Denver Group's Education Program

Below you'll find unique opportunities for trying new activities and answering the lure of the wilderness and mountains. Through Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) courses and seminars you can learn many diverse subjects such as first-aid, hiking, climbing, skiing, camping, flyfishing, photography and more. These courses appeal to people new to the area and the outdoors, as well as to those looking for new ways to enjoy the mountains and expand their personal horizons.

The CMC is the premiere source for outdoor education in Colorado. Our instructors are volunteers and members of the club, and they are experienced users of the outdoors who have polished their skills on club trips and demonstrated their leadership abilities. Safety and individual responsibility on the part of each student is stressed in all courses. Respect for the natural environment and leadership skills are also stressed. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to comfortably and securely participate in the activity you choose. This combination of excellence, value and fellowship is difficult to top.

The Denver Group of the CMC has created a complete education program for members to obtain the skills and knowledge needed to safely participate on Club activities. This program ranges from entry level schools and seminars (Level 100) to very advanced schools (Level 400). Although upper level schools may repeat important material covered at a lower level, a prospective student must know the material covered in the prerequisite courses.

You may obtain a waiver for a prerequisite course by meeting requirements determined by the director of the prerequisite course. Please see the description of the prerequisite schools for information concerning waivers.

Our mountaineering education program starts with either the 101 Wilderness Trekking School or the 102 Backpacking School. One of these two courses is necessary for a "C" classification and admittance to the next course in the program, 201 Basic Mountaineering School. The Basic Mountaineering School is required for a "D" classification and provides the prerequisite skills for the 301 Intermediate Rock Climbing School and the 381 High Altitude Mountaineering School. Graduation from the Intermediate Rock Climbing School is required for admittance to our most advanced mountaineering course, 401 Technical Ice Climbing School.

CMC Denver Group courses are open to all Club members. Members are welcome to sign up for courses regardless of their individual Group affiliation. There is a $5 surcharge for CMC members of other groups. Class sizes are limited, and courses often fill fast after registration opens. Payment for courses may be by cash, check, money order, or Visa/ Master card, made out to The Colorado Mountain Club.

Watch the Mile High Mountaineer for course information and updates including dates, fees, meeting times and places, lecture and field trip information. The information listed here may change before a course actually begins. If you need more information about a course, contact the individual listed. Please remember that these people are volunteers. Call them before 9:00 PM. and please be considerate when you call. If a contact is not listed, or a phone number not given, contact the CMC office (303) 279-3080.

Schools and Seminars

• 101 Wilderness Trekking School
• 102 Backpacking School
• 111 Avalanche School
• 120 Basic Winter Camping
• 130 Beginner Rock Climbing Seminar
• 141 Cross-Country Ski School
• 150 First Aid Courses
• 160 Leadership Seminars
• 170 Wilderness Survival School
• 201 Basic Mountaineering School
• 241 Telemark Ski School
• 301 Intermediate Rock Climbing School
• 181/381 High Altitude Mountaineering Seminar/School
• 401 Technical Ice Climbing School
  
  

Availability

While schools are listed here to show what is available to members and are a good member benefit, schools are not always easy to get into. The beginner level schools are very popular and all schools limit the number of students by the number of qualified volunteers instructing.

Most schools are provided to improve the skills of participants on CMC trips. That is the reason the school tuition is kept low compared to guide services. The advanced schools will limit entrance to members meeting prerequisites such as graduation or a waiver from one of the other CMC schools. Schools may further limit entry based on a member's past volunteer efforts, years in the club and participation on Club trips. If the only reason you join the CMC is to take an advanced school, you will probably be disappointed.