About Navigation & Mountain Weather
Understanding mountain weather and navigating the backcountry are essential skills for safe and confident outdoor travel. In these courses, you’ll spend time in the field practicing map and compass use, GPS navigation, route planning, and reading changing weather conditions to make smart decisions in the wilderness.
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These courses are part of the WEOL program and are designed for anyone who wants to gain practical backcountry skills. Whether you’re new to navigation and weather awareness or looking to refine your ability to move safely in the mountains, we’ll help you build the knowledge and confidence to travel responsibly and confidently in the Sierra Nevada.
Wilderness Navigation – Learning to navigate confidently is essential for any backcountry adventure. In this course, you’ll practice using maps, compasses, and natural landmarks to plan safe and efficient routes. Students will also learn route selection, terrain reading, and basic backcountry skills and Leave No Trace practices.
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Mountain Weather – Understanding mountain weather is crucial for safe and informed decision-making in the backcountry. This course teaches you how to read weather patterns, assess risks, and anticipate changes that could impact your adventure. ​​
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We meet students where they are. Each level builds on the last.
Course Format & Time Commitment
These courses combine classroom learning with hands-on field instruction in real backcountry settings. Students develop practical skills for safe and efficient travel, route planning, weather assessment, and decision-making through guided exercises, reflection, and progressively challenging scenarios. Both courses emphasize applying knowledge in real-world conditions to build confidence and competence in the backcountry.
Course length:​
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Wilderness Navigation: 4 days
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Mountain Weather: Quarter
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* Each course includes a required one-hour Zoom session.
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What to Expect
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A mix of classroom instruction and hands-on field exercises
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Progressive skill development in navigation, weather assessment, and decision-making
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Practice with map and compass, route planning, and backcountry systems
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Opportunities to lead and collaborate within a group
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Daily schedules, meeting locations, total instructional hours, and trip-specific details are provided with each course offering.
These courses are hands-on and field-based. You won’t just talk about skills you’ll be able to practice them in real time!
What You’ll Learn
You’ll build practical backcountry skills including:
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Planning safe and efficient hiking routes
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Navigating confidently using map, compass, and terrain features
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Organizing and leading group travel (overnight trips for Wilderness Navigation)
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Packing efficiently for day or multi-day trips
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Cooking and managing food systems in the backcountry (Wilderness Navigation only)
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Finding, treating, and managing water sources
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Applying Leave No Trace principles in real outdoor settings
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Selecting safe and sustainable campsites (Wilderness Navigation only)
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Assessing weather, terrain, and changing conditions
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Communicating effectively and leading within a group
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Making informed decisions in dynamic backcountry environments
Course Fees & What You'll Get
Approximate Costs:
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Wilderness Navigation
CA Residents = $46.50
Non-CA Residents = $460.50

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Mountain Weather
CA Residents = $62.00
Non-CA Residents = $614.00​
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Additional Course Fees: TBA​
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When you enroll in a navigation or mountain weather course, you’re getting more than instruction time.
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Materials You'll Receive:​​​
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WEOL Chapstick
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WEOL Mini Sunscreen
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Mini Hand Sanitizer
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Rite in the Rain Notebook & Mini Pencil
Transportation & Logistics
When the courses leave campus for field activities, WEOL provides transportation to trailheads whenever possible. Our vehicles safely shuttle students and gear, helping reduce congestion at parking areas and minimizing environmental impact.
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This allows you to focus on practicing skills, navigating terrain, and observing mountain weather patterns while we handle the logistics. Whether it’s a day trip for Mountain Weather or an overnight excursion for Wilderness Navigation, transportation is included to make your experience safe, smooth, and environmentally responsible.
Nature
Lovers
Who it’s for
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Outdoor Educators
Mountain Climbers
Weekend Adventurers
You & Your Backcountry Partner
Meet Your Instructor
Course: Wilderness Navigation
Name: Travis Feist
Favorite outdoor activities: Exploring new places
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Things that go “braap”
Favorite outdoor meal: A hot lunch on a cold day
Course: Wilderness Navigation
Name: Tasha Thomas
Favorite outdoor activities: Snowmobiling and mountain biking.
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Too many to choose just one.
Favorite outdoor meal: Grilled meat
Course Advisory
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Wilderness Navigation:
This course will include late night field trips. Students are encouraged to bring their own compass and GPS unit and/or have a GPS mapping application for their smartphone.
Mountain Weather:
None
Prerequisites
& Advisories
FAQ
1. Do I need prior experience?
No experience is required. These courses are designed for anyone looking to improve their navigation skills or understand mountain weather, whether you’re new to the outdoors or want to refine your knowledge.
2. Are these courses overnight?
No. Both courses are day-based and do not include overnight trips. All instruction and practice take place during scheduled daytime sessions.
3. What gear do I need to bring??
Bring appropriate day-hike clothing for variable conditions, sturdy shoes or boots, a water bottle, snacks, sun protection, and a notebook or device for note-taking. Compass, maps, and other course-specific tools are provided.
4. Will there be field practice?
Yes. Students spend significant time outside practicing navigation techniques, weather assessment, decision-making, and leadership in real terrain and conditions.
5. What skills will I gain?
Students learn map reading, compass use, route planning, terrain interpretation, weather forecasting basics, and safe decision-making in mountain environments.
Ready to Elevate Your Outdoor Skills?
Master navigation and mountain weather in real-world conditions with WEOL. Sign up today to gain the confidence, knowledge, and decision-making skills to safely explore the backcountry!