Are you ready to push your limits, test your skills? This winter, take your training to the next level at Hawk Mountain Ranger School’s Winter Operations Training — where snow, ice, and teamwork forge strong leaders. All participants will camp in the field the entire weekend, living and training under real conditions. Experience what true mission readiness feels like. Winter Operations Training isn’t just another course — it’s an experience that builds resilience, teamwork, and self-reliance. Step out of your comfort zone, face the elements, and discover what you’re truly capable of.

Introduction to Winter OPS – A hands-on introduction to cold-weather operations. Students learn proper clothing and equipment selection, safety & first aid, how to set up your campsite, basic survival, search techniques, woodsmanship, and cold-weather awareness. Note: No prior experience required — just motivation and a willingness to learn!

Basic Course - Build your confidence and skill as you take on real-world challenges. This First-year course emphasizes the core skills required for winter missions. Training includes navigation, winter search & rescue techniques, cold weather survival, campsite selection, mission scenarios, and patient evacuation. Designed to build confidence and competence in cold-weather field conditions.

Advanced Course - Take your training further with advanced winter search & rescue operations. This Second-year course refined your skills in operating more effectively in extreme field mission operations conditions, strengthening your decision-making, leadership, and technical skills under stress. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a Winter Ranger School or working on GTM1/R1.

Special Advanced Course - This capstone course is open to graduates of the Advanced Winter School. Training includes field mobility, advanced search operations, mission management, natural shelter construction, winter survival, and team leadership. Designed for members pursuing their Advanced Ranger or Expert Ranger ratings.