The Mountaineers. The 36th Annual Climbing Program in 1980 was one of coalition of philosophy for the club. Several questions which had arisen in previous years were formally answered with stated policy by the Climbing Committee.

A reaffirmation of commitment to an open climbing program was published. Competency and attitude-related standards were stated to be the only ones which would be applied in evaluation of performance of climbers, students, instructors, and leaders. Improved quality of instruction was actively pursued by the organizers of the three climbing courses, which are aimed at different skill levels of climbers. Additional training in teaching techniques was provided, and an effort made to introduce only proven climbing techniques.

Handling of negative reports was a topic that was considered. Straightforward, deliberate confrontation of problem areas was found to provide a more meaningful educational experience for all those involved. No longer are extensions to climbing courses given routinely. The Climbing Committee published notification emphasizing the importance of completing requirements within course deadlines.

There was an extensive seminar program including ice, friction, “unclean,” big-wall, and crack climbing. Leading on Class 4 and 5 rock, use of chocks, aspects of avalanche safety, and crevasse rescue were topics included for examination by interested climbers.

Climbing in the Cascades and Olympics in 1980 was hindered by the unusually rainy summer and by the eruption of Mount St. Helens. Several traditional climbing routes on that mountain were blown away, and climbers were reluctant to drive to nearby climbing areas because of the destructive effect of the volcanic ash on vehicles.

Ann Griffin, Climbing Committee