Each trip will have a general “Intro/Intermediate/Difficult” rating along with a scale rating. The scale rating is to help compare trips – there will be some intermediate trips that are more “intermediate” than others, but both fall under the same category. Remember, all difficulty levels are relative to the trips being offered. So “Advanced Hiking, Difficulty 10” doesn’t mean it’s borderline impossible, it simply means it’s the most difficult trip offered this year.
Intro trips are more suited to people in fair to average physical fitness. They are best for people who are trying out the activity for the first time.
Intermediate trips are more suited to people in average to very good physical fitness. They are best for people who have some experience with the activity.
Difficult trips are more suited to people in very good to excellent physical fitness. They are best suited for people who really know their stuff and feel very comfortable doing the activity.
Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking trips cover a wide range of skill levels.
Backpacking Trips: Those on Backpacking trips need a pair of well-fitting, broken-in hiking or work boots with good support. Depending on the trip, you may be carrying full packs (25-50 lbs) for multiple hours a day. See trip descriptions for more details.
Canoeing Trips: Those on Canoeing trips must be able to swim. Depending on the trip, you may be carrying full packs (25-50 lbs) and canoes for a quarter to a few miles for each portage. If you are interested in a more difficult trip it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to canoe/paddling techniques.
Rock Climbing Trips: Rock Climbing trips will be top-rope climbing. There will be routes to suit climbers at every level.
Mountain Biking Trips: Those on the Mountain Biking trip must have ridden a bike off-road before and be comfortable doing so. There will be trail options to cater to all levels of riders. Those on the Advanced Mountain Biking Trip will be required to own a mountain bike.
Sampler Trip: The Sampler Trip will be a mix of Hiking, Rock Climbing, and low class White Water Kayaking. There are options for anyone’s capabilities, however you must be able to swim.