Our climb leaders provide the foundation on which the climbing program is built. A healthy program requires active and dedicated leaders to lead climbs as well as teach and lead our climbing courses. We are fortunate to have such a talented leader corps.

Maintaining the health of our program requires that we constantly seek qualified applicants for new climb leaders. If you are a competent climber at the intermediate level or beyond, with leadership experience, and want to join our climb leader list, please consider applying.

If you are a current Intermediate Student and aspire to become a climb leader, we encourage you to seek to climb with and get advice from climb leaders you admire most. Take every advantage you can to be an assistant leader for them. You can take on the role of a climb leader in a mentored capacity. You actually lead the climb, but have a climb leader within your party who has agreed to participate and act as your mentor. We have a section on the Climb Leader website specifically devoted to posting brief bios of students who seek Climb Leader mentors. Contact me to get your posting.

Minimum requirements:
Applications should provide documentation of completion of the following requirements:

1. Membership in The Mountaineers.
2. Participation in three or more successful Basic, Intermediate, or Club climbs, or equivalent experience.
3. Presentation of a climbing rŽsumŽ that includes dates and routes of climbs completed. Training received by the applicant should be listed with dates and the names of the sponsoring organizations.
4. Presentation of the names and telephone numbers of at least three people who can serve as references and attest to the applicant's climbing and leadership skills.
5. Possession of current MOFA or MOFA instructor certification.

If you apply, what happens?
Once your application is before the Climbing Committee for a confidential review, your climbing rŽsumŽ and background will be examined. References will be checked, and others in our program or other committees will be asked about your leadership qualities. We want to hear consistent recommendations that you have the experience, leadership and judgment to safely lead climbs for us. We want to hear both that you are a competent climber and that you are terrific with inexperienced Basic Students. We want to hear of the value you bring to the climbs on which you participate. If the Climbing Committee hears that chorus from many trusted people, their vote for approval is assured. A majority vote is required.

The Leadership Subcommittee has prepared a valuable brochure for those interested titled "Application and Guidelines for Becoming a Climb Leader." It provides excellent further recommendations and is available on our newly redesigned Climbing Program website.

Why lead climbs?
Many of my most rewarding climbing experiences came from climbs I have led for the Mountaineers. I have heard from many others about how climbing with the club has positively affected their lives through new experiences and new friendships. Please consider applying for our leader list when you become ready to do so. If you are a climb leader and know someone you consider a good candidate, encourage them to consider applying, and let us know, in your trip report or otherwise. We look forward to the chance to welcome you aboard.