What's the best Seattle-area mountaineering course?

I'm a novice trad climber and backcountry skier interested in breaking into alpine climbing and ski mountaineering in 2014. It seems to me like taking a multi-week mountaineering course this spring could be a good way to do that. I probably already know some of the material, but I'd like to approach these activities in a more structured setting and meet new people while I'm at it.

The three clubs through which I've considered taking a mountaineering course are the Washington Alpine Club, the Mountaineers, and BOEALPS. Can anyone share their experience with one of these classes (or let me in on one that I've missed)?

Jordan,

I've used this company many times and am very happy with them:

ncmountainguides.com/

Although you like meeting new people, a private course (which costs more) is way better, as you can have it tailored to exactly what you want. Call 'em up and talk to them about your goals.

One other option.... is the Bushwhacker Climbing Club. The registration for their class usually opens up around Feb. They train for glacier level 1 travel. You probably will enjoy the skills and it's pretty laid back. The class usually runs from May-June with a grad climb up one of the easy routes on Baker with some crevasse rescue practice. Often the club puts together a Rainier climb not long after that. The club is pretty small which means it can be a pretty tight knit community. However, they are having trouble getting MORE technical... so there's that. Anyway, the registration is pretty aggressive and there's a basic questionnaire, but the cost is low (usually around $350).

As far as the Ski Mountaineering... a couple of the guide services offer a one-day class which I'm considering. I think that would be a great way to get started. I don't know of many mountaineering classes that automatically include ski mountaineering - usually a different discipline to practice.

Anyhow, get your skills and then go get ice climbing. You won't regret that choice....