Thursday, February 7 - 7:00pm - Free Film Night: Touching the Void
In the mid-80's two young climbers attempted to reach the summit of Siula Grande in Peru; a feat that had previously been attempted but never achieved. Simon and Joe set off to scale the mountain in one long push over several days. The peak is reached, however on the descent Joe fell and broke his leg. The two continue with Simon letting Joe out on a rope for 300 meters, then descending to join him and so on. When Joe goes out over an overhang with no way of climbing back up, Simon makes the decision to cut the rope. Joe falls into a crevasse and Simon, assuming him dead, continues back down. Joe however survives the fall. This is the story of how he got back down. Stop by Midwest for a great free film and some free popcorn! Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Monday, February 11 - 7:00pm - Hiking and Volunteering in the BWCA Wilderness
Join others like you to clear hiking trails in the BWCA Wilderness this May. Did you know that BWCA has over 200 miles of backpacking trails? You may be asking yourself: Where are these trails? What gear do I need? How can I help bring back the 30-mile long BWCA Pow Wow Trail burned in the Pagami Creek Fire? See dramatic photos of the PowWow Trail and the devastating effect of the fire. Listen to a volunteer's vision about we must do to bring this magnificent trail back. Whether you are a novice or an expert, we have a BWCA trip you will love. To find out more, visit www.meetup.com/Friends-of-BWCA-Trails or see photo essays, www.bwac.smugmug.com Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Tuesday, February 12 - 6:30pm - Winter Camping: Traveling
This clinic is for those that have already attended Winter Camping: The Basics or those who have winter camped a few times and are looking to expand their knowledge. Bear Paulsen will discuss choosing a campsite, shelter options and the all important – how to sleep comfortably through the long winter nights. He'll cover winter travel from backpacking on foot to pulling a pulk sled through the BWCA. Sled design will also be touched on. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Wednesday, February 13 - 6:30pm - Bouldering Divas
The second Wednesday of every month is now the all women, ONLY women, evening of bouldering in the Cave. Carolyn Hansen will be on hand to answer questions and help provide a fun and relaxing atmosphere. All abilities welcome from the, "I've never done this before", to those who want to set routes, and everyone in-between. Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants. Minimum age 15. Climbing shoe rental is $3.  612–339–3433 Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering

Wednesday, February 13 - 7:00pm - Ski Waxing
The application of kick and glide wax and simple maintenance of your equipment enhances your enjoyment of cross country skiing. Learn what you need to know from our very own Iman Mefleh. Learn how you can maximize your glide on either kick-waxable or non kick-waxable skis. She'll cover everything from base structure to waxing to klister and how to keep your skis in tip-top shape for your next ski outing. Ski Department, Midwest Mountaineering

Wednesday, February 13 - 7:00pm Rapids Riders Film and Meeting
Come see what the rapids riders Whitewater Canoe and Kayak club is all about. From 7:00 to 8:00p.m. there will be a Rapids Riders introduction and movie showing some local whitewater and a question and answer session. If you want to be a part of the Rapids Riders meeting, please stay from 8:00 to 9:00p.m. More information: rapidsriders.net Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Saturday, February 16 - Try Winter Camping at French Lake Park
Learn the basics needed to enjoy a Minnesota winter outside! Come try winter camping at French Lake Regional Park. Karl Huemiller of Three Rivers Parks and Bear Paulsen of Midwest Mountaineering are teaming up to help you spend a night outside in February. Tents, sleeping systems, snowshoes and food are all provided, you only need bring yourself and appropriate clothing. Winter Campers must attend two free preliminary winter camping courses at Midwest Mountaineering on Tuesday, February 5th and 12th, 6:30pm. Preregistration and prepayment required – limited to 12 participants. Cost $125 per person. All registrations handled by Three Rivers Parks: www.threeriversparks.org French Lake Regional Park

Monday, February 18 - 6:30pm - Climbing 101
Take yourself to new heights and learn the ropes through hands on experience in our Climbing Cave. Learn the basics of bouldering, top roping and what you need to know to get started in this invigorating sport from our very own expert climber Carolyn Hansen. All equipment provided. Wear comfortable clothing. Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants. Cost $5, no refunds. Minimum age 15. 612–339–3433 Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering

Tuesday, February 19 - 6:30pm - Winter in the BWCA
How do you choose which entry point to start your winter camping trip in the BWCA? Which access roads are plowed? Where won't you hear snowmobiles? In addition to entry points, there will be a discussion of ice travel and how to do it safely on lakes and rivers. Bear Paulsen will also explain the bane of all ice travelers – slush, and suggest ways to avoid it. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Wednesday, February 20 - 7:00pm - Watersheds: Clean Water, Wild Places & Healthy Communities
Tim Bristol is Director of Trout Unlimited's (TU) Alaska office. Tim will talk about the importance of protecting watersheds and the communities who depend on them. Specifically Tim will talk about conservation work in the Tongass National Forest, where revisions to the forest management plan, the roadless rule, and other changes have led to the opportunity for significant watershed protection in America's largest national forest and in Bristol Bay, where monumental challenges to the watershed and its world class wild salmon fisheries arise out of a proposed massive copper mine in the headwaters. Tim is the 2012 recipient of the Alaska Conservation Foundation's Olaus Murie Award for outstanding professional contributions to conservation. Sponsored by Friends of the Boundary Waters www.friends-bwca.org Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Thursday, February 21 - 7:00pm - Backpacking Yosemite
If you're planning a trip to Yosemite this is your chance to learn more about the park from Kim Fishburn, a transplanted Californian. He'll show pictures from various parts of the park and talk about rules you'll need to know about. You'll learn about the many transportation options that are available to get to and around the Sierras, and things to think about when flying with a backpack. He'll also show you an outstanding resource to use in planning a trip in the Sierras. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Monday, February 25 - 6:30pm - Climbing 102
A Climbing 101 clinic is a prerequisite for this clinic. Carolyn Hansen will provide this opportunity to expand your technical skills and help prepare you for more advanced climbing. We'll review knots, commands, and belaying, along with more in-depth explanations and uses of climbing gear. Don't worry; we will still have time to climb . Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants. Cost $5, no refunds. Minimum age 15. 612–339–3433 Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering

Wednesday, February 27 - 7:00pm- Machu Picchu and Beyond
Home to ancient civilizations, vast archeological marvels in unbelievable settings, vibrant indigenous cultures, and natural wonders spanning from unspoiled Amazon rainforest to towering Andean peaks, Peru inspires awe at every turn. Throw in diverse and delectable food and remarkably friendly people, and it's no wonder why Peru is a traveler favorite. Owner of leading South American travel specialist and trip operator Knowmad Adventures, Jordan Harvey's presentation will feature jaw-dropping images from Peru's various regions while offering practical itinerary planning and travel advice for Peru including hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, less physical and more luxurious trips to Machu Picchu, Amazon Jungle travel and lodges, and Lake Titicaca. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Thursday, February 28 - 6:30pm - Mountaineering
This introductory clinic to mountaineering covers the process of learning to become a mountaineer. The requisite skills, resources, training, locations, gear, guide services and other related disciplines are often passed along from those who have been there and have come back to tell stories of what they have learned along the way. Come and learn how to get started with one of our own, Rubens Modelli who has been climbing mountains of rock, ice and snow for over 20 years. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering