From conquering the rock wall at local Madison gyms to traveling far and wide in search of the most legendary climbs in the country and beyond, Mountaineering Club members take trips that challenge climbers of all levels.
The Hoofer Mountaineering Club is a student-run organization that wants to keep people out on the rocks, while also maintaining a collective of knowledgeable climbers who can both learn from and teach one another. We love teaching new members and we love getting people together to go out and climb as a community, whether it be at the classic Devil's Lake or as far as Spain! We run both club trips and more relaxed unofficial trips for last-minute planners. If you're more experienced, if you're looking to improve or to even just get started, we also offer a climbing team!
A membership with Hoofer Mountaineering gives you access to our gear locker, as well as discounts at the climbing wall in the Sett.
FAQs
What is Mountaineering?
The Hoofer Mountaineering Club is a student-run organization of climbers that want to keep people out on the rocks, while also maintaining a collective of knowledgeable climbers who can both teach and pass on their knowledge to others.
How do I get started?
To join, you can either purchase a membership online or sign up in-person at the Outdoor Programs Office. We hope to see you at HMC meetings, clinics, socials, and events in the future!
How often does Mountaineering hold events?
You can expect weekly meetings, socials, clinics, and trips.
What kinds of events does Mountaineering have?
Hoofer Mountaineering general meetings are held every Thursday at 7pm in Mendota Lounge. In addition, we hold technical skill clinics, climbing socials at local gyms and crags, and regional and global trips.
Where do you go to climb?
With Devils Lake, Governor Dodge, Necedah, and Hillbilly Hollow in our own backyard, we utilize our local crags to their fullest potential.
Some of our further destinations have included Puerto Rico, Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park, the Margalef and Siurana crags outside of Barcelona, and Red Rock Canyon. The annual trip to Red River Gorge for Halloween is a fan-favorite as well.
What is the climbing team?
If you're looking to sharpen your climbing skills, train, socialize, and compete, Hoofer Climbing Team is for you! You can learn more here!
How can I sign up for events?
Become a member!
Do you provide gear?
We sure do. We offer anything and everything a climber may require, so you shouldn't need anything of your own.
Check Out the Instagram and Join the GroupMe
View this profile on InstagramHoofer Mountaineering Club (@hoofer_mountaineering) • Instagram photos and videos
How to Join
1. Create your Account!
When you're ready to join, head over to our member site at https://members.hoofers.org to create your account! You must be a Union Member to join. Note that UW-Madison students are automatically granted Union membership.
2. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined the club, you can search for events and sign up from the member site. Pick your favorite event, sign up, and get ready for an adventure!
For more information, click the button below!
Contact Us
Hoofer Mountaineering Club
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofermountaineering.org
Contact Us
News
The Annual HMC Welcome Weekend returned once again for 2024! Even though the weather did its best to hinder the trip, the club persevered and had an excellent time climbing at the lake. Many returning as well as new members enjoy the Railroad Amphitheater and Birthday crags. On top of climbing, those who went early Friday were able to enjoy a classic camping experience with swimming and cooking s'mores over the fire. The trip was topped off with a brat cook-out at Brittingham Park on Sunday once back in Madison.
HMC ventured down to Puerto Rico this Winter Break! Some beautiful weather and stellar sport climbing makes for a good couple weeks.
The club heads out to the Red Rocks area annually for some of the best sport climbing in the country. This year, the group stayed in the Las Vegas area. Two weeks of good times!
Annual Halloween weekend trip to the Red! HMC camps at the legendary Miguel's Pizza campground every year, and sport climbs some most legendary crags.
The annual HMC Welcome Weekend makes its return for 2023! Almost 60 folks gathered at Devil's Lake for a stellar day of top rope climbing at the Railroad Amphitheater and Birthday crags on Saturday followed by a good ole fashioned cookout by the lake. A bunch of others stayed for the whole weekend at the club's reserved campgrounds, and got some more climbing in on Sunday!
Upcoming Events
Gear Manager Office Hours
Come stop into the Gear Locker for our office hours. Test out, ask questions, get gear, or just come get to know us. Would love to see you stop by.
Outdoor Explorer Series: Cooking in the Outdoors
Join Outdoor UW for another informative course in the Outdoor Explorer Series (OES). Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
Cooking in the Outdoors
The focus of this class is all about planning, preparing, and showing techniques to cook healthy and nutritious meals while on remote backcountry camping trips. We will describe all that goes into executing meals for you and your friends while camping. This includes how to create a plan that provides flexibility for a multi-day camping trip. Shows participants how to set up a stove and walks through the process of cooking a backcountry meal. We also will describe and demonstrate some advanced techniques, such as backcountry baking, using fire for cooking, as well as sharing pro tips for those new to backcountry cooking.
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
- Understand the amount of calories that are being burned during outdoor activities
- Understand the basics micro and macro nutrients used to build a recipe
- Describe the value of a well rounded nutritious diet that offset energy expenditure
- Envision ways to plan and prepare ration based on the trip and participants
- Learn about the types cooking supplies needed to cook in the backcountry
- Learn about ways to cook in the backcountry and practice with cooking tools
--- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge on the water lever of Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) ----
*** If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation for this course, please contact our Dan Dunne, ddunne@wisc.edu ***
Femme+ RRG Waitlist
Hi y'all,
The waitlist was a bit wonky before, so if you are looking to add yourself to the waitlist for the femme RRG trip, add yourself here. You will get an email if a spot opens up.
Cheers,
Alden
Femme+ Red River Gorge Trip
Join Our Femme Mountaineering Trip to Red River Gorge!
Are you part of our femme mountaineering community and ready to tackle some epic routes at the Red this fall? Come join us for our annual femme trip to Red River Gorge from October 31st to November 3rd! We’ll be camping at Miguel's Pizza and departing in a university fleet vehicle later in the afternoon on the 31st.
Requirements:
- A sport climbing rating is required to attend. Due to high demand, if your sport rating is not obtained at least two weeks before the event, your spot will be given to someone on the waitlist.
Cost:
- A $5 deposit is required at the time of sign-up. The total cost of the trip will be around $30-$40, to be paid afterward. Please note that meals are not provided. We will stop briefly at a grocery store on the way down for any last-minute items.
Further details will be shared in the pre-trip meeting.
Feel free to join us at Red River Gorge if you prefer to drive your own car!
Cheers!
Beginner Sport Clinic @ the sett
Come join me for a beginner sport clinic! We will be going over clipping and belaying mainly! If you are confident in these things, keep an eye out for an intermediate level clinic!
Gear Manager Office Hours
Come stop into the Gear Locker for our office hours. Test out, ask questions, get gear, or just come get to know us. Would love to see you stop by.
Minnesota Hockey Game
The Wisconsin Hoofers are attending a Wisconsin Men's Hockey Game vs. Minnesota! This is a Hoofer-wide social that is open to members of any Hoofer club while tickets are available.
Gear Manager Office Hours
Come stop into the Gear Locker for our office hours. Test out, ask questions, get gear, or just come get to know us. Would love to see you stop by.
Outdoor Explorer Series: Backpack Like a Pro
Join Outdoor UW for another informative course in the Outdoor Explorer Series (OES). Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
Backpack Like a Pro
Have you ever been interested in learning about what backpacking is all about? Have you ever wondered why is it popular, how do people get into it, where do they go, what do they need, is it possible to backpack and still be comfortable out there? Come to this class and get these questions answered so you can get ready for your first backpacking trip of the season.
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
- Learn about what backpacking is and why it is a popular outdoor activity
- Learn about the gear and supplies needed to backpack effectively and comfortably while also creatively thinking of substitutions they have that can be used in place of high-end/expensive gear.
- Learn how to effectively pack a backpack
- Learn about local areas that will be good spots for your first backpacking trip and what time of year is the best to visit these location
- Get hands on practice with packing a backpack
--- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge on the water lever of Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) ----
*** If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation for this course, please contact our Dan Dunne, ddunne@wisc.edu ***
Friendsgiving at the Union!
Come join us for a traditional Thanksgiving Meal with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Come with a friend or make a new acquaintance at the Wisconsin Union’s holiday event. UW–Madison students like you will feast on favorites like sliced turkey, butternut squash lasagna, sage stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and more! All topped off with pecan and pumpkin pie. Expect lively conversation and fun activities including making cards for UW–Madison students staying in town for the Thanksgiving holiday
Date: November 19, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:30 pm (dinner starts promptly at 5:00 pm)
Location: Tripp Commons, Memorial Union (2nd floor)
Cancellation and Refund Information
The deadline to register and pay is November 5, 2024 at 5pm. No refunds after November 5th.
Gear Manager Office Hours
Come stop into the Gear Locker for our office hours. Test out, ask questions, get gear, or just come get to know us. Would love to see you stop by.
Outdoor Explorer Series: New Outdoor Education Class Content
Join Outdoor UW for another informative course in the Outdoor Explorer Series (OES). Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
OUTDOOR EXPLORER SERIES: Class Skill Area Coming Soon
--- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge on the water lever of Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) ----
*** If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation for this course, please contact our Dan Dunne, ddunne@wisc.edu ***
Volunteer at Adaptive Climbing Day—Boulders East
Hey Hoofers,
On the last Sunday of every month, Boulders hosts an adaptive climbing event, focused on making climbing more accessible, at the East Side location (3964 Commercial Ave, Madison, WI 53714). This program is volunteer-run and a great opportunity to diversify the climbing community that we, as Hoofers, engage with. They are looking for folks to belay and co-climb, no experience necessary, as other volunteers can show you the ropes.
Check out the event and sign up as a volunteer using this link: https://www.bouldersgym.com/adaptive
Boulders East is a 20 minute drive, 30 minute bike ride, or 1 hour bus ride from Madison, so coordinating with other volunteers is the best way to go about it. If you have a car and are willing to drive people, please add your name and information in the following spreadsheet. Likewise, if you need a ride, put your name down as a passenger.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QctZYuzMWonh10LTrgzAXQ-HA_mtHMhhm75KkyXlu38/edit?usp=sharing
Questions? Email me at mountaineering@hooferambassadors.org or Boulders at adaptiveclimbing@bouldersgym.com
Cheers!
Outdoor Explorer Series: Must Know Knots
Join Outdoor UW for another informative course in the Outdoor Explorer Series (OES). Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
OUTDOOR EXPLORER SERIES: Must Know Knots
Have you ever been asked to tie something up and just stared at the string in your hands for far to long? FEAR KNOT!
Dont let this happen to you again, by joining our class and learn all about the best ways to remember how to tie various knots that are essential to recreating in the outdoors. We will practice and coach you through the most used knots and make sure you have got them figured out before you leave. Become a knot pro and join us for the Outdoor Explorer Series: Must Know Knots!
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
-
Describing terminology for knot tying/rope management
-
Discuss why knot tying is an important skill to have as a person who enjoys the outdoors
-
Most common knots you should know: (Video, In person walk through, practice, example of how to use this knot in the outdoors)
-
Next steps to becoming a Knot tying professional
--- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge on the water lever of Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) ----
*** If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation for this course, please contact our Dan Dunne, ddunne@wisc.edu ***
Outdoor Explorer Series: New Outdoor Education Class Content
Join Outdoor UW for another informative course in the Outdoor Explorer Series (OES). Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
OUTDOOR EXPLORER SERIES: Class Skill Area Coming Soon
--- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge on the water lever of Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) ----
*** If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation for this course, please contact our Dan Dunne, ddunne@wisc.edu ***
Winter Break Trip to Portugal
Hello Mountaineers!
HMC is excited to annouce a new winter break trip going to Portugal! This trip will be from December 27th - Janurary 8th
Portugal is home to lots of worldclass sport climbing routes. This trip will be a great chance to enjoy sport climbing and pair it with some great travel abroad. The majority of the climbing that HMC will do in Portugal will be sport climbing. All partipants will be required to have a tope rating in order to register to the event. And must have a sport climbing rating by the time the event happens. There will be some opportunity for multi-pitch climbing. If a participant is intertested they will need the required ratings through HMC as well.
There will be an iteneray below which will give a rough detail to the timeline of the trip.
Leader Cams Flight Schedule
A participants flight needs to land on or before 11:00am on Dec 28th in Lisbon. Exceptions can be made on a case by case basis
A participants departing flight needs to leave 9:00am or later from Lisbon on Jan 8th. Exceptions can be made on a case by case basis
Intinerary
Dec 28th - Land in Lisbon
Dec 29th - Rest/Tourist Day
Dec 30-Jan 7th - Climbing with random rest days depending on weather and how the group feels
Jan 8th - Depart Lisbon
Cost Breakdown
Rental Car |
$500-800 |
Airbnb |
$750 |
Gas |
$500 |
Misc |
$350 |
Trip Subsidy |
$300 |
Total |
$2700 (Group) |
Flight |
$800 |
Rental Car |
$80 |
Airbnb / Vrbo |
$75 |
Gas |
$50 |
Food |
$300 ($25 Day) |
Misc |
$35 |
Trip Subsidy |
$30 |
Total |
$1370 (Per Person) |
Where we are staying
-
House in Lourinha, Portugal
-
35 Min drive to Airport
-
45 Min to downtown Lisbon
-
500m to the beach
-
Nearby grocery
-
Nearby restaurants
-
Lots of local crags around
Please email Cameron (cmccrary2001@gmail.com) with any Questions
Volunteer at Adaptive Climbing Day—Boulders East
Hey Hoofers,
On the last Sunday of every month, Boulders hosts an adaptive climbing event, focused on making climbing more accessible, at the East Side location (3964 Commercial Ave, Madison, WI 53714). This program is volunteer-run and a great opportunity to diversify the climbing community that we, as Hoofers, engage with. They are looking for folks to belay and co-climb, no experience necessary, as other volunteers can show you the ropes.
Check out the event and sign up as a volunteer using this link: https://www.bouldersgym.com/adaptive
Boulders East is a 20 minute drive, 30 minute bike ride, or 1 hour bus ride from Madison, so coordinating with other volunteers is the best way to go about it. If you have a car and are willing to drive people, please add your name and information in the following spreadsheet. Likewise, if you need a ride, put your name down as a passenger.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QctZYuzMWonh10LTrgzAXQ-HA_mtHMhhm75KkyXlu38/edit?usp=sharing
Questions? Email me at mountaineering@hooferambassadors.org or Boulders at adaptiveclimbing@bouldersgym.com
Cheers!
NOLS Wilderness Medicine - Hybrid Wilderness First Responder 5-day Course (HWFR) - 22399
Registration for this Hybrid WFR course is managed by NOLS.
Once you register you will be given information about how to access the required pre-course online modules that will need to be completed before the course begins.
NOLS enrollment link > 22399 HWFR January 13th-17th, 2025
* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *
* Please note that Hoofer members enrolling in this course will have to pay the full tuition price on the NOLS website and will then be refunded the price difference the course has been completed *
Description: The Hybrid Wilderness First Responder (HWFR) course is a 5-day long 80-hour course taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine. The HWFR course is designed to provide you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments. Prerequisites: No previous first aid training is required. You must be 16 years old to attend this course. Certification: Participants are required to pass both written and practical examinations to obtain WFR and CPR certification. Successful course completion earns you a WMI Adult & Child CPR certification and a WMI Wilderness First Responder certification. EMTs will earn a Wilderness EMT certification. All certifications are current for two years.
Should I take the WFR or WFA? The WFA is a two-day course that primarily focuses on the basics of how to respond to an emergency situation in a remote area. This is perfect for people who are on remote day hikes or shorter trips with friends. This class really focuses on the Patient Assessment System and how to start making decisions on patient care. The WFR (Or Hybrid WFR) is an industry standard for outdoor professionals with outdoor schools and guide companies. If you are leading a group in remote areas, this more advanced WFR training can provide you with more in-depth knowledge and practice dealing with a variety of first aid situations. https://www.nols.edu/en/about/wilderness-medicine/
Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union on 800 Langdon Street in Madison. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/
Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine - Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification 2-day Course (Hybrid WFR-Recert) - 22400
Registration for this Hybrid WFR Re-Certification course is managed by NOLS.
Once you register you will be given information about how to access the required pre-course online modules that will need to be completed before the course begins.
NOLS enrollment link > 22400 HWRR January 19th-20th, 2025
* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *
* Please note that Hoofer members enrolling in this course will have to pay the full tuition price on the NOLS website and will then be refunded the price difference the course has been completed *
Description: The Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification (Hybrid WFR-Recert) course is a 2-day 24-hour course taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine specifically to recertify participants who are currently holding a Wilderness First Responder Certification. The WFR-Recert course is designed to refresh your skills and knowledge in making critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments.
Prerequisites: You must be currently holding a Wilderness First Responder Certification or be in your 1-year grace period (between certification courses). You must be 16 years old to attend this course.
Certification: Participants are required to pass both written and practical examinations to obtain WFR and CPR certification. Successful course completion earns you a WMI Adult & Child CPR certification and a WMI Wilderness First Responder certification. EMTs will earn a Wilderness EMT certification. All certifications are current for two years.
Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union on 800 Langdon Street in Madison. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/
Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.