Become an “A” Level Climb Leader

A-level Climb Leader Description

A-level leaders will be able to lead Mazama climbs with an A rating

If the route, when climbed, has snow or is exposed to snow slopes then Avalanche Awareness training is required of the leader.
An A-level climb leader will not be qualified to be a BCEP leader.

Entry into the Mazamas A-Level Climb Leader Development Program

A-level climb leader applicants need to complete the following requirements:

A resume of climbing experience and education. Note: the candidate must have Mazamas BCEP or equivalent education and a minimum of 12 successful climbs.
A letter explaining why the member wishes to become a leader.
Three references from Mazama climb leaders. Note - it’s best if these letters have as much detail as possible and if they are from leaders with whom you have climbed. There are suggestions for these letters in Leader Manual on the Climb Leader pages.

Step 1 – Attaining A-level Provisional Leadership Status

Once accepted into the program the A-level climb leader candidates will need to complete the following:

Substantially and materially assist the Basic Climbing Education Program
Assist three Mazama Climbs. (Climb grades will not be limited to A climbs.)
Complete a CPR course
Complete Mountaineering First Aid (or equivalent)
Attend Climb Leader Update Session and every 18 months thereafter
Attend or assist ICS Accident Management field session, and receive an evaluation (see below)
Attend or assist ICS Navigation field session, and receive an evaluation (see below)

Written feedback will be obtained for each of the five critiqued sessions (3 climbs you assist on, and 2 field sessions you attend or assist). The participant will supply a standard feedback form to their evaluator as appropriate and forward a completed form to the Climbing Committee.

These forms are available at the Mazama Mountaineering Center and on the Forms and Paperwork pages of this website. The intent of this feedback form is to inform both the participant and Climbing Committee of the individual’s progress in the program, and highlight any areas for continued development.

Step 2 – Attaining Full A-level Leadership Status

Upon successful completion of the requirements and subsequent approval of the Climb Committee the candidate will be promoted to provisional A-level Climb Leader.

The Provisional A -level Climb Leader will need to lead 3 A-level climbs with 3 different Mazama Climb Leaders as assistants.
The climb must proceed substantially past the trailhead so that leadership skills can be evaluated

Upon successful completion of the 3 climbs and subsequent approval of the Climb Committee the Provisional Leader will be promoted to full A-level Climb Leader.

Steps to Upgrade from A-level Climb Leader to Full Climb Leader

Requirements for candidates who enter and/or complete the A-Level Leader Development Program and want to upgrade their status to Full Climb Leader the following steps will be necessary & sufficient:

Attendance and substantial completion of ICS or equivalent
Attendance Avalanche Level I Avalanche training through Mountain Savvy, Portland Mt. Rescue, NW Avalanche Institute, or a similar organization.
Assist 3 Intermediate and/or Advanced field sessions
Attend Crevasse Rescue field session
Complete two provisional leads.
No additional Leader update will be required if the candidate is transitioning during Leader Development and is current with their leader update requirement.

Maintaining A-level Climb Leader Status

To maintain one’s status as an A-level Climb Leader the following updates are required:

MFA refresher every 3 years
CPR every 1 (ARC cert) or 2 years (AHA cert)
Earn 1 service point/year by assisting classes
Attendance at an Avy Awareness lecture, i.e. BCEP, ICS or Ski Mountaineering (or equivalent) every 4 years (Waived if not doing snow A-level climbs)
Attendance at Climb Leader Update every 1.5 years (18 months)