snow-based courses

u of oregon - pe & recreation - outdoor pursuits program
snow-based courses	opp courses	opp home

Attendance at the first class session is REQUIRED. Please read our ENROLLMENT AND FIRST DAY ATTENDANCE POLICIES.

PEOL 371 - Snowcamping

This two-credit course includes classroom sessions and a three-day snowcamping outing in the Oregon Cascades. Classroom sessions preparestudents for participation in the outing. Classroom topics include trip planning and preparation, thermoregulation, cold weather clothing and equipment requirements, a review of cold injuries, snow shelter construction techniques, Leave No Trace travel and camping ethics, avalanche safety, and winter navigation and survival techniques.

The outing provides an opportunity to learn and practice safe and responsible winter camping and travel techniques, snow shelter construction and backcountry routefinding techniques. Winter survival techniques will also be addressed, including an opportunity for a solo survival experience if weather conditions allow.

PEOL 391 - Avalanche Safety

This two-credit course is designed to convey the information and skills necessary for safe travel in avalanche prone terrain. Classroom sessions include a series of lectures on weather, snow morphology, hazard evaluation, route selection, travel safety, equipment and rescue techniques. The three-day outing component provides hands-on practice in a variety of avalanche safety skills and techniques including snow pit analysis, hazard estimation, avalanche beacon use, and rescue techniques.

Course Description and Schedule
Lecture Notes

PEOL 373 - Cascade Traverse

This one-credit course will include several classroom sessions and a challenging three-day outing in the Oregon Cascades. Classroom sessions prepare students for participation in the outing, and include trip planning and preparation, clothing and equipment requirements, and a review of map and compass techniques. The outing emphasizes route finding and navigation techniques, avalanche awareness, and cold weather camping and survival techniques. Participants travel on snowshoes or, with instructor approval, on ski-touring skis.

OPP - credit for adventure