Calgary Outdoor Club - Difficulty Ratings
It is challenging to quantify the difficulty rating for various events, but in keeping with our mandate of being a variety club, and not a hard-core single-activity club, our rating system/guidelines are described in detail below.
The COC utilizes a Risk Mitigation Plan which utilizes the following possible strategies:
- Accept the Risk: COC volunteers may run these events (baseline or elevated risk mitigation required)
- Transfer the Risk: COC volunteers may run these events only if they utilize a certified Service Provider with its own waiver
- Avoid the Risk: COC does not offer these events/activities. At this time there are no activities on our list which are marked as "Avoid the Risk". If an activity is not offered through the COC, or not at a certain difficulty level, it simply doesn't appear below.
COC Event Types therefore can fall under the following Strategies:
Adventure
Adventure events are rated according to required skill level and/or risk.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Easy activity that doesn't fall neatly into a regular event type | For example: Waterpark, RCMP Dog Training Demonstration | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 | Moderate | Moderate activity that doesn't fall neatly into a regular event type | For example: Dog Sled Tour; Paintball | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Challenging activity that doesn't fall neatly into a regular event type | For example: Guided Caving Tour | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
5 | Difficult | Difficult activity that doesn't fall neatly into a regular event type | For example: Multiple D5 activities in one event (scramble + mountain biking) | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
6 | Difficult to Advanced | Advanced activity that doesn't fall neatly into a regular event type | For example: Canadian Death Race | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
Camp
Camp events are rated according to the amount of knowledge and skill required.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Front-Country car camping | For example: Dinosaur Provincial Park, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 | Moderate | Walk-in tenting | For example: MA-WE-GA Tipi Camping, Elk Island Walk-In | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Winter Camping | For example: Mount Kidd Winter Camping, Quinzee Camping | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
Climb
Climb events are rated according to skill and risk.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
3 | Moderate | Indoor Climbing Wall, where participants can make it as easy, or difficult, as they wish, in a supervised environment | For example: Calgary Climbing Centre | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Supervised Rock Climbing Lessons | For example: Ridgeline Guiding, CRAG - Canadian Rockies Alpine Guides | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
5 | Difficult | Supervised Ice Climbing Lessons | For example: Ridgeline Guiding, CRAG - Canadian Rockies Alpine Guides | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
6 | Difficult to Advanced | Rock Climbing | For example: Wasootch Slabs, Even-Thomas Creek | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
7 | Advanced | Ice Climbing | For example: Grotto Canyon, White Man Falls | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
Cycle - MTB
Mountain biking is rated according to terrain and technical difficultyDifficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
3 | Moderate |
Easy terrain. Easy hills, hard packed trail, beginners are often welcome. Often equivalent to Eastcott's Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies "easy/novice" rating. |
For example, Riverview Trail |
Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult |
Some steep hills, tree roots, muddy sections, loose surface, narrow trail. Often equivalent to Eastcott's Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies "moderate/novice" or "moderate/intermediate" rating. |
For example, Goat Creek |
Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
5 | Difficult |
Technically challenging. Steep hills, mud, roots, rocks/scree, loose surface, narrow trail. Often equivalent to Eastcott's Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies "difficult/intermediate" or "moderate/advanced" rating. |
For example, Prairie View/Jewel Pass |
Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
6 | Difficult to Advanced |
Very technically challenging. Steep hills, mud, roots, rocks/scree, loose surface, narrow trail. Often equivalent to Eastcott's Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies "difficult/advanced" or "extreme/advanced" rating. |
For example, Powderface Creek/Prairie Creek |
Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
7 | Advanced |
Extremely technically challenging. Steep hills, mud, roots, rocks/scree, loose surface, narrow trail. Often equivalent to Eastcott's Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies "extreme/expert," rating. |
For example, Jumpingpound Ridge/Cox Hill |
Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
Cycle - Road
Road biking is rated according to distance, pace, hills and hazards (ie. traffic)Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
3 | Moderate | Highway ride. 30k-50k | For example, road ride on Highway 66 | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Highway ride, often in the mountains. 50k-100k. May include simple self-supported overnight. | For example, Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise, Banff Legacy Trail overnighter. | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
5 | Difficult | Highway ride, often in the mountains. 100+ km. Multi-day self-supported ride. | For example, Icefields Parkway | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
Cycle - Urban
Urban biking is rated according to distanceDifficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | An urban bike ride on city trails. Less than 30k. | For example, bike around the Glenmore Reservoir | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 | Moderate | Urban ride. 30k-50k | For example, Calgary pathways and neighborhood streets | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Equestrian
Equestrian events are rated according to required skill level and/or risk.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Guided easy trail ride | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. | |
3 | Moderate | Guided moderate trail ride | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. | |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Unguided horseback riding for experienced horsemen | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. | |
5 | Difficult | Competitive | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. | |
6 | Difficult to Advanced | Advanced terrain, experienced riders only | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
Gym
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Activity at official gym facility | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Hike
Hikes are rated on a grid according to distance and elevation gain. Additional considerations include:- Remoteness (access to assistance, if needed)
- Terrain, including unmaintained trails
- Route finding
- Creek crossings
- River fords
Note: Hover your mouse over the D links in the chart to see examples of which hikes fall into this category. For the examples given, elevation gains were based on actual measurements, rather than on net elevation gains provided by many guide books. They are also rated according to our "actual" end point on typical events rather than just to the end of an official trail (which is frequently all that is provided in the guide books).
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Hike - Backpack
Backpack event difficulty ratings apply only to hike+camp events. Backpacking in general carries risks similar to hiking but on the more advanced trips, route finding, difficult creek crossing and sanitation skills may be required. Overnight events for other activities (e.g., snow shoeing, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, biking, boating) are covered under those activities.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
3 | Moderate | Maximum D2 Hike with pack to "base camp" with hub-and-spoke day hikes returning to "base camp" on well-marked, signed, maintained trails with maintained campsite. Not remote - access to roads/assistance less than one day. Suitable for beginner backpackers. |
Example: Hike to Elbow Lake campground as "base camp", hike to The Forks campground as "base camp". | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Maximum D3 Hike packing each day for a max of three days OR D3 Hike to "base camp" with hub-and-spoke day hikes on well-marked, signed, maintained trails with maintained campsite(s). May involve simple creek crossings. Easy access to water and accessible exit points. Not remote - access to roads/assistance less than one day. Suitable for beginner backpackers who are strong, experienced hikers. |
Example: Tombstone (because of creek crossings), Ribbon Lake from Buller Pass. | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
5 | Difficult | Maximum D4 Hike packing each day for a max of five days. Hiking on maintained trails and camping at maintained campsite. Trip may involve a one-way route with vehicle shuttle. Not remote - access to roads/assistance less than one day. There may be challenges with access to water, lack of exit points, creek crossings. Not suitable for beginner backpackers. |
Example: Skyline one-way, Egypt Lake one-way, Whaleback, Skoki, Berg Lake, Rockwall | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
6 | Difficult to Advanced | Trips may involve more than five days of packing. Hiking may involve unmaintained trails with routefinding. Camping may involve unmaintained campgrounds or random camping. Trip may involve a one-way route with vehicle shuttle. Trip may be remote with significant distance from roads/assistance. There may be challenges with access to water, lack of exit points, creek crossings, ocean tides. Not suitable for beginner backpackers. |
Example: West Coast Trail, Brazeau Loop, Willmore Wilderness (without river ford), Sparrowhawk Tarns (random camping), Devon Lakes, Grand Canyon | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
7 | Advanced | All from D6, plus may involve river fords. Depth and speed of river must be considered and crossing place agreed by all participants. Coordinator and participants must be skilled and knowledgeable with river fording while carrying a backpack. |
Example: Willmore Wilderness (with river ford), North Coast Trail | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
Hike - Urban
Urban hikes (walks) are rated easier than mountain hikes because of the extra considerations introduced by any activity in the mountains.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
1 | Easy | Less than 8km distance and negligible elevation gain | For example, Inglewood Sanctuary | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Approx 8-12km with gentle elevation gain (100m-150m gain to 1km distance), or less than 8km with more cumulative elevation gain and steeper slopes (150m-250m gain to 1km) up to 500m total gain. | For example, Weaselhead | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 | Moderate | More than 12km, more than 500m of cumulative gain, or hill-training events with constant steep elevation gain, regardless of total amount | For example, Glenmore Reservoir or Douglas Fir Trail | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Learn
Learn events are rated according to required skill level and/or risk.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
1 | Easy | Classroom, Seminar, no hands-on | For example: Cycle-touring presentation | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Classroom or seminar with hands-on | For example: First Aid course | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 | Moderate | Moderate hands-on | For example: Wilderness First Aid course | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Challenging hands-on | For example: Avalanche Rescue training | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
Meeting
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
1 | Easy | Meeting/discussion with no physical activity component | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Scramble
Scrambles are rated according to technical difficulty, degree of exposure, and length of the route. For all scrambles, there will be significant elevation gain (usually at least 1000m, but more commonly around 1500m, and occasionally upwards of 2000m). Routes that are not in optimal condition (dry and free of snow) will be rated more difficult than the same route under ideal conditions. Specs below are from Alan Kane's "Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies".Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
5 | Difficult |
Difficult hiking on scree, loose rock and/or slabs with minimal exposure and a lot of elevation gain |
A scramble that is rated "Easy" in Kane's book. For example, the south peak of Mount Indefatigable | Elevated - Future COC volunteers may offer these events, however, at this time they must involve a paid Service Provider with its own waiver. Before COC volunteers can run the activity without a paid Service Provider, we need a Risk Management Strategy for them. Want to help? Contact us! |
6 | Difficult to Advanced | Frequent use of handholds required, possible exposure but not usuallyenough to be a fatal. Some route finding involved |
A scramble that is rated "Moderate" in Kane's book. For example Eiffel Peak or Mt. Temple | Elevated - Future COC volunteers may offer these events, however, at this time they must involve a paid Service Provider with its own waiver. Before COC volunteers can run the activity without a paid Service Provider, we need a Risk Management Strategy for them. Want to help? Contact us! |
7 | Advanced |
Much use of handholds required, sections may be steep, loose and exposed, or rock could be smooth and downsloping. Fall distance may be significant enough to be fatal. Route finding skills are generally necessary to determine the most practical and feasible way for specific sections. Anyone with vertigo or a fear of heights should avoid these scrambles | A scramble that is rated "Difficult" in Kane's book. For example Mount Whtye or Mt. Stephen | Elevated - Future COC volunteers may offer these events, however, at this time they must involve a paid Service Provider with its own waiver. Before COC volunteers can run the activity without a paid Service Provider, we need a Risk Management Strategy for them. Want to help? Contact us! |
Skate - Ice
The degree of difficulty in ice skating generally is affected by conditions only - each participant can, of course decide how fast/hard they want to skate. Beginners are always welcome on ice skating events.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Groomed ice | For example, Olympic Oval | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 | Moderate | Outdoor ice | For example, Bowness Lagoon | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Skate - Inline/Roller
Inline Skating is rated according to trail conditions, hills, traffic exposure, intended distance covered and intended pace.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Intended for beginners. Small distance, smooth flat trail with little/no hills/traffic. | For example, Carburn Park | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 | Moderate | Not intended for beginners. Greater distance, some experience required for dodging debris, children, traffic. Some hills. Also includes indoor roller skating. |
For example, Glenmore Inn to Chestermere Trail |
Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Experienced skaters only. Greater distance, faster pace. Debris, children, traffic and some hills. | For example, Edworthy Park | Elevated - Future COC volunteers may offer these events, however, at this time they must involve a paid Service Provider with its own waiver. Before COC volunteers can run the activity without a paid Service Provider, we need a Risk Management Strategy for them. Want to help? Contact us! |
5 | Difficult | Experienced skaters only. Greater distance, fast pace. Debris, children, traffic and significant hills.; | For example, Glenmore Reservoir Circuit |
Elevated - Future COC volunteers may offer these events, however, at this time they must involve a paid Service Provider with its own waiver. Before COC volunteers can run the activity without a paid Service Provider, we need a Risk Management Strategy for them. Want to help? Contact us! |
Ski - Backcountry
Backcountry Skiing is rated according to distance and elevation gain.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
5 | Difficult | Shorter (ie. under 10km) distances and moderate elevation gain (under 1000m). | For example, Highwood, Gypsum Mine, Bow Summit | Elevated - Future COC volunteers may offer these events, however, at this time they must involve a paid Service Provider with its own waiver. Before COC volunteers can run the activity without a paid Service Provider, we need a Risk Management Strategy for them. Want to help? Contact us! |
6 |
Difficult to Advanced |
Longer (ie. 10 - 20km) distances and greater elevation gain (1000m - 1500m). Easier overnight trips. |
For example, Black Prince(steeper and treed terrain) |
Elevated - Future COC volunteers may offer these events, however, at this time they must involve a paid Service Provider with its own waiver. Before COC volunteers can run the activity without a paid Service Provider, we need a Risk Management Strategy for them. Want to help? Contact us! |
7 |
Advanced |
Very challenging (ie. 20+km and/or 1500m+ elevation) and/or more challenging overnight trips. |
For example, Burstall Pass, Commonwealth Creek |
Elevated - Future COC volunteers may offer these events, however, at this time they must involve a paid Service Provider with its own waiver. Before COC volunteers can run the activity without a paid Service Provider, we need a Risk Management Strategy for them. Want to help? Contact us! |
Ski - Cross-Country
Cross-Country Skiing is rated according to terrain, trail conditions, distance, amount and type of hills, and expected pace.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Intended for beginners. Groomed trails, green (easy) trails only. | For example, green trails at Kananaskis Village | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 |
Moderate |
Not intended for beginners. Generally on groomed trails, green and blue trails, expectation for pace and distance posted. | For example, blue and green trails around Peter Lougheed Info Center |
Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Experienced skiiers only. Often trails are ungroomed, significant distance and hills. | For example, Brewster Creek | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
5 | Difficult | Experienced skiiers only. Often trails are ungroomed, significant distance and hills. Greater distance and elevation gain. | For example, Chester Lake | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
Ski - Downhill
When downhill skiing, it is generally up to the individual how difficult the day will be. They choose which runs to take and how many of them.Note that any events planning to ski out-of-bounds should be classified as a backcountry ski event (not downhill) and all COC safety and avalanche policies apply accordingly.
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
3 | Moderate | Beginner to blue runs, or all levels welcome. | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Mostly blue runs | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
5 | Difficult | Mostly black to double-black diamond runs | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Snow Shoe
Snow Shoe events are rated on a grid according to distance and elevation gain. Although terrain is not considered in our grid, coordinators will adjust their difficulty to reflect special terrain considerations.Note: Hover your mouse over the D links in the chart to see examples of which trails fall into this category. For the examples given, elevation gains were based on actual measurements, rather than on net elevation gains provided by many guide books. They are also rated according to our "actual" end point on typical events rather than just to the end of an official trail (which is frequently all that is provided in the guide books).
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Social
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
1 | Easy | Social gathering with no physical activity component | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. NOTE that any social event (e.g., an outdoor picnic) which involves people entering water is subject to our Sport - Swim Risk Management, per below. |
Sport - Golf
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Recreational golf outing | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. | |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Competitive golf outing | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Sport - Miscellaneous
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Recreational sport outing which does not fall under our other Sport categories | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. | |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Competitive sport outing which does not fall under our other Sport categories | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Sport - Racquet
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Recreational racquet sport (e.g., Pickleball, Tennis) | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. | |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Competitive racquet sport (e.g., Pickleball, Tennis) | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Sport - Run
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Run activity - beginners allowed, no expectations of attendees | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. | |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Run activity with expectations for distance/pace/ability | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Sport - Swim
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Swim event at supervised pool | Swim, Indoor
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Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 | Moderate | Swim, Outdoor, Flat (Class 1) |
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Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. (Water - Flat 3) |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Swim, Outdoor, Moving (Class 1) |
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Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. (Water - Moving 3) |
Sport - Team
Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Recreational team sport activity | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. | |
3 | Moderate | Intermediate team sport activity requiring some skill/experience | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. | |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Competitive team sport activity requiring skill/experience | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
Volunteer
Adventure events are rated according to required skill level, physical challenge and/or risk.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Specs | Notes | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy |
2 | Easy to Moderate | Community Service with little physical challenge | For example: Garage Sale, Food Bank | Baseline COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. |
3 | Moderate | Community Service with some physical challenge and/or hazard | For example: River Clean-Up | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | Physically challenging activity | For example: Kananaskis Trail Maintenance | Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
Water - Flat
All Water events (Canoe, Kayak, Raft) are rated according to whether the water is flat or moving, and the class rating from Paddle Canada. This section describes the Difficulty Ratings for flat water (including sea).Difficulty (D) # | Name | Paddle Canada | Coordinator Knowledge/Skills Required | Situations Where Event is to be Canceled | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy | |
Class | Environment | |||||
3 | Moderate | 0 | Non-challenging protected waters with limited wind effect, little or no current, easy landings, and ready access to land-based assistance. Wind and sea state is calm to rippled (<16km/h or 8 knots). For eg Glenmore reservoir, Vermillion Lakes, Two Jack Lake |
- Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD - Able to assist in a rescue |
Water conditions become Class 2 or more | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | 1 | Non-challenging waters with mild wind effect (0-22 km/h or 0-11 knots), little or no current (0-1 km/h or 0-0.5 knots), uninterrupted easy landing options, and ready access to land-based assistance. Sea state is calm to light chop. (Includes multi day long lake paddles such as Bowron Lake) |
- Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD - Able to assist in a rescue |
Water conditions become Class 2 or more | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
5 | Difficult | 2 | Moderately exposed coastline with frequent easy-landing opportunities and short crossings. Moderate potential wind effects (24-40 km/h or 12-19 knots), surf of less than 1 meter and a combined sea state of less than 1 metre, gentle to moderate non-turbulent currents (< 6 km/h or < 3 knots), and light surf beaches. Short delays in access to land-based assistance should be expected (Typical of multi-day coastal trips such as to Desolation Sound) |
- Out of scope for self guided events - Engagement of external guiding companies required - Ability to Self rescue - Ability to assist in a rescue - Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD |
Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. | |
6 | Difficult to Advanced | 3 | Exposed water, with more committed crossings and any combination of the following: moderate to strong currents with turbulence (= 6 km/h or = 3 knots), moderate to strong wind effects (24-40 km/h or 1219 knots), ocean swells and a combined sea state near 1 meter with occasional rough sea state. Difficult but frequent landing opportunities, surf-beaches with surf up to 1 metre. Delays in access to land-based assistance are expected. (Multi day trips - Broken Islands, Johnston Straits for eg) |
- Out of scope for self guided events - Engagement of external guiding companies required - Ability to Self rescue - Ability to assist in a rescue - Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD |
Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. | |
7 | Advanced | 4 | Rugged and exposed coast with long and committed crossings and any combination of the following: strong turbulent currents (= 6 km/h or = 3 knots), strong wind effects (near 40 km/h or 20 knots), large swells with a combined sea state 1 metre or more with a moderate to rough sea state, exposed surf beaches (= 1 metre), infrequent and sometimes difficult landings which present significant challenges for individual safety and group management. Significant delays in access to land-based assistance can be expected. (Multi day trips - Western coast of Vancouver Island for eg) |
- Out of scope for self guided events - Engagement of external guiding companies required - Ability to Self rescue - Ability to assist in a rescue - Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD |
Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
Water - Moving
All Water events (Canoe, Kayak, Raft) are rated according to whether the water is flat or moving, and the class rating from Paddle Canada. This section describes the Difficulty Ratings for moving water.Difficulty (D) # | Name | Paddle Canada | Coordinator Knowledge/Skills Required | Situations Where Event is to be Canceled | Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy | |
Class | Environment | |||||
3 | Moderate | A | Flowing under 3.2 km/h.
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- Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD | Water conditions become Class 2 or B or more | Elevated Accept COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan. |
4 | Moderate to Difficult | B | Flowing 3.2 km/h to 6.4 km/h.
Parts of Bow River. For example, Harvie North Passage Bow River. Times of high river flows during spring run off.
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- Out of scope for self guided events - Engagement of external guiding companies required - Ability to Self rescue - Ability to assist in a rescue - Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD |
Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. | |
5 | Difficult | C | Flows greater than 6.4 km/h.
Typically white water areas |
- Out of scope for self guided events - Engagement of external guiding companies required - Ability to Self rescue - Ability to assist in a rescue - Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD |
Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. | |
6 | Difficult to Advanced | C | Flows greater than 6.4 km/h.
Typically white water areas |
- Out of scope for self guided events - Engagement of external guiding companies required - Ability to Self rescue - Ability to assist in a rescue - Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD |
Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. | |
7 | Advanced | C | Flows greater than 6.4 km/h.
Typically white water areas |
- Out of scope for self guided events - Engagement of external guiding companies required - Ability to Self rescue - Ability to assist in a rescue - Ability to swim short distances to shore wearing a PFD |
Transfer COC volunteers may offer these events only through an external Service Provider with its own risk mitigation/waiver. The COC has no immediate plans to offer it solely through our volunteers. |
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