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Boulder Mountaineering School (BMS)  Program

The Boulder Mountaineering School (BMS) program  operates on the premise that many people who go into the mountains are not fully prepared to handle the situations in which they may find themselves. These situations may vary from a twisted ankle on a hike up Green Mountain, to navigating through a whiteout on James Peak, to doing an avalanche rescue on Mt. McKinley. The aim of the BMS program  is to provide students with an introduction to the skills they will need as they continue to spend time in the mountains. These skills are introduced and practiced through lectures, field trips and additional rock and high peak climbs.

In addition to increasing their general level of preparedness for mountain activities, students who complete the course program  will gain knowledge and practical experience in the use of technical equipment and protection systems designed to ensure safe passage of climbing teams over steep, hazardous mountain terrain. Remember, serious mountaineering requires additional skills, knowledge and experience beyond BMS

The BMS program consists of Hiking I, Hiking II, BRS, Basic Snow and Intermediate Snow.

For more information contact the school's director.

Next course offered

• Spring
• Fall

Application and Student Waivers

• Application for BMS
• Form to keep track of BMS Certification

In order to participate in the BMS program , a prospective student must:

1) Submit the application and waiver-of-liability forms with the registration fee by the first lecture.

2) Be a member of the Colorado Mountain Club.

3) Be 14 years of age by the first lecture.

BMS Certification Requirements:
A certain level of participation is required from each student who wishes to graduate from the BMS program.  The certification program only has significance within the CMC and may allow you to participate in CMC trips (such as D/E classified trips )  and  advanced courses (such as HAMS or AMS)  that require more advanced skills level.  The requirements are as follows:

Courses: Successful Completion of all the series of courses offered by the Boulder Grooup associated with BMS program.  This includes attending both lectures and field trips and demonstrating satisfactory proficiency in all aspects of safety and checklist skills during the field trips and on all climbs/trips. The schools  associated with the BMS program of the Boulder group  include Hiking 1, Hiking 2, Basic Rock School, Basic Snow and Intermediate Snow.

Climbs: Completion of 5 climbs, including at least one multi-pitch rock climb and one high peak climb involving snow climbing where the use of an ice axe is required and used. The multi-pitch  rock climb and high peak climb with snow must be climbs sponsored by the Boulder group CMC. The other three climbs can be any CMC sponsored hike or climb. A BRS graduation climb can be used as one of the five climbs.  Please note that one  “toproping” trips can be counted as a rock climbs, but not as the required rock climb.

Conservation Activity: Complete one conservation activity approved by the Boulder Group.

First Aid Training: Hold current Standard First Aid and CPR cards (Red Cross or equivalent).

To apply for graduation of the Basic Mountaineering School program , each student must submit the following checklist. The checklist includes signatures of the instructors of the Boulder Group classes (that signifies successful course completion) , a list of the five climbs and conservation activity in which he or she participated with signatures from the trip leaders,  and a copy of his or her current First Aid and CPR cards to the Boulder Group Clubroom. (here is a form to keep track of this information) So please keep a record of your climbs, and who you climbed with.   Graduation certificates are awarded each fall at the Boulder Group Annual Dinner.