CMC
August New Member Promo: Free Snowshoes with Any Membership
When you sign up for a new Colorado Mountain Club membership and use code BEATTHEHEAT in checkout, you'll score a free pair of Rottefella snowshoes! These snowshoes were developed for the Norwegian version of the 10th Mountain Division, and they'll be perfect for exploring during Colorado's snowy winters. Choose from HIKR, RANGR, or TANKR. Promotion runs through August 31st or when all of the snowshoes have been claimed.
Some important notes:
- Due to shipping costs, these are only available for local pickup in our Golden office at 710 10th Street, Suite 20. No appointment needed. Our walk-in office hours are Tuesday-Thursday 10am - 6pm for pick up of snowshoes.
- There are a limited supply of snowshoes available, and it is first come, first served. When you come to the office to claim your pair, you'll be able to choose from the available types. If there's a specific type you want, donate and come choose yours early!
- Maximum 2 pairs per person. (Family memberships come with two pairs.)
Thank you to all of our current members who donated $30 or more in July to help us preserve our mountain trails and educate outdoor enthusiasts! Don't forget to pick up your snowshoes as soon as possible if you want a specific pair.
Update from Chief Education Officer Stacey Halvorsen
Dear CMC Staff, Volunteers, Members and Friends,
I want to share some personal news: I will be leaving my role as Chief Education Officer to pursue a new opportunity as the National Program Director at Big City Mountaineers. This new role presents exciting challenges and growth opportunities, and while I am eager to embark on this next chapter, it is bittersweet to say goodbye.
As I reflect on the past 3+ years with this incredible organization, I am filled with gratitude and pride. It has been an amazing journey and I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest thanks for all that you have contributed to our shared mission.
When I first joined as the Youth Programs Director in 2021, we faced the significant challenge of rebuilding after the pandemic. Together, we navigated those uncertain times and emerged stronger, with our programs now serving over 6,000 youth and collaborating with more than 60 organizations each year through afterschool programs, school programs, camps, family events, and more. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in these achievements and I am truly honored to have been part of this transformative period.
Over the past year as Chief Education Officer, it has been a privilege to work alongside our dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Together, we’ve made meaningful progress in advancing our programs and services. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to:
- Collaborate on the development of our trip leaders through our biannual Leadership Summits and Trip Leadership School.
- Contribute to enhancing risk management practices across our courses and trips.
- Partner with our team to organize public film series events that celebrate our love for the mountains.
- Work on improving access to our Wilderness First Aid courses.
- Pilot our new custom, private courses and personalized hut trips.
- Support the development of the family section.
These collective efforts have been a testament to our shared commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for both our members and the public.
Even as I transition to this new role, my commitment to our organization remains steadfast. I am enthusiastic about continuing to participate as a member and staying connected with all of you.
Thank you once again for your incredible support over the years. I am deeply grateful for the experiences we’ve shared and look forward to staying in touch and witnessing the continued success of Colorado Mountain Club.
Happy Trails,
Stacey
Colorado Mountain Club is Back with a New Basecamp for Colorado Adventures
We've finished making the move to our new office space! The Colorado Mountain Club office is now located at 15605 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401. For the rest of the 2024, we'll be open by appointment only while we get our new space fully set up. You can arrange an appointment by emailing office@cmc.org or calling us at (303) 279-3080.
This exciting transition marks a new chapter for the organization as we prepare to embark on a new year of outdoor adventures and conservation efforts. We envision our new space as a modern and inspiring environment that perfectly reflects the spirit of the CMC. With ample room for collaboration, education, and community gatherings, we're excited to create a hub for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, a place to connect with like-minded individuals, and a springboard for countless adventures.
Here's a sneak peak at our new space:
Why This Move Matters
Our new office will provide:
- Enhanced Program Offerings: We'll be able to expand our educational programs, workshops, and guided trips, offering even more opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration.
- Improved Member Services: Our dedicated staff will be better equipped to assist you.
- A Collaborative Space: Our new office will foster collaboration among staff, volunteers, and members, leading to innovative ideas and projects.
With your support, the CMC can transform this new space into a true basecamp for Colorado's outdoor community. Your generous donation will help upgrade facilities with modern equipment and technology, create inspiring spaces for members and volunteers to gather and plan their next adventure, and fund essential programs and initiatives that protect Colorado's wild places and inspire future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
To fully realize the potential of our new space, we need your help! Here's how you can help:
- Donate: Every dollar counts!
- Volunteer: Share your time and skills to help us create a thriving community space.
- Spread the word: Share the CMC with your friends and family to help us build our community and reach our fundraising goals.
Join us in building a brighter future for outdoor recreation in Colorado. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact.
Let's make our new office a true basecamp for outdoor adventure. Together, we can inspire, educate, and protect the mountains and wild places we love.
Give the Gift of Adventure: 2024 CMC Gift Guide
Whether the people on your list are weekend warriors or simply just enjoy being outside, we’ve put together a guide that has something for everyone who loves and appreciates the outdoors.
We might be biased, but no matter who you're getting a gift for, you can't go wrong with a Colorado Mountain Club membership. People looking to get out on more trips will have access to a variety of guided hikes, climbs, and other outdoor activities led by experienced instructors. If they like exclusive discounts, they'll enjoy savings on gear, books, and other outdoor essentials from CMC Press and partner retailers. For film buffs, they'll get early access and discounts to incredible festivals like Banff Mountain Film Festival and Backcountry Film Festival.
Even if they don't want to use their benefits for in-person events, anyone who cares about Colorado's wild spaces can take pride in the fact that their membership directly supports trail maintenance, conservation efforts, and educational programs, ensuring the protection of our state’s great outdoors for years to come.
Here’s what we think you should get for the…
YOUNG ADVENTURER 
Coloring Colorado and Coloring More of Colorado by Jesse CrocK
Encourage young ones to unleash their inner artist and explore the beauty of Colorado with these books featuring illustrations by renowned artist Jesse Crock showcasing diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes we all know and love. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vibrant wildflowers, each intricate design offers a relaxing and meditative coloring experience.
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Campfire Stories Deck – For Kids!
This kid-friendly, create-a-story deck with prompts inspires fun and games, imagination, and colorful campfire memories for the entire family! Players pick one card from each set and then use the prompts to make up a story. Extra cards introduce families to the deck, provide storytelling tips to help engage children, and describe different ways family and friends can play the game, including a collaborative approach in which the entire group contributes to a story.
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National Parks A to Z: Adventure from Acadia to Zion
National Parks A to Z is a dynamic and fun illustrated book for children of all ages that celebrates outdoor adventure, history, diversity, and stewardship of public lands. Each letter of the alphabet features a national park, an animal native to that park, and an outdoor activity associated with the park. From "An Avocet Awakes at Acadia" to "A Zebra-Tailed Lizard Zonks Out at Zion," the reader travels from park to park, experiencing the landscapes, wildlife, history, and activities that make each park unique.
NATURE NEWBIE
Hiking Safety Handbook by Art Hogling
When you’re starting to plan a hike or trip, you’ll need accurate information from an actual expert. Hiking Safety Handbook provides essential skills and knowledge to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when you’re out in Colorado’s great outdoors. With decades of experience and the latest safety research, Art Hogling, a seasoned hiker and expert safety instructor, equips you with the tools to navigate the wilderness responsibly.
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Wilderness First Aid course
Knowing and practicing how to help yourself and others could potentially be the difference between life or death out on the trails. Colorado Mountain Club’s Wilderness First Aid course teaches students the skills to anticipate risks and hazards, identify medical, traumatic, and environmental problems, recognize life-threatening issues, initiate basic care, and deliver a cohesive report. The curriculum forces students to think creatively, adapt to ever changing situations, and learn valuable leadership, decision making, and communication skills.
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Explore, Protect, Be Colorado Shirt
Show your support for Colorado conservation with a Colorado Mountain Club 'Explore, Protect, Be Colorado' shirt. This lightweight shirt is a great addition to your wardrobe, whether you’re out climbing, hiking, biking, or on whatever adventure calls to you that day.
ECO-ENTHUSIAST
A Field Guide About Colorado’s Unique Ecosystem
Colorado is home to so many incredible animals and plants, and we’ve got guidebooks that will teach readers all about them. From Rocky Mountain Wildflowers to Rocks Above the Clouds: A Hiker's and Climber's Guide to Colorado Mountain Geology to Colorado Wildflowers: Montane Zone, after studying these guides, your gift recipient be a nature expert in no time.
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The Best Front Range Bird Hikes by Norm Lewis
This groundbreaking guidebook combines the joy of hiking with the thrill of birdwatching. Covering the Colorado Front Range from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, it highlights trails that offer stunning scenery, historical significance, and prime birdwatching opportunities. Whether you're a novice birder or a seasoned expert, this book is the perfect companion for exploring the region's diverse avian wonders.
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Colorado's Quiet Winter Trails by Dave Muller
The best places to spot wildlife are typically quiet, and this guidebook empowers you to explore stunning winter landscapes and embrace the peacefulness of nature. Veteran author Dave Muller has curated a collection of 99 snowshoe and cross-country ski routes, offering serene winter escapes. These routes, protected from snowmobiles, provide a tranquil experience. Each route description includes essential details like distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and avalanche risk.
CAMPFIRE CONNOISSEUR
Colorado Campgrounds: The 100 Best and All the Rest by Gil Folsom
Find the perfect place to set up your next campfire. Colorado Campgrounds: The 100 Best and All the Rest does the footwork for you, taking a candid, critical look at the finest public campgrounds the Centennial State has to offer. Rating key factors such as scenery, shade, and privacy, with intel on facilities, location, and proximity to local adventures, this indispensable guide—now in its completely updated 5th edition—features the 100 top sites in Colorado, plus 300+ other noteworthy spots.
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Wild Eats: Campsite Cooking by Nick Cote
Whether you're glamping in style or backpacking off the beaten path, outdoor adventures always work up an appetite. Wild Eats is the perfect cookbook for those who crave delicious, satisfying meals without the hassle. This cookbook explores the joy of culinary creativity at camp, offering easy-to-follow recipes for solo campers and groups alike.
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A Colorado Mountain Club Mug
Few things beat a fresh cup of coffee after a night of camping, and this two-toned mug is a great way to enjoy your daily brew while also showing your love for Colorado Mountain Club. Choose from black, dark blue, green, orange, or red.
PEAK PERFORMER
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hill, 10th Edition
For those who love to summit mountains and reach new heights, this guidebook is a must-have. From planning a weekend backpacking trip to navigating the logistics of a months-long alpine expedition, from tying knots and hitches to essential belaying and rappelling techniques, from setting up camp in the wilderness to summiting glaciated peaks--this comprehensive textbook written by climbers for climbers covers it all.
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A Set of Rocky Talkie Radios
These compact and durable devices provide reliable communication, ensuring that you can stay connected with your group, no matter where your adventure takes you. Whether you're hiking through a remote wilderness, summiting your latest peak, or camping in the backcountry, Rocky Talkie radios offer peace of mind. With their long battery life, clear audio quality, and easy-to-use features, they're the ideal companion for any outdoor excursion. Rocky Talkie sponsors our Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboarding course, and these beloved radios have been tried and tested in their field by CMC instructors and members.
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A Warm Rab Jacket
Staying warm is crucial for any elevated excursion and Rab has jackets that offer all-mountain protection from the elements. Their Cirrus Ultra Insulated Hooded Jacket and Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket are two new releases that will keep you both warm and dry as you attempt your next summit.
FURRY FRIENDS
K-9 Dog Pack from Mountainsmith
Make sure your pup feels like part of the pack during your next adventure by giving them their own bag. These dog packs are the most “dogonomically” correct designs Mountainsmith has ever offered—now with added water resistance and storage. There are ample straps and spots for you to attach doggy bags, giving you an easier way to pack out pet waste!
USFS Staffing Shortages and the Impact on Colorado's Outdoor Spaces
Last month’s announcement of a seasonal worker hiring freeze by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has sent ripples through the outdoor recreation community, particularly in Colorado. This decision, driven by budget constraints, will significantly impact the agency's ability to maintain and improve our beloved trails, campgrounds, and wilderness areas. By managing these lands, the USFS and partner organizations help ensure that they remain accessible and enjoyable for those who venture out to explore them. With a hiring freeze in place, essential tasks like trail maintenance, campground upkeep, and forest health initiatives may be delayed or even canceled. As a result, popular outdoor destinations may experience reduced services, delayed maintenance, and potential overcrowding. Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) hopes to help alleviate some of the strain.
“On the front end, it gives us a little bit of anxiety about resources from the Forest Service and what that's going to look like,” explains Brian Bergeler, Conservation Director at Colorado Mountain Club. “The Forest Service has already been stretched pretty thin with respect to personnel resources over the last few years, so this hiring freeze might continue to strap their resources a little bit and spread them even more thin than they have been.”
Seasonal CMC stewardship crew members are hired each year to complete work in different wilderness areas around Colorado. How much work they’re able to complete is based on several factors, including available programs and how many crew members they’re able to hire, which are both reliant on funding from outside sources. “This year’s impact will mainly come down to support and the bandwidth of the Forest Service and whether they will be able to kind of administer any programs or projects that we're affiliated with,” says Bergeler. “Right now, we’re looking at the bigger picture and trying to estimate what the impact of the freeze and lack of funding is going to have on our public lands.”
In 2024 alone, the CMC stewardship team spent thousands of hours inventorying more than 500 wilderness campsite areas, maintaining trails, disposing of litter left behind by trail users, clearing trails of downed trees, adding in stream crossings, maintaining and repairing signage, and repairing and constructing drainage structures to reduce the erosion and flooding in areas where people recreate.
But there are also limitations for CMC’s stewardship crew. “The bulk of our funding comes from grants and federal funding and things we have to apply for. Nothing is guaranteed year to year. Sometimes the funding amounts drop significantly, or funding opportunities disappear completely, so at the beginning of the fiscal year, we have to go out and find that money again,” explains Bergeler. “We also have a lot of additional expenses that sometimes aren't covered by the grant funding. Right now we have three vehicles in the conservation department, and unfortunately one of them was damaged this year and is currently in the shop. It’s an expensive repair that needs to be done if we want to be able to use the vehicle again to get crews back out there, but that cost doesn’t come out of our funding agreements. With overhead costs and keeping things going, donations definitely help with our efforts.”
Bergeler hopes that CMC members and the general public will also take more of an interest in using the Recreation Information Management System (RIMS) app to let the USFS know where efforts are most needed. RIMS allows users to report issues, suggest improvements, and provide feedback on outdoor experiences. By actively using RIMS, users can help direct the attention of land managers to critical areas in need of repair.
“Our app lets people who are already out on the trail help with wilderness monitoring efforts,” says Bergeler. “Being out there and collecting this data, whether it's a downed tree or damaged bridges or illegal camping, is incredibly valuable. Being able to hand that over to the Forest Service essentially lets us act as their eyes and ears so that they can focus the limited resources they have on areas that need immediate attention instead of just guessing.”
RIMS is available in app stores, and is free for users. You can watch a brief video on how to use the app, but additional funding would help expand the app and make it even easier to use.
Your Support Can Make a Difference
Donations to the CMC help fund vital work. By contributing, you empower us to:
- Hire skilled stewardship crews: We can recruit and train dedicated individuals to tackle challenging projects that bigger agencies won’t be able to address this year.
- Purchase essential tools and equipment: We can invest in high-quality tools that improve efficiency and safety for the members of our team.
- Expand our reach: We can take on more projects and impact a wider range of public lands.
- Enhance RIMS: We can continue to improve RIMS, making it easier for you to report issues and provide feedback.
Together, we can ensure that Colorado's outdoor recreation opportunities thrive, even in the face of adversity. Join us in supporting these conservation efforts and making a positive impact on our public lands.
Backcountry Film Fest - SALIDA 1/30/25
Contacts
| $15.00 | 23 (25 capacity) | |
| $18.00 | 49 (175 capacity) |
A collage of human-powered stories and backcountry-inspired experiences, Backcountry Film Festival ignites wild conversations and inspires action to communities that celebrate the present while looking towards the future.
The 2024-25 winter season, celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Backcountry Film Festival! This milestone year showcases a dynamic lineup of short documentaries and ski films that transport audiences straight to the heart of winter. Adventure, travel, ski culture, ice, pain, laughter, and DEEP POWDER—you’ll find it all as the festival brings these powerful stories to towns around the world.
See the full film lineup here.
CMC partners with Winter Wildlands Alliance to host Backcountry Film Festival screenings across Colorado each winter. All proceeds support CMC's Conservation Programs, including our Snow Rangers and snowsports advocacy work.
Backcountry Film Fest - Wheat Ridge 1/22/25
Contacts
| $15.00 | 0 (18 capacity) | |
| $18.00 | 1 (39 capacity) |
**SECOND DATE ADDED - JANUARY 23: bit.ly/wheatridge22025
A collage of human-powered stories and backcountry-inspired experiences, Backcountry Film Festival ignites wild conversations and inspires action to communities that celebrate the present while looking towards the future.
The 2024-25 winter season, celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Backcountry Film Festival! This milestone year showcases a dynamic lineup of short documentaries and ski films that transport audiences straight to the heart of winter. Adventure, travel, ski culture, ice, pain, laughter, and DEEP POWDER—you’ll find it all as the festival brings these powerful stories to towns around the world.
See the full film lineup here.
CMC partners with Winter Wildlands Alliance to host Backcountry Film Festival screenings across Colorado each winter. All proceeds support CMC's Conservation Programs, including our Snow Rangers and snowsports advocacy work.
Backcountry Film Fest - Leadville 2/12/25
Contacts
| $18.00 | 29 (30 capacity) | |
| $20.00 | 97 (190 capacity) |
A collage of human-powered stories and backcountry-inspired experiences, Backcountry Film Festival ignites wild conversations and inspires action to communities that celebrate the present while looking towards the future.
The 2024-25 winter season, celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Backcountry Film Festival! This milestone year showcases a dynamic lineup of short documentaries and ski films that transport audiences straight to the heart of winter. Adventure, travel, ski culture, ice, pain, laughter, and DEEP POWDER—you’ll find it all as the festival brings these powerful stories to towns around the world.
See the full film lineup here.
CMC partners with Winter Wildlands Alliance to host Backcountry Film Festival screenings across Colorado each winter. All proceeds support CMC's Conservation Programs, including our Snow Rangers and snowsports advocacy work.
Backcountry Film Fest - Wheat Ridge 1/23/25 (Second Viewing)
Contacts
| $15.00 | 2 (13 capacity) | |
| $18.00 | 9 (44 capacity) |
A collage of human-powered stories and backcountry-inspired experiences, Backcountry Film Festival ignites wild conversations and inspires action to communities that celebrate the present while looking towards the future.
The 2024-25 winter season, celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Backcountry Film Festival! This milestone year showcases a dynamic lineup of short documentaries and ski films that transport audiences straight to the heart of winter. Adventure, travel, ski culture, ice, pain, laughter, and DEEP POWDER—you’ll find it all as the festival brings these powerful stories to towns around the world.
See the full film lineup here.
CMC partners with Winter Wildlands Alliance to host Backcountry Film Festival screenings across Colorado each winter. All proceeds support CMC's Conservation Programs, including our Snow Rangers and snowsports advocacy work.
Impacted by REI's Experiences Announcement? Connect with CMC.
REI's recent decision to dissolve their "Experiences" division and cancel their upcoming classes and tours has left many outdoor enthusiasts searching for alternative ways to learn and explore. While this news is undoubtedly disappointing, it presents an opportunity to support local organizations that share a passion for the outdoors.
Colorado Mountain Club has a long and storied history of providing outdoor education and recreation opportunities for people of all skill levels. With a focus on conservation and community, we offer a wide range of courses that may fill the void left by REI's departure.
Here are a few CMC courses that may be of interest to former REI participants:
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR: Essential skills for anyone venturing into the backcountry.
- Avalanche Education and Safety: Learn about the risks of the backcountry, how to avoid avalanche terrain, and what to do if you find yourself in an emergency situation.
- Backpacking and Hiking Skills: Learn proper gear selection, route planning, and wilderness travel techniques.
- Rock Climbing and Mountaineering: Develop climbing skills and learn about mountain safety.
- Snowshoeing and Winter Camping: Explore the winter wonderland with confidence.
If you're looking for a specific course replacement, we recommend looking through our course catalog and check out our trip calendar to see if there's a solution for you. Feel free to email office@cmc.org or give us a call at 303-279-3080 if you have specific questions about skill requirements or need help finding the right course for you.
If you aren't familiar with our organization, Colorado Mountain Club is a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for exploration and conservation. We welcome you to join the club and meet like-minded folks looking to make the most of their outdoor experiences. Whether or not you decide to take a course with us, members are able to join hundreds of free hikes and other activities year round led by experienced volunteers. We also offer workshops and presentations that offer opportunities to learn from experts on a variety of outdoor topics.
