| Because the Denver Group is so large, many trip leaders and participants may not know each other and their abilities before a trip. The Denver Group therefore classifies its hikers and skiers. If you already have the classification for a trip, you may generally register for the trip with the CMC Office without advance leader approval. If you do not have the classification for a trip, you may still register for the trip as long as you call the trip leader for advance approval.
Classification is current for five years. If you have not taken trips at or above a classification or if your membership has lapsed for five years, you may be required to demonstrate ability and skill before your classification is revalidated.
Please be responsible and realistic in registering for a trip. For example, if you have a D rating but have forgotten skills or are out of shape, please don't register for a D hike before restoring your abilities. Regardless of your classification, the trip leader always has the final word on whether anyone may go on a trip.
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All members may register for all A and B hikes listed in the schedule without advance leader approval. Denver uses the following classification system for its hikers:
Class A Hiker : All new members are automatically Class A hikers.
Class B Hiker : Successful completion of two B trips, one rated Difficult, or graduation from Backpacking School. You don't need a B rating to register for a B trip, but you do need it to lead a B trip. The B rating also helps for securing leader permission to go on harder trips.
Class C Hiker : Successful completion of two C trips, one rated Difficult, plus graduation from Wilderness Trekking School or Backpacking School.
Class D Hiker : Successful completion of two D hikes, one being rated Difficult D; graduation from Basic Mountaineering School; and successful completion of the Red Cross Standard First Aid course, CMC's Mountain-Oriented First Aid course, or at least an equivalent course.
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Skier Classifications
All members may register for all Easy I and II ski trips listed in the schedule without advance leader approval. The Denver Group uses the following classification system for skiers:
Easy Class Skier : Successful completion of two Easy III trips.
Moderate Class Skier : Easy ski classification, followed by successful completion of one Moderate II and two Moderate III trips.
Advanced Class Skier : Moderate ski classification, followed by successful completion of two Advanced trips, one of which is Advanced II; plus successful completion of the CMC's Avalanche course, or an equivalent course.
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How to Change Your Hiker or Skier Classification
Classification change forms are available from the CMC office and are also carried by trip leaders. (Download a PDF version) When you successfully complete a trip from any CMC group of a classification at or higher than the level you seek, ask the leader to fill out the form for you. For classification purposes, a higher-level activity can substitute for a lower level activity. For example, any C hike can substitute for a Difficult B hike. Hikers and skiers do not need to progress through each level. The non-rated member must obtain the leader's permission to participate on a trip that matches his or her skill level. The leader will sign a classification form if the member has demonstrated an adequate skill level for the trip.
"Successful completion" of a trip means satisfying the distance, elevation, and skill levels of a trip, plus favorable comments from the trip leader on your ability, stamina, and preparedness. The member needs leaders' signatures on the form to apply for a classification or to change a classification.
Some classifications also require graduation from Denver Group schools. If you feel you already have training equivalent to such schools, please see How to bypass a required school below. You can bypass a school, but not the trip requirements.
When you have satisfied the requirements to change your classification, submit the fully completed form to the CMC Office for evaluation by the Denver Group Classification Committee. Only the Classification Committee can grant classification changes. Any CMC group's scheduled trip may be used for classification purposes, but non-CMC trips and letters to the Classification Committee will not be considered.
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How to Bypass a Required School
If you believe you already have the skills taught in a Denver Group school required for a hiker or skier classification, you are encouraged to apply to bypass the school to receive a classification change. To bypass a school, please review the school description on this web site. Then prepare a resume of your skills and/or outside training, and contact the school's director for instructions on how to submit your request.
Each school has its own criteria and procedures for granting bypass requests. You may be required to meet with school committee members and demonstrate certain skills.
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