If you miss the snowflakes, feel the lack of oxygen and cannot stand overheated rooms, perhaps it's time to experience the outdoors with the Winter Camping School.  This is a non-survival school for those who want to enjoy the winter, snow and moonlight in comfort.  The Winter Camping School concentrates on the fundamental understanding, equipment and techniques to keep warm in cold environment on an overnight stay.  It covers topics as dressing, traveling, setting up campsite, cooking and sleeping comfortably in the winter among others. 

The Winter Camping School is open for every CMC member regardless of group membership and classification.  The school does not have any prerequisites, other than positive attitude and tolerance to new endeavors, and recommended for not only campers, but everyone who intends to spend extended time in the backcountry in the winter like snowshoers and skiers.  This is an excellent course for grandparents and pole-traverse aspirants, but a no-no for hunters.

The Winter Camping School 2010 consists of three mandatory lectures.  All lectures are held in the CMC clubhouse in Golden from 6:35 PM sharp until after 9 pm.  Dates of the lectures are February 2, 9 and 16.  Cost of the school is $54 for Denver Group members and $64 for non-members, that includes all three lectures, a book and handouts.   Registration form will be placed on the CMC Denver Group web site around January 7, 2009.

In order to graduate from Winter Camping School, students must complete four Winter Camping School qualified trips listed in the CMC Activity Schedule.  These are free CMC trips available only for current and past Winter Camping School participants.  Qualified trip dates are February 6, and 13 and two overnighters on February 20 - 21 and 27 - 28.  These trips are snowshoe trips, skis are not allowed.  Equipment requirements for these trips are discussed in details during lectures.

For more information about the school, call Tim Kish, 303-229-5526, timfkish@comcast.net. Register here.