October 2002
Into the Cave: Devils Icebox Caving Trip
-Wednesday, October 9; 5 pm – Midnight. $25.
-Pre-Trip meeting held: 9/23 at 6:30 pm
Join Paul Lowry on a rigorous seven hour trip through the Devils Icebox in Rockbridge State Park. Don't be intimidated! This trip is for everyone, as long as you don't mind getting muddy. With over 20 years of caving experience, Paul will share his passion and knowledge of the underground world. Participants will learn, among other things, what a nongravitimorphical axialspeleothem is, as well as how to properly pronounce it. Participants will be provided with essential gear. A mandatory pre-trip meeting will be held in advance of the trip to discuss other required gear, physical requirements, and what to expect. Class limited to 10 people. Advance registration required. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

Exploring Columbia- Three Creeks
-Sunday-, October 13; 1–4 pm
-Three Creeks. Meet at Alpine Shop Columbia at 12:30 pm.
-Also offered on 10/27 (Cedar Creek) & 11/3 (Grindstone)
Enjoy the forests, fields, and streams just beyond your back door. Join a knowledgeable staff member from the Alpine Shop on a walkabout on trails in and around Columbia. Learn about the latest in hiking gear, like quick-drying, thermal-regulating clothes; hydration systems; shock-absorbing trekking poles and more! Group size limited to 15 people. Meet at the Alpine Shop at 12:30. Each participant should bring a small pack with at least 1 quart of water, sunscreen, a snack, a light jacket and will need -to provide their own transportation. Advance registration required. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

Ski & Snowboard Tuning Clinic
-Friday, October 18; 6 pm. FREE.
-Alpine Shop Columbia. Free.
-Also offered on 11/13, 1/8/03, 1/22/03, 2/7/03.
Learn how to maintain and take care of your own equipment to make the most of the snow. Limit of 10 persons for each clinic. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

Exploring Columbia- Cedar Creek
-Sunday-, October 27; 1–4 pm
-Cedar Creek. Meet at Alpine Shop Columbia at 12:30 pm.
-Also offered on 11/3 (Grindstone)
Enjoy the forests, fields, and streams just beyond your back door. Join a knowledgeable staff member from the Alpine Shop on a walkabout on trails in and around Columbia. Learn about the latest in hiking gear, like quick-drying, thermal-regulating clothes; hydration systems; shock-absorbing trekking poles and more! Group size limited to 15 people. Meet at the Alpine Shop at 12:30. Each participant should bring a small pack with at least 1 quart of water, sunscreen, a snack, a light jacket and will need -to provide their own transportation. Advance registration required. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

November 2002
Exploring Columbia- Grindstone
-Sunday-, November 3; 1–4 pm
-Cedar Creek. Meet at Alpine Shop Columbia at 12:30 pm.
Enjoy the forests, fields, and streams just beyond your back door. Join a knowledgeable staff member from the Alpine Shop on a walkabout on trails in and around Columbia. Learn about the latest in hiking gear, like quick-drying, thermal-regulating clothes; hydration systems; shock-absorbing trekking poles and more! Group size limited to 15 people. Meet at the Alpine Shop at 12:30. Each participant should bring a small pack with at least 1 quart of water, sunscreen, a snack, a light jacket and will need -to provide their own transportation. Advance registration required. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

Into the Cave: Hunters Cave Caving Trip
-Sunday, November 10; 10am – 4pm. $15.
-Pre-Trip meeting held: 11/1 at 5:30 pm at Alpine Shop Columbia
This is one of the most exciting and challenging trips on our calendar. An incredible experience for those with a sense of adventure, this is not a trip, however, for those with claustrophobia or who would have a problem with wading through neck-deep water. If you can handle that, though, you’re in for quite an experience. Paul Lowry, with over 20 years of caving experience, will lead you on this expedition. Participants will be provided with essential gear. A mandatory pre-trip meeting will be held in advance of the trip to discuss other required gear, physical requirements, and what to expect. Class limited to 10 people. Advance registration required. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

Ski & Snowboard Tuning Clinic
-Wednesday, November 13; 6 pm. FREE.
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
-Also offered on 1/8/03, 1/22/03 & 2/7/03.
Learn how to maintain and take care of your own equipment to make the most of the snow. Limit of 10 persons for each clinic. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

How to Get the Best Fitting Ski Boots You’ve Ever Had
-Friday, November 15; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
-Also offered on 1/17/03.
If you’ve ever felt pain while wearing a pair of ski boots, this clinic is for you. You don’t have to suffer on the slopes. Join us and learn how the Alpine Shop can make your next ski trip more enjoyable whether your old boots need modifications or you're looking for new ski boots. Custom footbeds will also be discussed. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 for information.

Winter Camping & Backpacking Clinic
-Friday, November 22; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
No bugs, absolute solitude, and unbelievable scenery!!! What better time to take a trip into the woods. Learn about safety and what gear and clothing you will need to pack for your winter weather enjoyment. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955.

December 2002
How to Choose a Cross-Country (Nordic) Ski Package
-Wednesday, December 4; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
Learn all about cross-country ski equipment and how to best meet your needs. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955.

How to Choose a Telemark Ski Package
-Wednesday, December 11; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
Cross Country. Alpine. Telemark. The gear is different for each. If you’re going out with your heels free, this clinic is for you. Find out what package best suits your needs. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955.

How to Choose an Alpine Ski Package
-Wednesday, December 18; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
Our weekly series on ski packages continues with this discussion of Alpine skis. If you’re looking to hit the downhill slopes at some of the great resorts around the country, this is the clinic for you. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955.

How to Choose a Snowboard Package
-Friday, December 20; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
Ready to find out why more and more people are stepping out of their skis and taking to snowboarding? Find out which snowboard is right for you. Find out what different boards are made of and why. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955.

January 2003
Ski & Snowboard Tuning Clinics
-Wednesday, January 8; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
-Also offered on 1/22/03 & 2/7/03.
Learn how to maintain and take care of your own equipment to make the most of the snow. Limit of 10 persons for each clinic. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

How to Get the Best Fitting Ski Boots You’ve Ever Had
-Friday, January 17; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
If you’ve ever felt pain while wearing a pair of ski boots, this clinic is for you. You don’t have to suffer on the slopes. Join us and learn how the Alpine Shop can make your next ski trip more enjoyable whether your old boots need modifications or you're looking for new ski boots. Custom footbeds will also be discussed. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 for information.

Ski & Snowboard Tuning Clinics
-Wednesday, January 22; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
-Also offered on 2/7/03.
Learn how to maintain and take care of your own equipment to make the most of the snow. Limit of 10 persons for each clinic. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

How to Plan a Hassle-Free Ski Vacation
-Wednesday, January 29; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
-Also offered on 3/7.
Ever catch yourself saying…Why do my rental boots hurt… How did my goggles get broken? Why are my skis in Miami? Let the Alpine Shop give you pointers on how to make your ski vacation a success! We’ll also discuss the “how to’s” of ski vacation packing! Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

February 2003
Get Geared Up for Spring Paddling
-Tuesday, February 4; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
-Also offered on 3/28.
Planning to hit the rivers this spring, or maybe head up to the Boundary Waters? Come in and let the experts at the Alpine Shop go over what you’ll need for your trip. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

Ski & Snowboard Tuning Clinics
-Friday, February 7; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
Learn how to maintain and take care of your own equipment to make the most of the snow. Limit of 10 persons for each clinic. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

Get Geared Up for Backpacking
-Wednesday, February 19; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
Attention beginners!!! If you’re interested in heading out into the wild this spring with a backpack on your shoulders, come and talk with one of our experts tonight. Find out what you need to start packing and see some of the newest gear and clothing. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 for info.

How to Use a GPS- Capen Park
-Sunday, February 23; 1-2:30 pm. FREE.
-Capen Park. Meet at Alpine Shop Columbia at 12:30 pm.
There’s no better way to learn the basics of using a GPS unit than by getting out and seeing how they work. We’ll navigate our way around the bluffs of Capen Park and get you started on your way to plotting courses, tracing routes and generally knowing where you are at all times in the wild. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register.

March 2003
How to Plan a Hassle-Free Ski Vacation at the Last Minute
-Friday, March 7; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
Okay. All you know is you want to go skiing in the next month. We’ll help with the rest. Let the Alpine Shop give you pointers on how to make your ski vacation a success! We’ll also discuss the “how to’s” of ski vacation packing! Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register or for more information.

Get Geared Up for Rock Climbing
-Wednesday, March 12; 6 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
-Also offered on 4/4.
Attention beginners!!! Find out what you need to start rock climbing and see some of the latest gear and clothing. There are some great climbing areas right here in Columbia. Don’t miss out on this great adventure sport. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 for info.

Using a Map & Compass- Gans Creek
-Sunday, March 16; 1-3 pm. FREE.
-Gans Creek. Meet at Alpine Shop Columbia at 12:30 pm.
Learn the basics of using a map and compass while we find our way around the beautiful bluffs of Gans Creek. Make sure you’ll never be lost in the woods if your GPS runs out of batteries! Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 to register.

Get Geared Up for Spring Paddling
-Friday, March 28; 6 pm. FREE.
-Alpine Shop Columbia
Planning to hit the rivers this spring, or maybe head up to the Boundary Waters? Come in and let the experts at the Alpine Shop go over what you’ll need for your trip. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955.

April 2003
Get Geared Up for Rock Climbing
-Friday, April 4; 6 pm. FREE.
-Alpine Shop Columbia.
Attention beginners!!! Find out what you need to get to start rock climbing and see some of the newest gear and clothing. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 for info.

Get Ready for Philmont Scout Ranch
-Saturday, 4/26; 3 pm. FREE
-Alpine Shop Columbia
Are you heading for Philmont? Learn from Cynthia Truemper, former Philmont staff, about what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect when you arrive. Attendance at this workshop will help ensure the best Philmont experience possible. Advance registration suggested. Call 573/817-2955 for information.

Into the Cave: Devils Icebox Caving Trip
-April Dates & Times TBA.
Join Paul Lowry on a rigorous seven hour trip through the Devils Icebox in Rockbridge State Park. Don't be intimidated! This trip is for everyone, as long as you don't mind getting muddy. With over 20 years of caving experience, Paul will share his passion and knowledge of the underground world. Participants will learn, among other things, what a nongravitimorphical axialspeleothem is, as well as how to properly pronounce it. Participants will be provided with essential gear. A mandatory pre-trip meeting will be held in advance of the trip to discuss other required gear, physical requirements, and what to expect. Class limited to 10 people. Advance registration required. Call 573/817-2955 for information.