WHAT IS LEADER'S PERMISSION?

Colorado Mountain Club Updated April 2026

CMC activities are led by volunteers who generously give their time to help others safely experience Colorado's mountains and backcountry. Because our activities can be strenuous and carry inherent risk, some leaders may require Leader's Permission before allowing participants to register. This tool helps leaders build well-matched, safe groups — and gives participants a chance to understand trip expectations before committing.

The guidance below outlines best practices for both leaders and participants.

What is Leader's Permission?

Leader's Permission gives leaders the opportunity to verify that each participant is genuinely prepared for the demands of a specific trip — especially when badges or course completions alone don't tell the full story. It also gives participants a chance to ask questions and understand what will be expected of them.

If an activity is marked "Leader's Permission Required," all participants — including co-leaders, instructors, and assistant leaders — must contact the Primary Leader and receive explicit approval before registering.

How Does It Work?

When Leader's Permission is required, a checkbox will appear on the registration page below the listed prerequisites.

Important: Do not register until you have received clear confirmation from the leader. Registering without permission may result in removal from the roster and places an unnecessary burden on volunteer leaders.

Best Practices for Participants

Our leaders are volunteers. Please respect their time by doing your homework before reaching out.

Read the trip description carefully. Check the Leader Notes for fitness expectations, gear requirements, and preferred contact methods. Note any specific window for submitting permission requests.

Send a thorough, specific request. Vague statements like "I'm in great shape" aren't helpful. Instead, provide:

• Relevant recent trips (e.g., "Summited Longs Peak via Keyhole, September 2025")
• Fitness context (e.g., "Mt. Bierstadt with 2,850' gain in 1:45")
• Applicable skills (e.g., crampon use, self-arrest, navigation)
• Any other information the leader specifically requests

Time your request appropriately. If the leader specifies a request window, stick to it. Don't assume a prior relationship or past trips together mean automatic approval — always wait for an explicit "yes."

Be patient and courteous. Allow at least three days for a response. Avoid multiple follow-ups unless four or more days have passed with no reply. If your plans change, please remove yourself from the waitlist promptly.

Best Practices for Leaders

Using Leader's Permission thoughtfully helps you build a safe, compatible group and sets everyone up for a great experience.

Be specific about fitness requirements. Use concrete, measurable benchmarks (e.g., "ability to gain 3,000'+ in a day with a full pack") so participants can honestly self-assess.

Set clear group expectations. Describe the pace and style of the trip. Outline shared responsibilities and non-negotiables like start times, turnaround policies, and group safety expectations.

Explain the permission process up front. Specify how to reach you (email, CMC message, or a form), what information to include, and your request open/close dates. A clear, simple process reduces confusion and follow-up messages.

Be transparent about your selection criteria. Let applicants know how decisions are made and that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a spot. Share a rough timeline for when they can expect a decision.

Use priority registration thoughtfully. If you're holding spots for a specific group (e.g., current course students or an affinity group), be explicit about eligibility and registration windows. Qualifications must still be met by all participants, regardless of affiliation. Always include an open general registration period or waitlist opportunity to maintain inclusivity and comply with public land permitting requirements.

When Someone Registers Without Permission

It happens. When you need to remove someone from your roster for skipping the permission process, handle it with kindness. Explain why the requirement exists, and point them to this page so they understand the process for next time.

Questions about Leader's Permission? Contact your branch or course coordinator for guidance.