Overview

High Altitude Mountaineering Seminar and School
The High Altitude Mountaineering Section sponsors a multi-session Seminar and the High Altitude Mountaineering School (HAMS). At the Seminar, world class climbers and other experts in their fields will present lectures on such topics as organizing expeditions, equipment, travel arrangements, fitness, nutrition and menu planning, group dynamics, travel and high altitude illnesses, cold and related injuries, and the pros and cons of guided climbs. The speakers and content vary from year to year as the seminar is intended to be a continuing resource for the accomplished mountaineer as well as the novice. The Seminar is open to CMC member who want to learn about climbing high peaks. The Seminar is held in October and November. Details about course times and fees will be found in the Mile High Mountaineer.

These sessions are just part of the school, which concludes with an optional trip to Mt. Rainier, Canada or other locales in the spring. In addition to the seminar, the school trains students in basic technical skills of glacier travel, including crevasse rescue, low-angle ice techniques, rope management and shelters. These skills will be taught on field trips in January and February.

Attendance at each session of the seminar is a prerequisite for admission to the school. The school requires that Denver Group members must have successfully completed the Basic Mountaineering School and hold a "D" classification. Members from other CMC groups must meet equivalent requirements. Contact the HAMS school director to discuss the equivalent requirements.

Packets of information about the School are available at the first Seminar session, and applications accepted at that time for limited enrollment.