Below you will find answers to a number of questions that we are frequently asked about the Wilderness Travel Course.
How physically demanding is WTC?
You must be in reasonably good shape but you don’t need to be incredibly athletic. If you can complete a 12 or 14 mile hike with 3000′ to 4000′ of gain you will do just fine. This is equivalent to hiking round trip from Chantry Flats to the top of Mount Wilson and back.
What are the age limits?
WTC is run as an adult course. All students must be at least 18 years of age. We cannot accept participants under the age of 18.
WTC Registration Options and Payment Methods
All applications must be submitted online. You have the option of payment by credit card or PayPal (if you have a PayPal account). We do not accept applications or payment by mail. If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact the WTC Registrar. This information is also on the Registration page.
Why is the WTC course only held once each year?
This is mostly because of the fact that we need proper winter-spring conditions for our snow and desert outings. Also, it takes our all volunteer staff several months to organize and prepare for the class which itself spans nearly three months.
Who are the WTC instructors?
WTC is taught by a group of very dedicated, highly skilled, experienced and motivated volunteers. As members of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, Group Leaders have undergone Leadership training by the Chapter and have attained at least an I rating, with most at the “M” level. You can find out more about this training at: https://www.sierraclub.org/angeles/leadership-outings
Where are WTC classes held?
The classes are held in four different areas: Carson (LBSB), Orange (OC), West LA (WLA), and Pasadena (SGV). See Class Locations for maps.
How many class sessions are there?
There are ten classroom sessions. They are conducted on one evening each week for a total of ten weeks. See The Course for details. See The Schedule for dates.
What time are the evening classes?
The 10 week course runs from 7:30 PM to 10 PM on either Tuesday or Wednesday night depending on the Area location. To complete the registration process on the first night of class, you should plan to arrive no later than 7 PM
How many outings are there?
There are four outings during the course. Two of them are single day outings and two are weekend overnight outings. There is always at least one free weekend between each of the outings. See The Course for details.
How do I get to the outings?
The single day outings are in the local mountains and students usually carpool to those locations. For the overnight weekend outings, we provide bus transportation. There is no extra fee for bus transportation.
Must I attend all of the class sessions and outings to Graduate?
In order to graduate from WTC, you must attend all ten classroom sessions and all four outings. In addition, complete two post-course experience trips and submit your completed student registration card. If you have not yet completed all graduation requirements, you have up to one year to make them up and graduate. Any makeup classroom session or course outing is subject to availability, approval by your group leader, possible fees and is not guaranteed. Hang on to your Student Card as this is your record of what you have completed. Notify your Group Leader to discuss the possibility of making up a course session or outing. Experience trips made up the following year need only be entered on your Student Card and turned in to your Area Registrar.
Can I make up class sessions or outings that I miss because of a legitimate excuse?
You should plan on attending all classroom sessions and outings with your area’s assigned group. You may be able to arrange to do a specific class session with another area group if you are forced to miss one; however, the availability of make-up classes and outings is not guaranteed. Your group leader will discuss options with you if you miss an outing.
If I am not able to attend multiple course meetings and outings, should I still sign up for the course?
No, we recommend that you NOT sign up for WTC this year. The group leaders make an effort to accommodate make-ups for a single course meeting or in the event of an illness or emergency. However, Joshua Tree, Snow Camp, or multiple course make-ups are often difficult to accommodate.
What class policies should I be aware of?
WTC conducts outings according to the Angeles Chapter Outings Safety Policy. Weapons and pets are prohibited during class sessions and outings. In addition, all students are required to share a tent with someone at Snow Camp, for safety reasons. Tent partners will be arranged during class and tent rentals are available.
What is the required textbook?
In addition to our Student Handbook, the required text is “Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills” (8th Edition) by The Mountaineers. A print copy is available through WTC (only to students) at a reduced cost of $30 during the on-line application process. The book can also be purchased at the time of the class. Click here to find out more about the textbooks.
Is a compass required?
Yes. A compass is one of the “10 Essentials” that you must always carry with you. While all compasses perform the same basic function of pointing to magnetic north, you will want to obtain a compass that has the features used by backcountry travelers and mountaineers. Inexpensive compasses do not provide all of the functionality that will be required in this course. In order to make a compass purchase easier for you, students in WTC may purchase a compass at a reduced cost of $55 during the on-line application process. The compass can also be purchased at the time of the class if there are any still available. Click here to find out more about the compass.
How much rock climbing is done in WTC?
We teach basic movements for rock scrambling, including techniques such as mantling, chimneying, smearing, edging, crack climbing, and making the best use of holds. We do not do anything that requires the use of ropes, ice axes, crampons, or other climbing aids. Nonetheless, each student is provided with a helmet and all are required to wear a helmet during our climbing exercises for safety purposes. Safety is always a priority with us.
Should I purchase equipment before WTC starts?
NO! Please wait until class begins before purchasing any gear or clothing. In WTC you will learn exactly what is needed and what is not. You will also learn what features your equipment and clothing should have. Additionally, many outfitters give our students significant discounts during the course.
What about personal equipment costs?
A significant amount of specialized personal equipment will be required for the outings in this course. Specific gear requirements may vary and will be discussed in your group. and Gear decisions are highly personal, but it is common for students to spend several hundred dollars or more on new gear during the course. You may be able to reduce your personal gear cost if you already have some items, if you can rent or borrow items, or if you can find items used or on sale.
We suggest that you delay equipment purchases until you receive guidance from the WTC staff after class begins. However, the course does move rapidly and you should be prepared to move expeditiously once you do receive that guidance, particularly if you desire to pursue a low cost option.
Waivers and Medical Forms
In late November-early December we will send you a registration packet that will include a waiver and a medical form consisting of basic questions that will be kept private and will only be used by the group leader. In addition, each outing may have a Sierra Club sign-in sheet/waiver for that hike or trip.
What is WTC’s refund policy?
Withdrawal From The Course: Students withdrawing from WTC are entitled to:
(1) a full refund (less a $50.00 service charge) if 21 days prior to Lecture One for the Area they registered in;
(2) a 50% refund after the full refund date and before the end of Lecture One.
No refunds made after the end of Lecture One.
Refunds for the required text or optional compass made only if you have not received the item.
Note: All refunds will be made via PayPal when possible. Refund requests should be sent to refunds@wildernesstravelcourse.org.
Still Have Questions?
Please feel free to contact us by email. We will be happy to answer your questions in a timely manner.
