Overview…
Basic Mountaineering School (BMS) provides you with the skills needed to participate safely on non-glaciated CMC mountaineering climbs within Colorado in all weather conditions. These skills include navigation and route finding, planning and organizing climbs, rock climbing skills for following on fourth and fifth class routes, and snow climbing skills up to and including climbing with crampons and mountaineering axes.
The goal of the school is to graduate only members who can safely and competently participate in club mountaineering activities. As a result, BMS is a physically and psychologically demanding school for CMC members who are interested in high peak climbing or rock climbing. It teaches the knowledge and skills they need to pursue these sports safely and sensibly and it gives them an appreciation of their strengths and limitations with an understanding and respect for the mountain environment. These objectives are achieved through a time-intensive schedule of lectures and field trips. Significant personal effort (reading, trip planning, knot practice etc.) outside of class is also required. Prospective students must attend all lectures and field trips and are encouraged to postpone applying until their schedule permits. Prospective students must be able to climb 1000 vertical feet per mile/hour carrying a 30 lb pack to be able to participate in field trips successfully.
Successful completion of Denver BMS (or its equivalent) is a requirement for a Denver Group D hiking classification and is required for the High Altitude Mountaineering School (HAMS) and is recommended for the Traditional Lead Climbing School (TLCS).
BMS Prerequisites
BMS FAQs
BMS Gear List
BMS Application
BMS Field Outings
BMS Schedule
For additional information, see also our full BMS Site or contact Bill Haneghan at cmcpoodle@gmail.com
