Welcome to Colorado Mountain Club's Fall '25 and Winter '26 Course Catalog!
At the Colorado Mountain Club, we believe that nature is the greatest classroom, and adventure is the ultimate teacher. We're thrilled to announce our incredible new Basecamp location, featuring a state-of-the-art climbing wall and an impressive 10,000 square feet of dynamic learning spaces! Our diverse range of outdoor education programs is crafted to inspire, educate, and challenge individuals of all ages and skill levels. These programs are not only designed to enhance your outdoor skills through hands-on practice in our spectacular new facilities, but also to foster environmental stewardship, promote physical and mental wellness, and celebrate the joy of adventure.
Whether you're seeking to learn how to navigate mountain trails with confidence, perfect your climbing technique on our amazing new wall, deepen your commitment to protecting our natural world, or improve your overall health through invigorating outdoor activities, our courses provide the tools and knowledge you need to recreate safely and sustainably. We also believe in the power of adventure to foster personal growth and build lasting connections, offering opportunities in our exciting new Basecamp to meet fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for the outdoors.
Dive into our catalog to find courses that will challenge and inspire you in our world-class new facilities and beyond. Join us in discovering the transformative power of nature enhanced by cuttingedge indoor learning spaces
Adult Education Director G R A H A M O T T L E Y
MEMBERSHIP & EDUCATION
5,500TOTAL MEMBERS
1,613 TRIPS
9 GROUPS
400 VOLUNTEERS
8,968 PARTICIPANTS
206 COURSES
320 PROGRAM DAYS YOUTH PROGRAMS SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TREES REMOVED HOURS OF WORK MILES OF TRAIL CONSERVATION LEARN MORE
$30,339 990 1,583 132.8
4,783 YOUTH PARTICPANTS
Course has online components includ course quizzes. Learn more here.
QUICK GUIDE TO COURSES
Welcome, friend! You're about to embark on an adventure with Colorado Mountain Club, how exciting! We know there's a lot to take in, but don't you worry, we've got you covered. Before you dive into the course catalog, stop by this handy-dandy help page We're here to guide you every step of the way!
F I N D C O U R S E S BY TOPIC
Where to Start
Avalanche Education
Navigation Hiking & Mountaineering
Snow/Ice Climbing
Snow Sports
Wilderness Medicine
Wilderness Survival
Youth Programs
BY REGION
Course requires that you have comple able to register Experience may be co must be discussed with the course dir
Course is free of cost for all who choo
E G E N D
WHAT IF A COURSE ISN'T WHAT I EXPECTED?
Talk with you instructor and see if they can help or possibly RECOMMEND another course within the club that fits your needs and expectations better
HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH COURSE SUITS ME BEST?
Every course comes with a difficulty rating to help you find the best fit If you're not sure, feel free to contact the course director for guidance.
DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE AND CUSTOM VERSION OF CLASSES?
Yes! we can work with individuals and organizations on certain topics to create custom programming. Please reach out to our education team and learn more about these offerings by clicking here. Or if you’re a school looking for programming click here.
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Don't hesitate to reach out! You can start by contacting the course contact on the page If you still need help, our friendly team at the CMC office is just a call or email away. You
WHERE TO START
We understand that it can be intimidating to get into many outdoor sports, and that is exactly what Colorado Mountain Club us here for! From the uninitiated to the expert, there is a place for everyone here. CMC has several foundational courses that are usually the perquisites for moving through our programming
WILDERNESS TREKKING SCHOOL (WTS)
Our largest and most comprehensive hiking course, offering hands-on training in skills, safety, and confidence while building community with adventurers of all experience levels
Contact: Norm Arlt
Registration Opens: Spring/Fall
Start Date: Spring/Fall
INTRODUCTION TO HIKING SAFETY SEMINAR
A one-evening seminar that teaches you how to prepare for Colorado's unique backcountry. From lightning to animals, so you and your group can enjoy the mountains safely and confidently
Contact: Art Hogling
Registration Opens: TBD
Start Date: March 26 , 2026 th
BEGINNER SNOWSHOE SCHOOL
A free, one-day class near Denver with equipment supplied. Learn about snowshoe selection and fit, prepping for a trip, trail techniques, breaking trail, and fall recovery
DAY HIKER SCHOOL (DHS)
The school is intended for ALL skill levels, from new hikers to experienced hikers who wish to brush up on their skill set Combining online classes with in-person field days.
Contact: Wayne Howell
Registration Opens: Dec. 15th, 2025
Start Date: Multiple LEARN MORE
AVALANCHE TERRAIN AVOIDANCE
This course teaches you where to find information on avalanche conditions and how to avoid avalanche terrain while in the backcountry
Contact: Russell Peterson
Registration Opens: Rolling
Start Date: Rolling
Contact: Linda Lawson
Registration Opens: TBA
Start Date: TBA
AVALANCHE EDUCATION
Avalanche education is a must for anyone who engages in winter activities in the backcountry, including backcountry skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, climbing and backpacking. CMC classes are a great way to do it. The club offers AIARE courses throughout the winter and spring seasons, as well as Avalanche Terrain Awareness courses.
Avy Course?
ng in 58 anches rts that ter s with the highest number of avalanche fatalities.
WhyTakeACMC
Our avalanche education classes include membership to Friends of CAIC, supporting the critical infrastructure that provides daily avalanche forecasts and safety research In 2026, we're introducing a specialized alpine-specific avalanche course with renowned instructor Karin Pocock, designed for mountaineers and alpine climbers who encounter avalanche terrain as part of technical climbing objectives
This educational investment creates safer mountain communities through informed decision-making, proper equipment use, and risk-aware outdoor recreation practices Avalanche education isn't optional for backcountry users in Colorado it's a fundamental life skill and community responsibility.
Read more about our Avalanche Education courses...
HIKING & MOUNTAINEERING
Avalanche education is a must for anyone who engages in winter activities in the backcountry, including backcountry skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, climbing and backpacking CMC classes are a great way to do it The club offers AIARE courses throughout the winter and spring seasons, as well as Avalanche Terrain Awareness courses.
DAY HIKER SCHOOL (DHS)
The school is intended for ALL skill levels, from new hikers to experienced hikers who wish to brush up on their skill set Combining online classes with in-person field days.
KNOT TYING SCHOOL
Contact: Russell Peterson
Registration Opens: Rolling
Start Date: Rolling
DIFFICULTY
Easy
Learn the essential knots for most situations you might encounter in the outdoors. We will cover a selection of knots specific to climbing and mountaineering, and other activities
LENGTH
2Days
BASIC ROCK CLIMBING
The best class to start with! It is a prerequisite for all the rock, snow, and ice climbing classes Upon completion of this class you’ll be able to climb indoors at any rock climbing gym
CCMC MC PPARTNER ARTNER CMC PARTNER
Contact: Sarah Thompson
Registration Opens: TBA
Start Date: TBA
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Contact: Jane McManus
Registration Opens: Multiple
Start Date: Multiple
Rendezvous is a proud partner of the CMC helping to support our Glacier Travel Mountaineering School by allowing us to practice skills on their beautiful open space in Winter Park, CO.
Learn more about stay safe on trail this fall with Rendezvous here!
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LEARN
6classes 6classes iin1 n1 6classes in1
ALPINE CLIMBING SCHOOL
DIFFICULTY
In this course you take 6 of our 17 classes Think of the Alpine Climbing School (ACS) as an academic/vocational degree within the Technical Climbing School.
Challenging LENGTH 2months
Contact: Sheryl Lampert
Registration Opens: TBA Start Date: TBA
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ALPINE CLIMBING SCHOOL TEAM TRACK : COURSE COMPONENTS
ADVANCED ALPINE CLIMBING SCHOOL - ICE
Focus on alpine-ice techniques through three days of field instruction plus a culminating module climb, aimed at preparing students to tackle alpine ice routes.
Contact: Sheryl Lampert
Registration Opens: TBA
Start Date: TBA
NAVIGATION
Hey there, adventurer! Ready to explore the great outdoors? Whether you're in your backyard or the backcountry, knowing your way around is key! Our Basic and Advanced Navigation and GPS courses are here to help you master the map. We can't wait for you to join us!
While you ’ re learning how to use your GPS system and getting out on trail consider downloading the CMC RIMS app This app empowers users to collect data on Colorado's public lands, aiding in trail safety and sustainability. Launched by in 2019, the app supports agencies in making informed decisions regarding stewardship and land management
Learn more about the RIMS Mobile App.
BRIAN BERGELER & JOEY LANCIA CMC Conservation Team
SNOW & ICE CLIMBING
Beginners can start with our Introduction or Basic Level classes without any prerequisites. For those with more experience, there is a waiver process that can permit a climber to jump into the Intermediate or Advanced classes.
Contact: Jonathan Hieb
Registration Opens: TBA
Start Date: TBA
Is looking through this catalog and wondering how you can get involved as a trip leader or instructor? We would love to have you! Check out our Volunteer Resources pages to learn more about leadership opportunities with CMC! Still want to know more, please contact the office at office@cmc.org or by phone at 303-279-3080 extension #3.
ICE LEAD CLIMBING
DIFFICULTY
This class is for experienced ice climbers who are ready to get on the sharp end. You'll learn how to place ice screws, ice leading strategy, and the option for a technical descent.
Challenging LENGTH 5days
Contact: Jonathan Hieb
Registration Opens: TBA
Start Date: TBA
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GLACIER TRAVEL MOUNTAINEERING SCHOOL
This course is for those who are interested in learning and practicing the glacier travel and alpine skills that are needed to safely climb and enjoy glaciated mountains.
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
I [Director of Glacier Travel School] can ’t thank the Colorado Mountain Club enough for the skills I learned taking classes with them that allowed us to do this [Denali Expedition left photo] on our own
JENN BEALER
Member Since 2021
Read about Jenn’s recent Denali expedition.
Contact: Jenn Bealer
Registration Opens: Oct. 1st, 2025
LENGTH 3months LEARN MORE
Start Date: Jan. 7th, 2026
SNOW SPORTS
CMC offers skiing courses from resort to backcountry, nordic to telemark to alpine to snowboarding and flat-land ski touring to ski mountaineering. Find your preferred way to play in the snow below:
BEGINNER SNOWSHOE SCHOOL
A free, one-day class near Denver with equipment supplied. Learn about snowshoe selection and fit, prepping for a trip, trail techniques, breaking trail, and fall recovery.
PROTIP PROTIP PROTIP
TELEMARK SKI SCHOOL
Telemark Ski School is designed to help beginners and experts alike learn or improve their tele skills, and put those skills to use in the backcountry.
Contact: Wayne Howell
Registration Opens: Dec. 15th, 2025
Start Date: Multiple
Contact: Marilyn Choske
Registration Opens: TBA
Start Date: TBA
Feeling burned out by constant screens and the rush of daily life? You’re not alone and that’s exactly where the Colorado Mountain Club comes in. Science shows that time outside, moving your body, and connecting with others can lift your mood and boost your well-being.
At CMC, we bring all three together so instead of scrolling, you’ll find yourself on a summit, laughing with new friends, and remembering what it feels like to truly breathe Read more about Summits over Scrolling ..
ASHLEY KRAMER
Member Since 2024
Wondering how to afford all this gear?
Having the right gear is one of the best ways to ensure you are recreating responsibly We also know that buying the right gear can be expensive! CMC’s exclusive member benefits are a great way to get the gear you need! More questions? Please contact the office at office@cmc.org or by phone at 303-279-3080 extension #3.
INTRO TO BACKCOUNTRY SKI/SPLITBOARDING
We want to help our Colorado community learn the skills necessary to get started on their backcountry ski or snowboard journey!
DIFFICULTY Easy
LENGTH 3days
BACKCOUNTRY NORDIC SKI SCHOOL
Learn the nuances of nordic skiing in the backcountry! Learn to cross-country ski and get prepared for backcountry trails using classic Nordic-style technique
DIFFICULTY Easy
LENGTH 4days
SKI MOUNTAINEERING SCHOOL
This course is intended to develop the skills, attitudes, and awareness needed for ski mountaineering tours, such as 13er and 14er ski descents in Colorado
DIFFICULTY
Difficult
LENGTH 14days
Contact: Kahle Toothill
Registration Opens: TBA
Start Date: TBA
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Contact: Carol Munch
Registration Opens: TBA
Start Date: TBA
LEARN MORE
Contact: Jeff Schreier
Registration Opens: Oct. 1 , 2025 st
Start Date: March 12 , 2026 th
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WILDERNESS MEDICINE
A wilderness medicine course prepares you for the possibility of a backcountry emergency and is your first step toward becoming more self-sufficient on the trail. You’ll learn how to assess patients, provide effective treatment for common outdoor illnesses and injuries, and make evacuation decisions
Our courses are led using Backcountry Pulse’s top-notch, inclusive curriculum rooted in global-health principles, trauma-informed care, and justice-based teaching designed to empower and build community resilience these courses prep you for whatever the backcountry throws your way. Plus, every instructor holds Wilderness First Responder or higher training, so you’re learning from real pros who teach with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and real-world experience.
CPR/AED COURSES
In this single evening course you'll learn about CPR in wilderness environments, automated external defibrillator, and how to help a choking victim.
DIFFICULTY
Easy
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
LENGTH 1day
2 day in person 16 hour training that covers environmental, medical, and traumatic injuries with a focus on inclusive care and rescue, patient, and bystander mental health.
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Contact: Jeff Flax
Registration Opens: Multiple
Start Date: Multiple
Contact: Ashley Kramer
Registration Opens: Multiple
Start Date: Multiple
LENGTH 2days
WILDERNESS FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
Are you passionate about Wilderness Medicine? Do you want to share your skills with others? Participate in our instructor training program & give back to the Club
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
LENGTH 2days
Contact: Ashley Kramer
Registration Opens: Multiple
Start Date: Multiple
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What our participants have to say about our
Wilderness Medicine Program
Instructors Art Hogling and Leisa Grant were an excellent team! They did a truly outstanding job and achieved a great balance of proving relevant WFA info and field scenarios via a balance of interesting and informative lectures, field scenarios, and Q and A sessions with students of diverse outdoor interest and experience. The instructors provided a tremendous amount of relevant and useful WFA info without burying and losing the students in irrelevant medical concepts and lingo.
Well organized, well led, great emphasis on scenarios, effective post-scenario reviews .
The course instructors did an excellent job keeping the students engaged with stories and facilitating discussion.
I received excellent instruction from very knowledgeable and qualified professionals. I feel more prepared to handle an emergency situation in the wilderness from this course.
You're about to embark on an amazing adventure to the great outdoors Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned expert, these schools offer wilderness survival skills courses that will make sure you're more than prepared. So, grab your gear, let's get you signed up and ready for the wilderness!
WINTER CAMPING SCHOOL
A course for those who want to enjoy the winter, snow and moonlight in comfort The goal is to understand the equipment and techniques to keep warm in the cold on an overnight stay Contact: Kim Thornberry
PIKES PEAK AREA
Welcome to the Pikes Peak Group! Nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs since May 6, 1919, we're passionate about getting everyone outdoors. From thrilling adventures to educational activities, social events and more, we've got something for everyone. So come on, join the fun! There's a spot here with your name on it.
WILDERNESS FUNDAMENTALS
An introduction of important skills and back country knowledge to enable participants to plan and safely implement a day’s outing in the great outdoors.
LAND NAVIGATION
In one evening and one field day on ice, this course will introduce novice or experienced rock climbers to the basics of ice climbing Focusing on equipment, safety, and technique
Contact: Joseph Preiss
Registration Opens: Aug. 1st, 2025
Start Date: Sept. 15th, 2025
Contact: Joseph Preiss
Registration Opens: Aug.18th, 2025
Start Date: Oct. 6th, 2025
BASIC ALPINE CLIMBI
Fill the gap between on climbing Skills include a scrambling techniques,
HIGH ALTITUTDE MO
This course is for those practicing the glacier tra safely climb and enjoy g
AVALANCHE TERRAIN AVOIDANCE (ATA)
This course teaches you where to find information on avalanche conditions and how to avoid avalanche terrain while in the backcountry.
WINTER WILDERNESS SURVIVAL
A classroom session held in Colorado Springs to discuss gear and concepts of surviving an overnight in the Colorado winter, followed by overnight practice
Contact: Joseph Preiss
Registration Opens: Oct. 13 , 2025 th
Start Date: Jan. 14 , 2026 th
Contact: Joseph Preiss
Registration Opens: Dec. 9 , 2025 th
Start Date: March 9 , 2026 th
AIARE LEVEL 1
This 24-hour course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You’ll learn to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from experiences in the backcountry
DIFFICULTY
AIARE AVALANCHE RESCUE
This one-day (8-hour) course is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear.
DIFFICULTY Challenging
Contact: Kristen Buckland
Registration Opens: Sept. 26, 2025
Start Date: Jan. 5 , 2026 th
Contact: Kristen Buckland
Registration Opens: Sept. 26, 2025
Start Date: Mar. 8th, 2026
PIKES PEAK AREA
Hey there, welcome to the Pikes Peak Group! Nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs since May 6, 1919, we're passionate about getting everyone outdoors. From thrilling adventures to educational activities, social events and more, we've got something for everyone. So come on, join the fun! There's a spot here with your name on it.
INTRO TO SNOWSHOEING
Learn the gear, maintenance, safety and entry level techniques for this entry into the winter wonderland for many people and a common activity in the winter schedule
BASIC ICE CLIMBING
In one evening and one field day on ice, this course will introduce novice or experienced rock climbers to the basics of ice climbing Focusing on equipment, safety, and technique
Contact: Joseph Preiss
Registration Opens: Oct. 21st, 2025
Start Date: Jan. 21st, 2026
Contact: Ed Anderson
Registration Opens: Dec. 1st, 2025
Start Date: Feb. 3rd, 2026
TRADITIONAL GEAR & ANCHORS
DIFFICULTY
Students will be introduced to traditional gear placement and will learn how to use natural and traditional protection to build safe climbing anchors
INTRODUCTION TO SEL
Students will be introduce to single-pitch technical c escaping a belay, and pas
Contact: Scott Kime
Registration Opens: Feb. 1st, 2026
Start Date: Mar. 21st, 2026
Did you know...?
The Pikes Peak Group, headquartered in Colorado Springs, was formed May 6, 1919. The Group offers a variety of outdoor activities, educational opportunities, and social events. It is the 3rd largest group in the club and you can click here to learn more about this group!
YOUTH PROGRAMS
THANKSGIVING BREAK CAMPS - DAY EXPEDITIONS
School is on break, the aspens are changing colors, the crisp conditions are perfect for hiking and climbing, and adventure awaits. The Colorado Mountain Club's Youth Programs is excited to offer Holiday break camps! Join us for some climbing at a sunny Front Range crag, or hiking on one of Colorado's beautiful Fall trails in one of this years holiday break offerings Check them out below!
EGINNER ROCK CLIMBING
lling all youth ages 6-10 with some or no rock climbing perience, this is the course for you! Spend your break mbing, exploring & building confidence this youth camp!
For Teen Girls+ ages 12 and older looking to explore the outdoors, develop new skills, and build meaningful relationships. this Thanksgiving break!
DIFFICULTY
PPROTIP PROTIP ROTIP
Contact: Youth Staff
Registration Opens: Oct. 1st, 2025
Every registrant will need a CMC membership If you already have a CMC individual membership and wish to sign up a youth participant, you will need to create a separate guest account with a different email.
You can also choose to upgrade your individual membership to a family membership to be able to register the youth participant on your account and receive the discount Struggling to get registered? Click here for a step-by-step registration guide!
ALEC BACKHUS Member Since 2022
Why send your kids here?
Looking for a way to keep your kids busy this fall or winter that doesn’t involve screens, sugar, or you refereeing the living room? Let us give you to top 4 reasons to let us take your kiddos:
1. You get bragging rights, they get epic stories.
Instead of “we built a snowman, ” it’s “we built a snow shelter. ” Suddenly bedtime stories are way more hardcore!
2. Your kids burn energy, you get your sanity back.
Hours of climbing, snowshoeing, and winter games = one blissfully tired kiddo ready for an early bedtime!
3. They learn survival skills, you look like a genius.
Fire-building, avalanche awareness, winter navigation… basically everything you wish you knew before your last ski trip
4. Some well earned free time. While they’re off summiting mini-mountains with trained instructors; you’re enjoying coffee that’s still hot. Everyone wins.
WINTER CAMPS - DAY EXPEDITIONS
Join the Colorado Mountain Club Youth Program for one day or a multiple days of adventure! Programs run from 9am-4pm and are open to grades 1st-6th.
1st-3rd Graders
4th-6th Graders
Contact: Youth Staff
Registration Opens: Oct. 1st, 2025
Start Date: Dec. 22nd, 2025
TEEN ADVENTURE CAMPS - OVERNIGHT
Join the Colorado Mountain Club Youth Program for overnight programs to engage your teen in the wonders of the outdoors! Open to grades 6th-12th.
NTER HUT SNOWSHOE TRIP
youth ages 12-18 with previous rock climbing experience, is the course for you. Learn the basics of ice climbing in this -day program
DIFFICULTY Easy LENGTH 2days
INTRODUCTION TO ICE CLIMBING
For youth ages 12-18 with previous rock climbing experience, this is the course for you. Learn the basics of ice climbing in this two-day program.
Are you ready to dive into the wild with us at CMC, but maybe need some financial support for our camps? Here at CMC we believe that the outdoors are for all, and we never want cost to be a barrier
Don't hesitate, just click here to apply for financial assistance! Want to discuss payment options for your next thrilling adventure? Reach out to hanahamilton@cmc.org We can't wait to chat!
HANA HAMILTON Member Since 2022
PREREQUISITES
Why Do Some Courses Have Prerequisites?
Courses with prerequisites at Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) are designed for participants who are practicing higher-level skills that require a solid foundation in related disciplines These prerequisites are essential for ensuring the safety and success of all participants and instructors during these advanced courses The experience or training required helps maintain the integrity of the learning environment and allows for a focus on more complex skills
Two Examples of Waivers to Meet Course Requirements:
OVERVIEW: WTS is offered every spring and fall, consisting of five mandatory lectures and five mandatory field days. Topics include clothing, nutrition, navigation by map and compass, snow travel (including ice axe use and selfarrest), avalanche awareness, mountain weather, and basic survival skills.
REQUIREMENTS: Participants must demonstrate equivalent experience or training in these skills to be eligible for a waiver. This process allows experienced CMC members to earn a Wilderness Trekking Skill badge, acknowledging their competencies without needing to complete the entire WTS course
LEARN MORE
OVERVIEW: This is not a refresher course Participants must demonstrate proficiency in all the skills covered in the Basic Climbing class. It is crucial to arrive at 6 PM if you do not have a climbing partner enrolled with you
PURPOSE: The waiver is designed for experienced climbers who have not taken CMC's Basic Climbing course. By successfully completing the waiver, participants can skip the Basic Climbing class and gain access to more advanced climbing courses and participate in CMC Top-Rope Climbing Trips.
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LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
How do you learn best?
At the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC), we recognize that effective outdoor education happens through diverse learning experiences. Our approach combines self-paced online learning through our LMS Coassemble, traditional classroom instruction, and hands-on field experiences in Colorado's front country and backcountry environments.
ONLINE LMS THROUGH COASSEMBLE
Our online platform through Coassemble ensures courses are accessible to all members regardless of location or schedule, allowing students to learn at their own pace. The system caters to various learning styles through videos, interactive exercises, quizzes, and simulations that keep learning engaging and effective.
IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL LEARNING
Traditional classroom settings, whether delivered virtually or in-person, provide focused environments where complex concepts can be thoroughly explored with real-time instructor support. These structured experiences foster peer-to-peer learning and ensure all participants grasp fundamental principles before moving to field application.
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN COLORADO & BEYOND
Field components allow participants to apply knowledge in Colorado's diverse landscapes, building confidence and competence that can't be achieved through indoor instruction alone. These experiences expose students to variable conditions while progressing from front country to backcountry settings, developing crucial decision-making skills for safe outdoor recreation.
