Community Corner
REI Outdoor School: Winter Navigation with Map & Compass
Head out into the snow for a day of hands-on
navigation training with our REI Outdoor School. You will learn to see three
dimensions of the land in the two dimensions of a topographic map. We will don
our snowshoes and teach you how to read contour lines, landmarks and other map
features. We'll also talk about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic
variation, and help you make sense of it all. From there, you'll learn how to
take a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can triangulate your
position and plan a route even in the snow. Maps and compasses will be provided.
Prior snowshoeing experience is recommended (Introduction to Snowshoeing Class
or equivalent skills). This is not a snowshoeing skills class and students
should be able to snowshoe for 2-3 miles.
Skills you'll learn:
- Learn how to read topographic lines and other basic features on a map
- Learn how to orient a map to match the environment both with and without a
compass - Learn basic compass features and how to utilize the map with a compass
- Learn how to plot your current position on your map
- Use a map & compass to navigate to new locations even when the trail is
covered in snow - Build confidence in your navigation skills.
REI Member: $75
Non-Member: $95