FAQs

MHC FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How do I apply for the Mountain Hiking Course?
2. What gear and equipment will I need?
3. What is the Refund Policy?
4. What if I miss a lecture or field day?
5. What are the prerequisites for MHC?
6. What if I am afraid to participate in an exercise?
7. What is the cost of MHC?


  • 1. How do I apply for the Mountain Hiking Course?
    Sign up online on this website! If the class is full, you will be added to the standby waitlist. Your completed application will help us determine if we have a spot for you. 
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    2. What gear and equipment will I need?
    We strongly urge you to wait to purchase any new items until after the first lecture. We also encourage you to borrow or find used gear until you know what best fits your needs. You will need normal hiking equipment, with particular emphasis on the Ten Essentials. The first lecture video, lecture, and first field day will include information on gear and how to maximize use of items you may already own. Your instructor team will have a variety of suggestions for you.
    Some important required items:
    • Compass: A rectangular, mirrored compass is required for the course, with a rotating dial marked in 2 degree increments. (MHC will provide this to students if you do not have one)
    • Boots: sturdy enough for off-trail use and waterproof
    • Daypack with hip belt: recommended size is 30-40 liters or more (minimum 2000 cubic inches), large enough to hold the Ten Essentials
    • Hiking clothes that are not cotton.
    • Rain gear: rain jacket, rain pants, and possibly a pack cover
    • Emergency shelter for an unexpected overnight: from a closed cell foam pad and plastic bag or tarp, up to a high tech bivy sack
    • The Ten Essentials
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    3. What is the Refund Policy?
    Tuition refund requests must be submitted by email to the CMC office. Requests made more than 7 days before the date of the first lecture will be for a full refund less 35% of fee paid up to $30. No refunds will be given for requests made 7 days or less before, on, or after the date of the first lecture. Tuition cannot be carried over to future sessions.
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    4. What if I miss a lecture or field day?
    To graduate from the Mountain Hiking Course, students must view all videos, attend all group meetings, and participate in all required field days. Please review the schedule carefully before enrolling to ensure you can fully participate.
    •  5 Lectures – There isn’t a practical way to make up a missed lecture. If you miss more than two lectures, you will need to retake the course.
    •  5 Field Days – Students who miss a field day due to an emergency may get credit by attending a make-up field day. You may also be able to make it up in Day Hiker School. If you miss more than one field day without making it up in the current session, you will need to retake the course. Note – Students will have much more fun and more learning continuity if they are able to do all field days with the group.
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    5. What are the prerequisites for MHC?
    Admission to MHC is open to current CMC members who are at least 18.
    Potential MHC students do not need to possess any previous hiking experience. Although much of the field days is instruction rather than active hiking, you will need sufficient conditioning and stamina to complete at least 4-6 miles on- or off-trail. (You will indicate your hiking level during registration.) The field trips cover a variety of terrain and varying degrees of difficulty in all types of weather conditions. Be prepared to spend a full day in the field on every trip. These trips will start at 6:00 to 8:00 am.
    By the end of the course, you will need to have the gear and equipment (Ten Essentials) necessary to support the field trip exercises.
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    6. What if I am afraid to participate in an exercise?
    There are some exercises during the field trips that may be a little unsettling or uncomfortable until you have some instruction and safety assurances. We ask that you keep an open mind and be willing to try something new. No student will be required to do anything against his or her will.
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    7. What other expenses can I expect?
    Course tuition.
    Students are expected to reimburse drivers for their share of the CMC mileage rate of $.50 per mile per vehicle for travel from carpooling locations to the various field day destinations and to share in parking and park fees. Depending on the destinations, this could be a total cost per vehicle of $10 to $30.
    The group may opt to socialize after the field day.
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    8. Who are the MHC instructors?
    The instructors are all volunteers who wish to share their knowledge and love of hiking. Some have been teaching for many years. Oftentimes the instructors are also CMC Trip Leaders.