Mountain Navigation 2025

Online Pre-course learning
The Mountain Navigation course includes an Online Pre-course that is approximately 2 hours of self-paced learning. This will be completed in our Virtual Classroom, with an access link emailed to you after registering for your specific course date. The topics covered in our Virtual Classroom include:

• fundamentals of mountain navigation
• introduction to topographic maps
• overview of recreational compasses
• pre-trip planning resources

Live Zoom class session
In addition to the Online Pre-course material and the Practical Field training, each Mountain Navigation course includes an essential Live Zoom theory session usually held on Thursday evening from 7-9 pm prior to the Practical Field-based training day. During this Live Zoom session, you will meet your instructor and other teammates on the course and cover the final theory material, and arrange all logistics required to prepare for the practical field-based training.

Practical Field-based training
On the field day, you will meet with your group at the prearranged trailhead at 8:00 am. The actual location and timing of the day will depend on the weather, time of year, location preference of the participants, and other factors. The location and logistics for each Field Training day will be determined on the mid-week Live Zoom session.

The practical Field training day will be conducted outdoors and includes the following essential mountain navigation and map/compass skills:

• how to take bearings
• practical map reading skills
• determining your position on a map
• re-section (triangulation)
• navigation using your surroundings
• off-trail travel and navigation
• tips and techniques for “staying found”
• overview of common GPS Apps
• basic emergency response measures if lost

You will return to the trailhead between 4:00 – 4:30 pm and complete the course with a short wrap-up and question session.

The first evening classroom session for the Mountain Navigation course will be held online via a Live Zoom class. Students can participate from a location of their choice

Required for the Zoom session:

• location with the ability to access the internet for 2+ hours
• ideally a location with few distractions or background noise
• device with camera and audio; laptop or desktop computers are preferred, but mobile devices will work as well
• ensure your device is fully charged and/or plugged in
• check audio and video before you join
• If your “screen name” is a nickname or you are using someone else’s computer, please identify yourself to the instructor
• If you are a group of 2 or more people on the same computer, please let your instructor know who is on your call.
• be ready to take some notes
• have any questions prepared and ready to discuss

Practical Field Day
Practical field sessions are usually located in the Squamish and Sea to Sky Region, though may also be held on Mt Seymour, Buntzen Lake, and other local wilderness areas.

The final decision on a location for the field session will be made with the group, during the evening Live Zoom theory session. The actual location and timing of the day will depend on the weather, time of year, location preference of the participants, and other factors.