Outdoor Program
The Westminster Outdoor Program exemplifies Westminster's unique environment for learning, which is located minutes from world-class skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the local Wasatch Mountains. Beyond the Wasatch lie Utah's red rock deserts, wild rivers, and vast wilderness areas—all of which become both Westminster's playground and classroom.
Through meaningful outdoor experiences, the Outdoor Program helps students to develop leadership, technical skills, self-awareness, character, and stewardship. Student leadership is a priority for the program and most outdoor trips are student-led. Graduates who were a part of the Outdoor Program often leave Westminster having weeks of valuable field experience, advanced certifications, and an understanding of how lessons learned in the outdoors can apply to other areas of college, career, and everyday life.
Whether you're joining us for an evening hike or a weekend in the backcountry, you'll most likely learn something new, meet interesting people, and spend time in awe-inspiring places.
Upcoming Trips and Events
Westminster students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their guests are welcome to participate in outdoor program trips and events. We're committed to supporting anyone who is interested in getting involved regardless of skill level, previous experience, or equipment needs. Contact outdoorprogram@westminstercollege.edu with any questions or if you would like to participate but cannot pay the entire event fee. While modest, the Outdoor Program Participation Fund is designed to help in these cases.
Know Before You Go– Terrain Management
January 26, 2022 6:oo p.m.
Location: HWAC 354
Are you equipped with the knowledge and skills to be in the backcountry this winter? Mark your calendar for the second of our winter backcountry series. This "Know Before You Go" presentation is focused on terrain management. This event is open to anyone interested and co-hosted by the Outdoor Program, Ski and Snowboard Club, and Utah Avalanche Center.
Cost: free
Alumni Snowshoeing
February 5, 2022 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Kim T. Adamson Alumni House.
Join the Outdoor Program and Alumni Relations for a snowshoe day trip in the beautiful Wasatch mountains. No experience or equipment necessary. There are limited number of spots, so please register as soon as pssible. Use the Personal Equipment List to help you pack and be sure to bring a lunch!
Cost: $10, covering transportation (college van), student guides, equipment, and post-excursion treats.
Backcountry Ski/Snowboard Touring Day
February 11, 2022
If you are already a skier or snowboarder and would like to get out for a day of backcountry touring? We'll focus on basic backcountry travel skills, avalanche awareness, and enjoying sliding on the snow. Required pre-trip meeting will be sometime the week of the trip (date and time TBA). Use the Personal Equipment List to help you prepare.
Cost: $15, covering transportation (college van and road conditions permitting), equipment, and instruction.
Full Moon Snowshoeing
February 16, 2022 5:00 p.m.
See the Wasatch in a new light! Join us for an evening of snowshoeing under the moon. No experience or equipment necessary. Use the Personal Equipment List to help you prepare.
Cost: $10, covering transportation (college vans and road conditions permitting), equipment, and guides.
St. George Rock Climbing
February 18–20, 2022
Head on down to southern Utah for warmer temps and some world-class rock climbing. No experience necessary; the Outdoor Program can accommodate new and experienced climbers. Required pre-trip meeting will be sometime the week of the trip (date and time TBA). Use the Personal Equipment List to help you prepare.
Cost: $65, covering transportation (college vans), equipment, food, camping, fees, and guides.
Wilderness First Responder/WEMT Course
March 4–8, 2022
The Wilderness First Responder course is designed for people who take multi-day trips into remote areas away from quick access to medical help. It is also the industry-standard certification for most outdoor professionals working in the field. For Westminster students, faculty, staff and alumni, this course includes part 1 and 2 of WMTC's Hybrid WFR/WEMT Course. Participants should register for the online study and testing (part 1) with WMTC. For the non-Westminster community, this registration is only for part 2 of WMTC's Hybrid WFR/WEMT Course register for the practical session (March 4–8, 2022) with WMTC.
Southern Utah Backpacking
March 25–27, 2022
Head to Southern Utah for a weekend of backpacking and explore unique classic canyons and red rocks. No experience or equipment necessary; the Outdoor Program will teach you safety tips and get you the required gear if you don't have it. Required pre-trip meeting will be sometime the week of the trip (date and time TBA). Use the Personal Equipment List to help you prepare.
Cost: $60, covering food, transportation, equipment, fees, and guides.
Bouldering Competition
March 31, 2022, 4:00–10 p.m.
Location: Bishop’s Wall In Eccles HWAC
This will be a non-gendered, skill-based competition with beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories. If you complete greater than 2 climbs in the next category up, you will be bumped to that category. The general competition takes place 4–9:00 p.m., followed by the finals at 9–10:00 p.m. Other fun includes a different sort of competition (TBA), raffles, pizza and prizes for finalists.
Cost: $3
Ongoing Events
Kayak Roll Sessions
Wednesdays, 8:00–10 p.m.
First–timers meet in the Eccles HWAC Aquatic Center from 8–8:30 p.m. All other current students, faculty and staff arrive at 8:30 p.m. to come practice your roll and kayaking skills.
Cost: Free
Intro Climbing Hour
Fridays, 1:00 p.m.
Location: Bishop’s Wall in Eccles HWAC
This time is dedicated to new climbers who want to “learn the ropes." No equipment or experience required– just come ready to climb. If you haven’t already, please complete the Climbing Wall Registration before arriving.
Cost: free
Faculty/Staff Climbing Hour
Last Friday of each month, 12:00 p.m.
Location: Bishop’s Wall in Eccles HWAC
Heard of “walking meetings?” Now you can have climbing meetings too! Or just come climb. No equipment or experience required– just come ready to climb.. If you haven’t already, please complete the Climbing Wall Registration before arriving.
Cost: Free
Refund and Cancellation Policy
- If there is a fee, you must pay for the trip or event before you are considered to be registered. Email outdoorprogram@westminstercollege.edu if you're having trouble with payment.
- If you register for a trip and cancel before the registration deadline (if applicable), you can receive a refund for the trip.
- If you register for a trip and cancel before the pre-trip meeting (if applicable), but after the registration deadline (if applicable), you can apply the registration fees as a credit toward a future trip with the Outdoor Program within the same academic school year.
- If you cancel after the pre-trip meeting (if applicable), no refunds or credits will be given.
- You MUST attend scheduled pre-trip meetings for trips if applicable. Meeting dates and times vary and will be included in event information. If you do not attend the meeting and have not made other arrangements with us to get trip information, your spot on the trip may be forfeited. Email outdoorprogram@westminstercollege.edu with any questions or concerns about attending pre-trip meetings.
- No refunds for Wilderness First Responder/First Aid/re-certifications, avalanche certification courses, and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor course will be given unless the Outdoor Program cancels the event.
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