CMC Trip Classifications

• Hiking and Climbing
• Backpacking
• Ski Touring

Hiking and Climbing

The following standards are among those used to classify trips. The classification is made in terms of walking distance, altitude gain, difficulty of various routes, special problems.

Class A:

8 miles maximum round trip, altitude gain up to 1200 feet.

Class B:

12 miles maximum round trip, altitude gain of 1200 to 2500 feet. Class B trips may include overnight and easy backpacking to base camp.

Class C:

15 miles maximum round trip, altitude gain up to 3500 feet. Scree and steep or rough terrain may be encountered.

Class D:

More than 15 miles round trip, altitude gain of over 3500 feet. Trips in this classification may require additional climbing skills. Basic Mountaineering School graduation or approval of leader is required.

E:

Designates peaks of any classification as dangerous. Basic Mountaineering School graduation or approval of leader is required.

Technical Climbing:

Technical trips are open to all qualified climbers. Trip descriptions give a general idea of ability required. Registration is commonly with the leader, who determines the qualifications needed for the trip.

Note: The limits of the levels of difficulty within each hiking and climbing classification are defined as easy, moderate, or difficult by the trip scheduler and leader according to the pace, terrain, and, in the case of rock climbing trips, the Yosemite decimal system, during the season that the trip is scheduled.

Backpacking

Novice:

Easy trip for the beginner to learn about equipment and backpacking techniques. These trips are designed for beginners; however, others may be accepted to fill the trip to the limit.

Easy:

Trail travel: 5 miles maximum per day, 1500 feet maximum elevation gain per day.

Moderate:

Mostly trail: 8 miles maximum per day, 2500 feet maximum elevation gain per day.

Advanced:

Trail; but part of trip may be without a trail: 12 miles maximum per day, up to 3500 feet maximum elevation gain per day.

Difficult:

Any of the following: no trail, steep slopes, some rock, over 12 miles per day, over 3500 feet elevation gain per day.

Note: If you are a B or C hiker, this does not qualify you for a backpack. A backpack must be considered a separate trip classification.

Ski Touring

Easy I:

For the beginner only: 1 to 3 miles on generally flat terrain.

Easy II:

3 to 6 miles and up to 600' elevation gain.

Easy III:

6 to 8 miles or 600' to 800' elevation gain.

Moderate I:

800' to 1,100' elevation gain.

Moderate II:

1,100' to 1,500' elevation gain.

Moderate III:

1,500' to 1,800' elevation gain.

Advanced trips are generally over 10 miles on very difficult terrain. Fast pace. Participants must be able to break trail for three miles and must have excellent Nordic downhill ability. Ten essentials are required plus down jacket with hood, wind pants, shovel, map, extra food. Blue Jeans are not allowed. Avalanche beacons are strongly recommended.

Advanced I:

1,800' to 2,500' elevation gain or 15-20 miles.

Advanced II:

Over 2,500' elevation gain.

From the Summer Activity Schedule Trail and Timberline, No. 904, April 1995.

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