Every winter the San Francisco Bay chapter of the Sierra Club teaches 100+ outdoor enthusiasts how to snowcamp. I’m mentioning it here on the PCT sub since a surprising number of past participants are experienced hikers looking to polish their winter hiking/camping skills so as to extend their hiking season. 

Training includes a full-day orientation January 9, 2027 in Emeryville, followed by a one-night trip, then a two-night trip, both starting from trailheads near Tahoe. Participants need to apply at www.snowcamping.org; there's a fee ($145-$170) that’s returned if you’re not accepted. (The application is to make sure that candidates have appropriate backpacking experience and are currently active-enough to snowshoe a few miles, then dig a shelter.)

I signed-up for this in 2020, and have been snowcamping every winter since then. From learning about cold weather gear and navigation to actually sleeping in snow trenches and snow caves - I really think this is valuable training. Yep - I understand that people reading this sub are all over the world, but if you're in California or Nevada, come join us! (And if you've got friends in this part of the world let them know. Thanks.)

Note: I am not an official spokesperson for the Sierra Club or the Snowcamping group; just someone who feels very lucky to have learned about this.