Classes
These courses are all offered at various times throughout the year, based on interest and instructor availability. This is also not a comprehensive list and if you are interested in helping set-up something that you think is missing, just contact us. For information about currently offered courses, see the PE website at Dartmouth Sports. All information is subject to change. PE credit is available for all of the following classes. Sign-up at registration or contact Rory Gawler for more information.
Paddling Classes
Whitewater Kayaking, Beginner
This beginner class teaches the basic skills for kayaking in whitewater.
Schedule: 4 hours, once per week
Whitewater Kayak, Intermediate
This class teaches advanced skills for kayaking in whitewater. Pre-requisites: Whitewater Kayaking class or corresponding experience.
Schedule: 4 hours, once per week
Flatwater Kayaking
This beginner class teaches the basic skills for kayaking on flatwater.
Schedule: 4 hrs, once per week
Whitewater Canoeing, Beginner
This beginner class teaches the basic skills for canoeing in whitewater.
Schedule: 4 hours, once per week
Flatwater Canoeing
This beginner class teaches the basic skills for canoeing on flatwater.
Schedule: 4 hrs, once per week
Swiftwater Rescue, Level I
Classroom instruction followed by two days developing and practicing water rescue skills. The initial emphasis is on self rescue skills. Other objectives include an in-depth look at such subjects as water dynamics, handling hazards and obstacles, using basic rescue equipment, setting up technical rope systems, controlling in-water contact rescues
Schedule: One weekend (Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, all day Sunday)
Grant Canoe Weekend
Stay at Peaks Cabin at the forks of the Dead and Swift Diamond rivers. Learn basic canoe skills while paddling the Dead Diamond on Saturday and lean whitewater fundamentals on Sunday.
Schedule: one weekend (Friday afternoon through Saturday evening)
Whitewater Raft Guide Training
This course is designed for anyone who wishes to learn the basics skills of paddle raft guiding. Participants will learn how to use and care for the equipment including rafts, pumps, and paddles. How to rig rafts, define and recognize river features, and river reading strategies. You will learn how to maneuver the rafts, how to teach your crew how to paddle and command the raft. Orientating participants to conditions and how to brief them on safety concerns, and how to minimize outdoor resource impact. Trip organization, leader responsibilities and river rescue will also be covered.
Schedule: One weekend (all day Saturday and Sunday)
Climbing Classes
Rock Climbing, Beginner
Includes instruction, transportation, climbing shoes, harness, helmet and all technical gear. Class will visit local climbing spots for instruction (during the winter instruction will occur in the Daniels Climbing Gym).
Schedule: 4 hrs once per week plus 1 weekend day (winter: 2.5 hours once per week)
Rock Climbing, Intermediate
This course is tailored to the outdoor top rope or sport climber interested in advancing his or her technical skills. Prerequisite is Beginner Rock Climbing or equivalent experience.
Schedule: Five four-hour classes once per week
Sport Climbing
This class will go to Rumney and the Daniels Climbing Gym for intensive training in sport climbing. Includes instruction, transportation, climbing shoes, harness, helmet and all technical gear.
Schedule: 5.5 hrs, once per week
“Trad” Lead Climbing, Beginner
No description available.
Schedule: 3 Saturdays (rain date on Sundays) and one full weekend in the Gunks
Aid Climbing Class
This course will introduce you to artificial climbing by using direct aid for ascending rock walls. Students will work with an array of advanced passive and active camming devices, mechanical ascenders, and hauling equipment.
Schedule: 4 hrs, once per week
AMGA Top Rope Certification Class
American Mountain Guides Association certificate. The AMGA top rope site management training course emphasizes the technical and educational proficiencies necessary to safely and professionally instruct rock climbing and climbing related activities in a group setting. The 45-hour course is intended to help transition recreational climbers into becoming model climbing instructors. All participants will receive an evaluation at the end of the course and be granted a one year associate membership in the AMGA. An AMGA certification in Top Rope Site Management granted to participants who successfully pass the AMGA Top Rope Site Management exam on the final day of the course. Course Pre-requisites: Participant should have prior top rope climbing experience that includes an ability to comfortably set-up climbs, to belay, and to rappel without guidance, Familiarity with anchoring principles; natural and artificial anchors are also required.
Schedule: Two weekends
Indoor Wall Climbing
Learn to climb indoors at the Daniels Climbing Gym. Cost includes semester climbing pass and shoe rentals.
Schedule: 2.5 hrs once per week
Advanced Climbing Technique/Training
Learn to climb indoors in the Daniels Climbing Gym. Cost includes semester climbing pass and shoe rentals.
Schedule: 2.5 hrs once per week (sometimes 2 hrs twice per week)
Skiing Classes
Cross Country Skiing
Nordic ski classes are based out of the Dartmouth Cross Country Ski Center in the DOC House on Occom Pond, and are conducted on the Golf Course, Oak Hill ski trails, and at neighboring parks and ski centers. Skating, classic and off-track skiing skills are covered. Lessons and trail pass-$120 ($80 if you already have a trail pass) Equip Rental: skis/poles/boots $40. Call DXC at 643-6534 for more information.
Schedule: 3 hrs, once per week (some morning classes offered)
Backcountry Skiing
Learn the skills to be able to go in the backcountry with telemark skis. Ski, powder and enjoy the winter wilderness. The course will include avalanche hazard awareness, transceiver search practice, emergency snow shelter bivi, and back country ethics. Cost includes lessons, transportation and backcountry ski rental.
Schedule: 4 hrs, once per week
Winter Skills Classes
Winter Mountaineering Workshop
Snow and Ice Climbing Skills Workshop based in Billings Cabin and conducted in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. All technical equipment including plastic boots and crampons, will be provided. Pre-requisites: rock climbing and cold weather experience.
Schedule: Five days
Winter Mountaineering
Classes will meet in the Outdoor Rentals Department in Robinson Hall. All technical equipment including plastic boots and crampons are provided. Snow and ice climbing will be covered.
Schedule: 4.5 hrs, once per week
Winter Travel and Living in the Second College Grant
Spend a winter weekend exploring and learning winter skills of snowshoeing and camping in the Grant. We will stay in a heated cabin the first night and spend the next day setting up a traditional heated prospector tent in a remote location in the Grant.
Schedule: One weekend, Friday after classes through Sunday evening
Avalanche/Winter Survival
Designed for backcountry travelers: skiers, snowboarders, snowshoe hikers, etc. Covers basic winter safety skills and backcountry ethics. Learn to recognize avalanche terrain, use avalanche transceivers, build a snow shelter and learn how to survive a winter emergency bivouac. Travel to Tuckermans Ravine during the weekend overnight. Snowshoe/ski rental included. Classes held indoors and out.
Schedule: 2 evening sessions and one weekend session
Quebec Mountain Adventure Trip to the Groulx Mountains
Discover the remote Groulx Mountains of Northern Quebec on skis and snowshoes. The Groulx Mountains are a true wilderness area of beautiful alpine forests and open summits with ten feet of snow on the ground by March. Wolves, caribou, heated prospector tent makes this an extraordinary experience.
Schedule: 10 days following winter term (Spring Break)
Snow School
Designed for backcountry travelers: skiers, snowboarders, snowshoe hikers, etc. Covers basic winter safety skills and backcountry ethics. Learn to recognize avalanche terrain, use avalanche transceivers, build a snow shelter and learn how to survive a winter emergency bivouac. Snowshoe/ski rental included. Classes held indoors and out.
Schedule: 3.5 hrs, once per week
Ice Fishing
No description available.
Schedule: Upon interest and instructor availability, blitz Rory Gawler for information
Other Classes
Mountain Biking, Beginner
Learn how to ride off road. This is geared to the beginner mountain biker. This is a great way to see the countryside of Norwich, Vermont, and Hanover. Explore great trails that are great for all seasons and activities - cross country skiing, running, snowshoeing, and hiking. Basic care of your bike is also taught. So come out and explore the sens of place that separates Dartmouth from the other Ivy Schools. Bring your camera!
Schedule: 3 hrs, once per week
Weekend Mountain Biking
Cost includes meals, lodging, transportation, and instruction. Explore the College Grant by mountain bike and relax at Peaks Cabin. The Grant has miles of logging roads to explore. A great way to receive a PE credit while exploring a unique area owned by the college. Basic care of your bike is also taught. Come and explore the sense of place that separates Dartmouth from the other Ivy Schools. Bring your camera!
Schedule: One weekend (Friday after classes through Sunday)
In-Line Skating
Learn how to skate, improve your skills, learn stunts, and play street hockey.
Schedule: 2 hrs, once per week
Forestry Team
Learn woodcraft like speed chopping, pulp log toss, canoeing, pole climbing and others with C&T’s Foresty Team class! No experience necessary.
Schedule: afternoon practices offered multiple days per week, come regularly and attend the weekend meet for credit
Trail Work Skills
Learn the skills to help the DOC maintain its sections of the Appalachian Trail by fixing problem areas and hiking along it. Get out and explore the beautiful woods in this fun trail work class! No experience necessary.
Schedule: one afternoon per week and one weekend day ???
SOLO Wilderness First Aid and CPR
No description available.
Schedule: Weekend course (All day Saturday and All day Sunday)
Leave No Trace Trainer Class
Become a certified Leave No Trace (LNT) Trainer on this two-day backcountry course. This course requires active participation and discussion on LNT ethics. Iinstruction is based on seven LNT principles and is geared to provide participants with creative, educational training on minimum impact backcountry practices. This is a nationally recognized, lifetime certification. Participants must have their own backpacking equipment (most gear except footwear can be rented from Dartmouth Rentals). Course fee covers instruction, curriculum materials, and meals.
Schedule: Weekend course with overnight
College Grant Weekend
Spend Friday and Saturday nights in Peaks Cabin at the forks of the Dead and Swift Diamond rivers. See the Grant by both canoe and mountain bike. Instruction, equipment, transportation, food and lodging provided.
Schedule: One full weekend including overnights
Outdoor Skills
This class will cover basic outdoor skills such as personal equipment selection and packing, clothing, menu planning, use of equipment such as packs, tents, tarps and stoves, map and compass use, time control planning, Leave No Trace concepts, and weather. It will also introduce students to the resources available through the Outdoor Programs Office, Rentals, and the DOC. Everyone at any skill level is welcome. Additionally, this class fulfills the DOC Leader Requirements Outdoor Skills and Logistics. Course Text: The Backpacker's Field Manual, by Rick Curtis. Course Fee covers course text, transportation, equipment and occasional snacks.
Schedule: 4 hrs, once per week
Advanced Mountain Navigation
No description available.
Schedule: ???
Chainsaw Certification
No description available.
Schedule: Full weekend plus skills test Monday when you are available
Nature of the Northern Forest with naturalist Alcott Smith
Explore the habits and habitats of our indigenous woodland animals in winter. Through careful observation investigate how various species (emphasis on our larger northern mammals) interact with the landscape and adapt to winter conditions.
Schedule: varies
DOC First-Year Trips Leader Training
Selection by application (usually 500 students apply for 200 spaces). Requires CPR and FA certification, Risk Assessment and Group Dynamics seminars and Trip Leader Training overnight, all of which will be offered multiple times during the preceding spring and summer. Blitz “DOCTrips” for more information.
Schedule: 6 nights/5 days before Fall Term leading rising First-Years on orientation Trips
Traditional Resources/Bush Skills
No description available.
Navigation and Orienteering
Schedule: varies (can either be weekly, culminate in an orienteering meet, or a weekend)
Ropes Course Instructor Training
Learn how to lead groups improve their teamwork abilities both outside on the Dartmouth Ropes Course and indoors on campus.
Schedule: 3 hrs, once per week
Adventure Leadership (aka Dartmouth Out of Doors)
With the rock wall, river rapids and the forest as your classroom, join like-minded adventure-ready students for this unique opportunity to develop and exercise leadership skills. Learn group communication, risk management and decision making strategies, both as a leader and as a participant, while being challenged in an adventure setting. Come away from this course geared to tackle social and group challenges. Little or no experience necessary, though an open mind and willingness to try new challenges is a must.
Schedule: 4 hrs, once per week
Biathlon and/or Skeet Shooting
No description available.
Schedule: Upon interest and instructor availability, blitz Rory Gawler for information ???
Hunter Safety Class
No description available.
Schedule: Upon interest and instructor availability, blitz Rory Gawler for information
