Stanford
Recreation and Wellness

Winter Outdoor Education Courses

Stanford Adventure Programs is offering an exciting lineup of outdoor education courses this winter, each designed to prepare students for real-world adventure leadership, winter camping, traditional climbing anchors, and multi-pitch rescue techniques. These courses combine classroom learning with immersive field experiences, giving students the chance to develop skills in hands-on settings.

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Outdoor 106

Outdoor Leadership Practicum (2-3 units)

Class Time: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30–5:50 PM, plus an immersive field experience
Field Dates: March 21–28
Description: This intensive course develops the technical campcraft, leadership, and risk management skills essential for leading adventure-based outdoor experiences. Students will have the opportunity to apply these skills during a week-long, field-based experience. Enrollment requires instructor permission.

Outdoor 15

Introduction to Traditional Anchors (1 unit)

Class Time: To Be Announced, plus an immersive field section
Field Dates: March 21–28
Description: This course introduces students to essential climbing safety systems, focusing on traditional anchor building, self-rescue, and belaying techniques. Through field instruction, students will learn to construct and evaluate safe anchors in a single-pitch outdoor rock climbing environment. Enrollment requires instructor permission.

Outdoor 5

Winter Camping and Travel (1 unit)

Class Time: Wednesdays, 3:00–4:20 PM, plus field experience
Field Dates: February 14–17
Description: Designed for students interested in winter camping, this course covers essential skills for staying safe and comfortable in cold environments, including avalanche awareness, thermoregulation, and proper winter clothing and equipment use. Students will practice winter travel techniques, snow shelter construction, and winter route finding during a hands-on field experience. Instructor permission required.

Outdoor 199

Outdoor Topics – Vertical Rescue (1 unit)

Class Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30–11:50 AM
Description: This course offers advanced instruction on multi-pitch rescue techniques, including hauling systems, escaping the belay, and rappelling with an injured climber. Designed for those with previous multi-pitch climbing experience, students will develop the skills necessary for managing emergencies in technical rock terrain. Instructor permission is required to enroll.

Enrollment in these courses requires instructor permission and offers a unique opportunity for students to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical outdoor skills. Prepare for an adventurous winter with Stanford Recreation & Wellness by signing up for one of these specialized outdoor education experiences!

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