people
• You’ll have bragging rights forever (“Remember that ASW whiteout?”)
• You might even summit Mt. Washington in the winter (if the mountain allows it)

Next Steps! 

ASW application link is here

Applicants should register for the application event (the one you’re reading right now) and will receive the Google Form application link upon registering. You must complete and submit the Google Form to be considered. We recommend using a tablet, laptop or PC to complete the application due to limited functionality on the mobile app. Contact Ana Mills at [email protected] with questions. Please include ASW in the subject.