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:

  1. Accept the Risk: COC volunteers may run these events (baseline or elevated risk mitigation required)
  2. Transfer the Risk: COC volunteers may run these events only if they utilize a certified Service Provider with its own waiver
  3. 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.
For events which require 'elevated' risk management, the COC must have a Risk Management Plan for the Activity, and must be able to comply with its Risk Management Plan. Any events which do not meet this requirement are offered under "Transfer the Risk" until the COC has everything that it needs in place to run the event.

COC Event Types therefore can fall under the following Strategies:
  • Baseline: COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required.
  • Elevated – Accept: COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan.
  • Elevated – Planning: COC volunteers may offer these events, however, at this time they must involve a paid Service Provider with its own waiver. Planning is underway so that COC volunteers can run the activity without a paid Service Provider. Check again soon!
  • Elevated – Accept Suspended: 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 to be able to execute our Risk Management Strategy. Want to help? Contact us!
  • 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!
  • 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. See below for detailed information by activity type and difficulty rating.


     
     
    Adventure Ski - Backcountry
    Camp Ski - Cross-Country
    Climb Ski - Downhill
    Cycle - MTB Snowshoe
    Cycle - Road Social
    Cycle - Urban Sport - Golf
    Equestrian Sport - Misc
    Gym Sport - Racquet
    Hike Sport - Run
    Hike - Backpack Sport - Swim
    Hike - Urban Sport - Team
    Learn Volunteer
    Meeting Water - Flat
    Scramble Water - Moving
    Skate - Ice
    Skate - Inline


    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 difficulty
    Difficulty (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 distance
    Difficulty (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
    Hikes posted that include any of the additional considerations listed above may be rated at a higher difficulty level than just the distance and elevation would indicate. Any hike involving a river ford must be posted at a minimum of D6.

    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).

    Hike Distance
    Elev.
    Gain    		   0-6km 6-12km 12-18km 18-24km 24+km
    0 - 350m D2 D2 D3 D4 D5
    351 - 700m D3/D4 D3 D4 D5 D6
    701 - 1050m D5 D4 D5 D6 D7
    1051m+   D5 D6 D7  
    Rating Codes
    Difficulty (D) # Name Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy
    D2 Easy to Moderate Baseline
    COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. Note: River fords not allowed at D2 level
    D3 Moderate Baseline
    COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. Note: River fords not allowed at D3 level
    D4 Moderate to Difficult Baseline
    COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. Note: River fords not allowed at D4 level
    D5 Difficult Baseline
    COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required. Note: River fords not allowed at D5 level
    D6 Difficult to Advanced Elevated – Accept
    COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan.
    D7 Advanced Elevated – Accept
    COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan.



    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).
    Distance
    Elev.
    Gain    		   0-6km 6-10km 10-14km 14-18km 18+km
    0 - 200m D2 *D5 D2 *D5 D3 *D5 D4 D5
    201 - 500m D3 *D5 D3 *D5 D4 *D5 D5 D6
    501 - 800m D3 D4 *D5 D5 D6 D7
    801+   D5 D6 D7  
    * Difficulty rating higher due to avalanche terrain
    Rating Codes
    Difficulty (D) # Name Terrain (Avalanche) Safety/Risk Mitigation Strategy
    D2 Easy to Moderate based on Distance and Elevation Terrain considered to be generally free from avalanche hazards per COC Winter Safety policy Baseline
    COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required.
    D3 Moderate based on Distance and Elevation Terrain considered to be generally free from avalanche hazards per COC Winter Safety policy Baseline
    COC volunteers may offer these events, following our Baseline Risk Mitigation practices. No elevated risk mitigation required.
    D4 Moderate to Difficult based on Distance and Elevation Terrain considered to be generally free from avalanche hazards per COC Winter Safety policy Elevated – Accept
    COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan.
    D5 Difficult based on Distance, Elevation and Terrain Simple (Class-1) Avalanche Terrain (per COC Winter Safety Policy) allowed when avalanche risk is low Elevated – Accept
    COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan.
    D6 Difficult to Advanced based on Distance, Elevation and Terrain Simple (Class-1) Avalanche Terrain (per COC Winter Safety Policy) allowed when avalanche risk is low or moderate Elevated – Accept
    COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan.
    D7 Advanced based on Distance, Elevation and Terrain Simple (Class-1) Avalanche Terrain (per COC Winter Safety Policy) allowed when avalanche risk is low or moderate Elevated – Accept
    COC volunteers may offer these events, and must follow an activity-specific Risk Mitigation Plan.



    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
    • Includes: Indoor pools
    • Either a lifeguard must be on duty or the event must have a certified swim instructor (other from the COC coordinator).
    		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)
    • Includes: Outdoor man-made water facilities (i.e., Sikome Lake) and natural flatwater lakes (i.e., Two Jack Lake, Sylvan Lake)
    • Excludes: Any event where a watercraft of any type (kayaks, rafts, inner tubes, etc.) are used. Refer to our Boating Policy, and Water Risk Management Plans - Flat and Moving - below.
    • Mandatory Equipment:
      • PFD when entering water to swim or where the water is more than calf-deep - one PFD per participant. (The water can be entered for wading up to calf-deep only without a PFD).
      • 50’ heaving line/throw rope - one throw line required for the group
      • The event must:
        • Consist of at least four attendees and one attendee must remain on shore with the heaving line/throw rope readily accessible.
        • Have a coordinator pre-approved to allow people into water.
        • Include the following statement: Hypothermia is a risk for any natural water. Understanding Hypothermia: https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/understanding-hypothermia/
    		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)
    • Includes: Natural moving water (i.e., river). This shall be Class I water only
    • Excludes: Any event where a watercraft of any type (kayaks, rafts, inner tubes, etc.) are used. Refer to our Boating Policy, and Water Risk Management Plans - Flat and Moving - below.
    • Mandatory Equipment for Class I water (i.e., Bow River by Edworthy Park):
      • PFD with sound signaling device (i.e., whistle) per participant who enters the water, which must be worn at all times
      • 50’ heaving line/throw rope - one throw line required for the group
    • The event must:
      • Consist of at least four attendees and one attendee must remain on shore with the heaving line/throw rope readily accessible.
      • Have a coordinator pre-approved to allow people into moving water.
      • Include the following statement: Hypothermia is a risk for any natural water and can incapacitate a person within minutes. PFDs must be worn at all times while in the water. Understanding Hypothermia: https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/understanding-hypothermia/
    		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 12–19 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.
    • Few or no obstructions - all obvious and easily missed.
    • Fast-moving water with riffles and small waves.
    • Risk to swimmers is very low.
    • Self-rescue is easy.
    For eg Elbow River, Milk River, Parts of Bow River (excluding Harvie South Passage), Parts of the Red Deer River    		 - 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.
    • Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting.
    • Occasional manoeuvring may be required but rocks and medium-sized waves are missed easily by trained paddlers.
    • Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.
    		- 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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