Signing Up for a Trip

All Denver Group trips are "register with the clubhouse" unless the trip description says "register with leader". Then register directly with the trip leader, listed by name and phone number in the trip description.

All CMC trip registrations—whether "register with leader" or "register at the clubhouse"—follow a "first–come, first–served" policy. Please register early to avoid disappointment. Registering well ahead of time is often wise: trips are popular and can fill up fast. The Denver Group limits trips to 15 participants and some trips will have a lower limit.

Please be courteous to our trip leaders: don't call them at home before 8 AM or after 9 PM.

When you call the leader or clubhouse, you'll get basic information on the trip such as departure time and location, level of ability needed, and special equipment requirements. You will also be asked whether you can drive for the carpool.

Some day trips may involve post–trip activities or late–starting or late–ending days. Be sure to confirm these details when you sign up. If any additional activities are involved, there may be additional costs.

All carpool trips follow the CMC guidelines in reimbursing the driver for mileage and expenses. Drivers customarily charge each individual passenger up to eight cents per mile.

Where to Sign-Up

Denver Group Automated Trip Sign-up (ATS): 303-279-3300
The Denver Group provides a centralized, Automated Trip Sign-up (ATS) registration service for Denver Group trips. To register for any Denver Group trip (unless it is designated as "register with leader" in the trip description), call 303-279-3300 and follow the automated directions. You will need to provide your membership number (on your membership card or at the top of your Activity Schedule mailing label) and the trip identification number (printed in the Activity Schedule). You can also call ATS to cancel a trip, or to check on your wait list status.

If the ATS is unavailable, you can also call 303-279-3080, ext. 2 (toll-free outside the Denver metro area: 800-633-4417) to register for Denver Group trips (other than "register with leader" trips). You may also register for trips in person during normal office hours at the club office in the American Mountaineering Center, 710 Tenth St., Golden.

When to Sign-Up

The deadline for Denver Group trip registration is 1 PM Friday for Saturday and Sunday trips, 1 PM the day prior for weekday trips. The office cannot take registrations until the leader has confirmed the trip; this usually occurs two to four weeks before the trip date.

Harder Trips — Leader Permission

The Denver Group assigns hiker and skier classifications to its members (A-D for hikers; Easy, Moderate or Advanced for skiers). If you wish to participate on any Denver Group C or D hike or Easy III, Moderate, or Advanced ski tour and you don't already have a personal Denver Group classification corresponding to the trip classification, you will need to call the leader for permission before you register for the trip. The leader will want to know your recent experience for the conditioning and skills needed to participate on these harder trips. The leader may give you a special code that you in turn use as proof of permission when registering for the trip.

Please see Member Classification for Denver Group for information on how to obtain your own classification.

Cancelling a Trip if Unable to Attend

Please don't be a "no-show" for any CMC trip. If you register for a trip and then discover you can't attend, that's usually not a problem. For non-Denver Group trips, give the leader a call. For Denver Group trips, cancel by calling the ATS line or the CMC office unless the trip is "register with leader." Somebody will almost always want to go in your place. Be considerate and report any cancellation as early as possible.

The CMC Office tracks no–shows reported by trip leaders. Members who are habitual "no–shows/no calls" may lose membership privileges.

Denver Group Carpool Meeting Places

Carpooling for trips is encouraged but optional; CMC trips start at the trailhead. If you prefer to meet at the trailhead, you must advise the trip leader in advance. Most Denver Group leaders select certain well–known meeting places for carpooling. See the maps here for directions to major meeting places; contact the trip leader if you have any questions.

Next: Suggested Equipment