Mountaineering and Outdoor Education

301 Trad Lead Climbing School

The CMC Denver Group Technical Section annually conducts the Trad Lead Climbing School (TLCS) for the purpose of training members with some previous rock climbing instruction and experience to safely lead technical climbs. The school starts in April.

The school teaches leading skills, not climbing skills. To apply, a member must be over age 14 and should be either a graduate from the CMC's Basic Mountaineering School or provide evidence of other formal training in rock climbing or climbing proficiency at the 5.6 level.

All applicants are required to pass a field qualification test before they are admitted to TLCS. The test includes demonstrating climbing skills, belaying, rappelling, and knot tying. To graduate, all lectures must be attended, and all four field trips must be completed, demonstrating safe leading skills at a minimum level of 5.5. Successful completion of TLCS or equivalent is required for admission to the Technical Ice Climbing School. For more information, see the March Mile High Mountaineer or call the chairperson of the Technical Section.