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Winter Navigation with a Map and Compass

February 24 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm


Cost: $75

Are You Ready to Find Yourself in Winter?

$75- TRTA Members, $100- TRTA Non-Members

Course Description

Join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for a day in the classroom and field to learn basic map and compass skills in the winter. This course will teach you one of the most basic and essential outdoor skills- navigation without relying on a battery. Students can expect a morning in the classroom and then hitting the outdoors for hands-on practice. Objectives include map nomenclature and meaning of contour lines, compass basics, and orienteering to find one’s position with field practice.

Knowing how to use a map and compass will greatly reduce your chances of getting lost, especially in the winter when you can’t see the trail. Maps have stood the test of time and are still pertinent today. The Babylonians created and used one of the oldest surviving maps to this day, and the Chinese Han Dynasty used magnetic compasses as early as 206 BC. The birth of the smartphone and personal global positioning systems (GPS) have not outdated the centuries-old navigation skill by map and compass. The earth’s magnetic field will never run out of battery.

COVID-19 Policy

Do not attempt to join if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms as outlined by the Center for Disease Control within 10 days of the course: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of taste, or smell.


Course Information

Cancelation Policy, Local Weather, Lodging Options

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Course Discount

TRTA Membership

Click below to become a member or renew your membership today.

Technology like a personal GPS device has probably surpassed John Muir’s wildest dreams but that doesn’t mean Muir’s method of navigation is obsolete. In fact, knowing how to use a map and compass can save your life, especially in the winter.

Have questions? Please email lindseys@tahoerimtrail.org or call (775) 298-4491.


Learn winter navigation with a Map and Compass Course in Lake Tahoe