Trip Leader Qualifications

Updated:
March 5, 2025

Excursions Leader Qualifications

AMC-NH Chapter Excursions Committee Trip Leader Requirements

Universal Prerequisites for All Leader Candidates before beginning Leadership Mentoring

All leaders must:

  • Be a member in good standing of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
  • Have successfully completed an approved AMC-NH Chapter leadership training class. Current approved classes are Class 3 Leadership Training
    (Class 3 only), Leadership and Mountain Skills at AMC NH Winter and Spring Workshops.
  • Have participated in at least 5 officially published AMC-NH Chapter excursions, each with a different Trip Leader.
    • (Participation in a non-Leadership class at any Cardigan Winter or Spring Workshop may count as one hike, irrespective of the number of classes taken.)
    • (Participation in a Winter Hiking Series (WHS) hike may count as two hikes, provided at least 2 hikes are completed with the WHS.)
  • Inform an Excursions Co-chair of the intent to enter the mentoring program.
  • Provide Excursions Co-chair with contact information, including name, phone number(s), street address, email address, AMC membership number, chapter, date of leadership class, date/leader/destination of 5 AMC chapter excursions, prerequisite list of peaks/hikes as required, and class of leadership applying for.

Class 3W (Winter) Trip Leader

Scope: A Class 3W Trip Leader for NH Chapter Excursions Committee may lead excursions …

  • Of any length,
  • Of any duration,
  • To any destination,
  • At any time of year,
  • That are within the limits of the Excursions Committee’s scope of operation.

Required Qualifications: A Class 3W Trip Leader must…

  • meet the universal prerequisites described above.
  • have successfully climbed at least one half of the NH peaks on the official White Mountain 4000 Footer list in the Leader Handbook in the calendar winter season. Equivalent peaks not on this list may be accepted subject to approval by the Trip Leader Board.
  • have successfully completed the NH Chapter’s Mentor Program requirements for Class 3W Trip Leader Candidates in the calendar winter season, with good recommendations from the hike mentors.
  • be approved by the Trip Leader Board of Acceptance.

Class 2 Trip Leader

Scope: A Class 3 Trip Leader for NH Chapter Excursions Committee may lead excursions …

  • Of any length,
  • Of any duration,
  • To any destination,
  • In the calendar spring, summer, or fall seasons only,
  • Only where winter conditions are not likely to be encountered,
  • That are within the limits of the Excursions Committee’s scope of operation.

Required Qualifications: A Class 3 Trip Leader must…

  • Meet the universal prerequisites described above.
  • Have successfully climbed at least one half of the NH peaks on the official White Mountain 4000 Footer list in the Leader Handbook. Equivalent peaks not on this list may be accepted subject to approval by the Trip Leader Board.
  • Have successfully completed the NH Chapter’s Mentor Program requirements for Class 3 Trip Leader Candidates with good recommendations from the hike mentors.
  • Be approved by the Trip Leader Board of Acceptance.

Class 2 Trip Leader, Non-winter

Scope: A Class 2 Trip Leader for NH Chapter Excursions Committee may lead excursions …

  • No longer than 8 miles in total length,
  • That start and finish on the same day,
  • To elevations no higher than 3,200 feet above sea level,
  • From May 1 to October 31,
  • Only where winter conditions are not likely to be encountered,
  • That are within the limits of the Excursions Committee’s scope of operation.

Required Qualifications: A Class 2 Trip Leader, Non-winter, must…

  • Meet the universal prerequisites described above,
  • Have successfully climbed any 24 peaks from the official White Mountain 4000 Footer list and/or the list of additional lower peaks from the approved list the Leader Handbook. Equivalent peaks not on this list may be accepted subject to approval by the Trip Leader Board,
  • Have successfully completed the NH Chapter’s Mentor Program requirements for Class 2, Non-winter Trip Leader Candidates with good recommendations from the hike mentors,
  • Be approved by the Trip Leader Board of Acceptance.

Class 2W Trip Leader, Winter

Scope: A Class 2W Trip Leader, Winter, for NH Chapter Excursions Committee may lead excursions …

  • No longer than 8 miles in total length
  • That start and finish on the same day
  • To elevations no higher than 3,200 feet above sea level
  • Any season of the year
  • That are within the limits of the Excursions Committee’s scope of operation

Required Qualifications: A Class 2W Trip Leader, Winter must…

  • Meet the universal prerequisites described above,
  • Have successfully climbed any 24 peaks from the official White Mountain 4000 Footer list and/or the list of additional lower peaks from the approved list in the Leader Handbook in the calendar winter season. Equivalent peaks not on this list may be accepted subject to approval by the Trip Leader Board.
  • Have successfully completed the NH Chapter’s Mentor Program requirements for Class 2W, Trip Leader Candidates in the calendar winter season, with good recommendations from the hike mentors.
  • Be approved by the Trip Leader Board of Acceptance.