FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE ALPINE CLUB AT CU?
The CU Alpine Club is a student-run organization aiming to provide climbers with a motivated community and meeting place to pursue their vertical dreams.
THE ALPINE CLUB IS NOT A GUIDING ORGANIZATION
HOW DO I JOIN?
To join, find us at our office hours (WE DO NOT HAVE AN OFFICE FOR THE 2026-7 SCHOOL YEAR) Head over to THIS page for membership sign up. On our Instagram, you will find a link for our discord, where we send out all communications. Also, be on the lookout for an information meeting at the beginning of every semester!
DO I HAVE TO BE A STUDENT TO JOIN?
NO! Anyone can join the Alpine Club - from students to real-life adults, dirtbags, weekend warriors - everyone is welcome!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP?
A membership to the Alpine Club allows you to sign up for our weekend trips to world class climbing destinations across the west. Additionally, you receive discounted rates at climbing gyms and gear shops across Boulder. Not to mention, access to the most radical community of folks to walk this earth!
Do I need to be Belay Certified to go on trips?
Starting October of 2024 belay cards will be required for attendance on trips. Bouldering trips and the first two trips of every semester do not require belay certificates. You can get belay certificates at the CU rec center climbing gym. If you have any questions, reach out to a board member on discord anytime!
WHEN DO YOU MEET?
We run full weekend trips most weekends of each semester - these fill up fast, so keep your eyes peeled for sign-ups linked in our discord. We do day trips most weekends. We also hold various events throughout the week such as social hours, study nights, and pre-trip meetings.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
We encourage climbers to bring their own helmet, harness, shoes, and chalk. We can provide helmets and a limited number of harnesses, but we havw no way to loan you shoes! Rock shoes are the most important piece of equipment for you to own.
DO YOU RENT GEAR?
Yes! We rent some helmets, harnesses, shoes, pads, ice tools, etc. We require collateral (something valuable) upon renting, however this is returned to the renter when the equipment is returned. We also have a very large collection of guidebooks you are welcome to check out!
DO YOU TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO CLIMB?
While we happily bounce ideas and tips between peers, it is critical to note that the Alpine Club is NOT a guiding organization! We offer various clinics at gyms around Boulder for those who are eager to learn more about technical systems. We encourage you to check out official instruction from the Outdoor Program at the CU Recreation Center.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ICE CLIMBING TRIPS?
Yes! We run multiple ice climbing trips during the winter season (usually in feburary) to destinations such as Ouray and Lake City Ice Parks and Moffatt Tunnel.
HOW DO I BECOME MORE INVOLVED?
To become more involved, make sure to voice interest by visiting us in office hours (if we have an office) or shooting us an email. The biggest thing is, show up! Be there, and be stoked. If you are interested in becoming a board member, be on the lookout for a Board Member Application near the end of the semester. While we encourage everyone to apply, this is a social club, and prospective board members should be known in our community.