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    2009 Alpine and Rock Climbing Schedule

    Our scheduling site that we launched in the winter of 2007 is also available for summer trips! To get started quickly simply click on the link to the calendar below and in the login area on the left click on the "Need help logging in?" link to retrieve your username and password, then get out there! For more details and some helpful hints, please read this brief introductory how-to document.

    Before visiting the application and signing up for a trip (or many!) please read and familiarize yourself with the Trip Participant Responsibility Guidelines.

    General Notes

    You must be a current Calgary Section member to participate in the section trips listed below. There are also new member trips scheduled for you to get your feet wet (metaphorically speaking)!

    Online Trip Calendar

    Many aspects of the planned events mentioned in the calendar are flexible and will remain so throughout the season. Due to unpredictable weather and terrain conditions, membership response, and changing personal/personnel circumstances, any dates, objectives and leaders listed are subject to change. Any changes to the calendar will be posted in the corresponding trip details. If there are any questions about the trip as scheduled please check the trip details for changes or contact the trip leader. Notification of changes or enquiries for information can be done through the Online Trip Schedule. If any members are interested in organizing or leading a trip not in this schedule, please contact the Climbing Committee Chair person.

    The Climbing and Executive Committee members welcome suggestions about the schedule and all scheduled publications.

    Note: Trips that involve hut bookings, longer duration, or which have special requirements require extra planning on the part of the trip coordinator and are marked with comments. Please contact the trip coordinator at least 3 weeks prior to the trip date.

    Alpine Trip Ratings

    These trip ratings are assigned on length (number of days or hours per day) and difficulty of the trip. Since both can vary considerably depending on conditions, ratings should be used as a guideline. The ratings are based on three factors: Duration, Length, and Level of Difficulty.

    The level of difficulty is assigned based upon the general knowledge of the route and an assessment of the route by the trip coordinator. These grades should be used as a guideline only, due to seasonal variances in route conditions.

    A route rated as "Easy" is generally an easy scramble, Class 2, where hands may be used for balance but there is little exposure.

    A route graded "Moderate" will be Class 3-4, requiring more use of handholds on steeper terrain, more loose rock, the probable use of a climbing rope, and more exposure.

    A route rated as "Difficult" will be Class 4 to Class 5, technical climbing with greater exposure, technical climbing and belaying, snow field or glacier travel, or some combination of these factors.

    Rock Climbing Trip Ratings

    The trip ratings are done according to the Yosemite Decimal System (Y.D.S.). Climbers wishing to attend a certain trip must be familiar with this grading system and the level of their ability. If uncertain, participants should ask the trip coordinator if their experience and equipment is appropriate. The grade of the climb is generally independent of its length, so participants should familiarize themselves with the route prior to the outing. In the Y.D.S., climbing is considered to be 5th class if it involves any climbing.

      Rating Description
      5.0 - 5.4 Generally easy climbing on low grade rock
      5.4 - 5.6 Moderate climbing over steeper terrain with the necessity of leading and setting belays; people wishing to do these climbs should have some experience with these techniques and rope management skills
      5.7 - 5.9 Increasingly difficult and technical climbing
      5.10 and up Extreme difficulty and should only be attempted by those members with considerable experience

    It is important to note that these ratings are only a guideline. Some 5.5 climbs are very easy and other 5.5 climbs are much harder. Y.D.S. ratings vary with locale, so participants should be aware that the rating on Canadian limestone might vary considerably from conditions elsewhere.