The Bellingham Intermediate Mountaineering Course is a continuation of the Basic Course or for those climbers with equivalent experience. This course focuses on building on your knowledge while emphasizing safety, leadership and climbing instruction. You will learn techniques such as:

  • Leading on rock or ice
  • Setting protection
  • Building anchors
  • Handling multi-pitch routes
  • Self rescue
  • AND MORE!

The Fine Print & Requirements

  • Commitment: Please note this is a multiyear course – some course activities have prerequisites and won’t be completed the first year. View the 2026 Schedule. Successful completion requires a significant commitment of time, effort, and money. Graduates have the knowledge and skills to organize and lead basic-level climbs and participate in intermediate level climbs.
  • Skills Check: Please note that the course will require all applicants to complete a mandatory skills check.
  • Travel to Canada: The course includes a mandatory rock climbing field trip in Canada; students must be able to legally travel across the border.
  • First Aid Certification: Wilderness First Aid is required to graduate. Students who do not already have this certification can take a Mountaineers Wilderness First Aid Course.

2027 Course Fees

  • Mountaineers Members: $750
  • Non-Members: $850

Financial Assistance

We know costs add up quickly, especially when you also need to purchase gear. We encourage students to apply for our scholarship program, which is funded by generous donors to make courses more accessible. Your application for financial assistance must be processed before registering for the course, so it's a good idea to apply early. Learn more and apply for a scholarship.

How to Apply

The course is full for 2026. Applications for 2027 will open in November. Please note that all applicants will be required to complete a mandatory skills check.

Learn More & Contact

Review our Course Manual to learn more about our field trips, gear, and required reading. If you have questions, please email BellinghamMountaineers@gmail.com.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

The Bellingham Mountaineers are committed to building and fostering a representative climbing community that reflects the spaces in which we live and recreate. We recognize that outdoor recreation has historically excluded communities of color, women, and LGBTQ people. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other underrepresented communities.

Course Documents