Programs, Classes and Events
Upcoming Events
Winter Camping: Beyond the Basics
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
This clinic is for those that have already attended Winter Camping: The Basics or those who have winter camped a few times and are looking to expand their knowledge.
Bear Paulsen will discuss choosing a campsite, shelter options and the all important – how to sleep comfortably through the long winter nights. He'll cover winter travel from backpacking on foot to pulling a pulk sled through the BWCA. Sled design will also be covered.
Midwest Mountaineering Snowshoe Demo
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Looking for a way to tolerate, or even enjoy, the Minnesota winter? Snowshoeing just might be right for you!
Our expert staff will start in the Expedition Room, in the store at 10am, and run you through how to choose the snowshoes that are right for you. Following, we will head on over to East River Flats for an on the snow demo (weather permitting. If no snow, this will be done indoors). There will be snowshoes by Northern Lites, Atlas, Tubbs, Crescent Moon and MSR to try before you buy!
Women's Climbing 101
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Women, take yourself to new heights and learn the ropes through hands-on experience in our Climbing Cave. Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to soar! All equipment provided. Led by Minneapolis Bouldering Project instructor Hillary. Sign up early because these classes are popular!
All climbers must have a completed liability waiver on file at Midwest Mountaineering. Liability waivers expire at the end of the calendar year and must be re-submitted every year. Pre-registration required – limited to 10 participants. Cost $5, no refunds. Minimum age 15.
Note: If no one has registered for the class by 12pm the day-of, we will cancel the class. Register early!
Ski Touring 101
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Have you ever wondered why some cross country skiers wear Lycra and others wear wool knickers? Have you ever wondered why skiers passing you kept yelling ‘TRACK!!’ even though you were not on a track? How about frostbite, windchill, skiing under a full moon, skiing on golf courses, skiing on lakes, where to ski, when to ski or most importantly, how to ski?
With the Nordic Skiing World Cup arriving in Minneapolis as of March 2020, now is a great time to learn the answer to these and other questions about cross country skiing.
In this two part clinic series, experienced citizen racer and lifelong Nordic skiing enthusiast Mike McKinney will address topics pertaining to touring, recreational racing, techniques, attire, safety and locations for this enjoyable wintertime activity.
Both clinics will cover a variety of topics, beginning with recreational touring and leading into racing techniques, equipment and finding the right trail to happiness.
The first in the series (XC Ski: The Fundamentals, December 10th) will focus on fitness. You'll find a quick refresher if you haven't been skiing for awhile or are just learning the differences between classic, skiing, touring and skate skiing. It will cover everything from clothing, equipment, conditions, food, passes and some background information about local races.
The second clinic in the series (Ski Touring 101, December 17th) give you everything you the essentials to know about touring: equipment, conditions, backcountry, clothing. It will not cover the overnight aspect, fishing/hunting or mountaineering.
You are welcome to join us for either one clinic, or both!
Climbing 102
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
The Climbing 101 clinic is a prerequisite for this clinic. Minneapolis Bouldering Project instructor Hillary will provide this opportunity to expand your technical skills and help prepare you for more advanced climbing. We’ll review knots, commands, and belaying, along with more in-depth explanations and uses of climbing gear. Don’t worry; we will still have time to climb!
All climbers must have a completed liability waiver on file at Midwest Mountaineering. Liability waivers expire at the end of the calendar year and must be re-submitted every year. Pre-registration required – limited to 10 participants. Cost $5, no refunds. Minimum age 15.
Note: If no one has registered for the class by 12pm the day-of, we will cancel the class. Register early!
Hike the John Muir Trail
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
The John Muir Trail is one of the top hiking trails in the world stretching 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to the top of Mt Whitney, the continental US's highest peak at 14,496ft. Not only does the JMT run through the infamous Yosemite National Park, but you'll also be brought through the hearts of Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, and King's Canyon National Park. With mountainous features, flowing falls and towering redwoods, whats not to love?
Join Kim Fishburn and learn about the different trailhead options, some of the rules, and all the public transportation options available to so you can hit the trails.
The Wonderland Trail - Mt. Rainier
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
The Wonderland Trail circumnavigates the captivating Mt. Rainier in Washington State. It covers 93 challenging and beautiful miles of rainforest on the West, ice fields and sweeping alpine on the East, with stunning views in every direction and an ever-changing profile of Mt. Rainier.
With the highest point at only 6,750 feet, the trail is considered “strenuous.” Why? Cumulative elevation gain and loss is more than 22,000 feet, with deep watersheds carved out by glaciers, 25 of which are substantial enough to be named. Only 200 to 250 people complete the trail each year. In 2013, Michelle was one of them.
Backpackers encounter many river crossings, beautiful wildflowers, and, at the right season, raspberries, salmon berries and plump huckleberries, with great opportunities to experience wildlife, such as black bears, mountain goats, and elk bugling through the night.
Michelle Schroeder, Founder of Backpack the Trails LLC, will share tips about permits, planning, resupplying, and what to expect on the spectacular Wonderland Trail.
Michelle has been an outdoor enthusiast for 40+ years and was raised by a father who wished to be a mountain man. Her favorite backpacking trails include the JMT, Grand Canyon, The Wonderland Trail (Mt. Rainier), Mt. Robson (Canada), California’s Lost Coast, and New Zealand. Michelle teaches people how to backpack and is a NOLS-Certified Wilderness First Responder.
Crevasse Rescue Clinic (On the Grassy/ Snowy Knoll)
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Crevasse rescue is an essential practice to remain safe on a mountain. If you or your climbing partner fall into a crevasse or over an edge, you need to know how to get out before weather, injury, or muscle fatigue sets in, further reducing your chances of getting off the mountain alive. Nearly every crevasse rescue requires a level of improvisation based on the gear you have and how and where the fall occurs. Only a principled understanding of the method can help you in these scenarios. Once a fundamental knowledge of this technique is attained, rescue will be fast, safe, less stressful.
Join Midwest Mountaineering climber Ian, for a hands on, practiced crevasse rescue scenario just outside the store, where you will get a fundamental understanding of crevasse rescue techniques.
This is a FREE clinic, however space is limited to 10 people. Please call the store at (612) 339 3433 to reserve your spot.
Yosemite with Kim Fishburn
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Yosemite is home to 1,169 square miles of breathtaking wilderness. Throughout it's cumulative 800 miles of trails you can experience five major vegetation zones: chaparral and oak woodland, lower montane forest, upper montane forest, subalpine zone and alpine.
Join Kim Fishburn- expert hiker and adventurer- to learn about Yosemite through photos and information about trails and regulations so you can get to planning your own adventure in this awe-inspiring National Park and World Heritage Site.
Thru-Hiking Panel Q&A
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Want to learn about life on the trail? Planning a thru-hike? Just want to hear some good ol' trail stories? If so, join us at our Midwest Mountaineering Thru-Hiking Panel.
This will be an informal panel with Midwest Mountaineering give their perspective and expertise about trail conditions, gear advice, food, why or why not to hike in sandals, and questions about trail life.
At least one alum from the following will be represented:
Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, Camino de Santiago (Spain), Collegiate Peaks Loop (Colorado), Colorado Trail, Contiental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Southwest Coast Path (UK).
Winter Camping: The Basics
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Don't let cold weather stop you from traveling outdoors for half the year. Learning how to camp comfortably in the winter will allow you to see a whole new world.
Please join Bear Paulsen for an evening of learning about how to stay warm in the cold. He'll cover how to dress, different clothing strategies and share tips and tricks from hundreds of nights of winter camping. He'll also discuss food, water and give some basic safety information.
Basics: Camino de Santiago, Spain
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
People have been walking across northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago for over 1200 years. Originally, a religious pilgrimage to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. One of only two pilgrimage routes worldwide designated a UNESCO World Heritage Pilgrimage Route.
Walked or biked by thousands each year for adventure, recreational, religious, spiritual and personal reasons. Hikers, called pilgrims or peregrinos backpack across the Pyrenees, through Basque Country, the Meseta and Galicia. Pilgrims stay at hostels (albergues) sharing the walk with people from all over the world.
On the Camino de Santiago Frances Route there are over 600 established places to stay. Camino basics is designed to help the first-time walker and offer support for future walkers. Learn about footwear, clothing, rain gear, backpacks, sleeping bags, trekking poles and other equipment that work best on Camino.
We will demonstrate how to properly and efficiently fill your backpack keeping track of weight and long mileage requirements. We offer our experience in what to expect physically and emotional facing day to day challenges. Buen Camino to all!
Winter Camping: Beyond the Basics
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
This clinic is for those that have already attended Winter Camping: The Basics or those who have winter camped a few times and are looking to expand their knowledge.
Bear Paulsen will discuss choosing a campsite, shelter options and the all important – how to sleep comfortably through the long winter nights. He'll cover winter travel from backpacking on foot to pulling a pulk sled through the BWCA. Sled design will also be covered.
Beyond the Valley: Hiking Yosemite's High Country
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Want to get out of the Valley and explore the secrets of Yosemite's High Country?
Jeff Cepek has spent 6 years living and working in Yosemite. Through this, he has had the opportunity to explore places only 5% of visitors will ever see. Jeff will bring his expertise, photos, and videos to present on hikes in 3 amazing locations: Mount Hoffman, Mount Dana and Parker Pass.
Join us and get inspired to plan your next trip in this beautiful place!
Intrigued by Mountain Climbing?
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Are you intrigued by mountain climbing, but don’t know where to start?
Hear how one 50-year-old caught the mountaineering bug and now summits annually - and you can too with climbforhope.org
We introduce aspiring climbers to alpine skills from beginner (12’280 ft. Mount Adams - parent & child-friendly) to advanced (14’411 Mount Rainier - crampons, belays, crevasses.) As a bonus, climbers raise funds for cancer and MS research. Experience the surprise and delight that comes from unzipping your tent and discovering that you are looking down on clouds.
Presenter Bio:
Tiger is a cancer survivor who began mountaineering at 50. He’s summited Adams, Shasta, Whitney, Eldorado, Rainier & crossed the Grand Canyon raising funds for cancer research.
Exploring Isle Royale NP: Wolves, Moose, & Wilderness
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Learn everything you need to plan an adventure to this remote wilderness island, and hear updates on the island's charismatic and somewhat-famous wolf and moose residents.
Isle Royale National Park is a 45-mile-long island surrounded by smaller islands in Lake Superior, almost entirely designated wilderness, and open to the public from April to October.
The talk will be led by Liz Dengate, an ecologist and science educator who worked as a park ranger on Isle Royale for three seasons.
How does one get to the island? What are the highlights of this wild archipelago? When to go, what to pack, and how many wolves are there now? Get all of your questions answered, and meet other island enthusiasts!
Grand Canyon's Remote Side
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
The Grand Canyon’s South Rim offers many scenic, uncrowded backpacking options. The Tonto Trail is one of the only trails to traverse the Canyon lengthwise. Her route gets you to Phantom Ranch as well as a night on the banks of the Colorado River, with giant cliffs towering above. Michelle Schroeder, Founder of Backpack the Trails LLC with share tremendous photos, tips about permits, when to go, water access and food storage.
Michelle has been an outdoor enthusiast for 40+ years and was raised by a father who wished to be a mountain man. Her favorite backpacking trails include the JMT, Grand Canyon, The Wonderland Trail (Mt. Rainier), Mt. Robson (Canada), California’s Lost Coast, and New Zealand. Michelle teaches people how to backpack and is a NOLS-Certified Wilderness First Responder.
Exploring Isle Royale NP: Wolves, Moose, & Wilderness
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Learn everything you need to plan an adventure to this remote wilderness island, and hear updates on the island's charismatic and somewhat-famous wolf and moose residents.
Isle Royale National Park is a 45-mile-long island surrounded by smaller islands in Lake Superior, almost entirely designated wilderness, and open to the public from April to October.
The talk will be led by Liz Dengate, an ecologist and science educator who worked as a park ranger on Isle Royale for three seasons.
How does one get to the island? What are the highlights of this wild archipelago? When to go, what to pack, and how many wolves are there now? Get all of your questions answered, and meet other island enthusiasts!
Backpacking 101 w/ Backpack the Trails
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Want to learn backpacking basics? Want to avoid common rookie mistakes? Join this hands-on classroom training that is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Come learn the ins-and-outs of backpacking with Backpack the Trails!
You will gain information about what to bring (and what not to bring), how to pack a backpack, keep food safe on trail, filter water, operate a stove, trail permits and more!
These events are hosted by Michelle Schroeder, former Midwest Mountaineering employee and founder of Backpack the Trails. Michelle has been an outdoor enthusiast for 40+ years and was raised by a father who wished to be a mountain man. Her favorite backpacking trails include the JMT, Grand Canyon, The Wonderland Trail (Mt. Rainier), Mt. Robson (Canada), California’s Lost Coast, and New Zealand. Michelle teaches people how to backpack and is a NOLS-Certified Wilderness First Responder.
Learn more about Backpack the Trails on their website: www.backpackthetrails.com