Applications for Alpine Skills Weekend (ASW) 2027 are now being accepted! The application portal will be open from now until Friday October 2 8:00 pm. Due to the popularity of this program, applications will not be accepted after the cut-off. Applicants will be notified on or by Monday October 5.

What is ASW?

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

Led by experienced club members, participants learn foundational alpine skills, including:

• Cold weather management, including clothing layering and systems
• Ice axe self arrest
• Crampon technique and movement fundamentals
• Basic knots and hitches
• Rope team movement
• Basic snow anchors
• Winter tent camping
• Meal planning
• Risk assessment
• Summit attempt (weather and team dependent)

Why should you do ASW?

• You’ll push your limits in a challenging and 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)

Important Dates:

ASW will run Thursday January 28 to Sunday January 31, 2027, with travel days on or before Wednesday January 27 and on or after Monday February 1. In addition, participants will attend a series of virtual and in-person training meetings to support gear preparation, fitness, and skill acquisition.  Applicants must be able to attend a minimum of 2 of 3 virtual meetings and 1 of 2 hikes. The first two meetings are particularly important for orientation! Gear check is also mandatory. Anyone unable to make the scheduled gear check must schedule an in-person gear check with one of the mentors.

Training Events:

Sunday October 25 Virtual Meeting 5:00 – 7:00pm

Saturday November 7 Training Hike 1 8:00am – 4:00pm Shenandoah NP

Sunday November 8 Virtual Meeting 5:00 – 7:00pm

Saturday December 5 Gear Check 10:00am – 3:00 pm Ashland, VA

Saturday January 9 Training Hike 2 8:00am – 4:00pm Shenandoah NP

Sunday January 24 Virtual Meeting 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Application Requirements: 

You must be an active member of the Potomac Mountain Club to apply. Applicants must be in good standing (membership dues paid). Applicants should have prior backpacking experience, although prior mountaineering experience is not necessary. As this program is for novice mountaineers, applicants with moderate to advanced mountaineering experience are less likely to be admitted (ex: if you’ve already climbed Denali, you probably don’t need to do ASW.) Applicants should also be reasonably fit (couch to summit is not recommended). 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, passion for the mountains, 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 five mentors: Ana Mills, Chris Close, Carl Robichaud, James Stockton, and Amina Abdelatey.

Next Steps! 

Applicants should register for the application event (the one you’re reading right now). After registering, you will receive the Google Form application link. You must complete and submit the Google Form to be considered. Please do not forward the link to anyone else. 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 line.