REI Santa Monica has a monthly offering of free courses and clinics (and some fee-based programs as well).
On 11/12 there’s a free Snow Camping clinic which sounds interesting.
I haven’t attended one of these myself, but I’d bet you’d get at least a few useful tidbits of info.
The Bridge to NowhereA favorite Southern California day hike and a dramatic collision between grand plans and nature's wrath.
Mt. Whitney: The East FaceEnjoy a little Fresh Air on Mount Whitney's East Face — an extraordinary high alpine rock climbing route.
PCT: Onion Valley to Cottonwood PassThe Pacific Crest Trail from Onion Valley to Cottonwood Pass—a five day, fifty mile hike through the interior Sierra.
North Palisade: the U-NotchGlaciers, couloirs, and rock in the heart of the High Sierra: 14,242' North Palisade is a true California classic.
Mt. Whitney: Mountaineer's RouteFor adventurous hikers, John Muir's Mountaineer's Route offers an unforgettable Whitney climb.
Mt. Shasta: Avalanche Gulch7000 vertical feet of superb July skiing down Avalanche Gulch, 14,162' Mount Shasta's popular climbing route.
Sandstone Peak: Mishe Mokwa LoopOcean, canyon, and city views abound in this easy day hike to the top of Southern California's Santa Monica Mountains.
Mt. Russell: East RidgeExplore the bleeding edge of Sierra Class 3 climbing on this day hike up Mount Russell's exposed East Ridge.
