General Information

Course registration typically runs from 7-8 am on the first day of your course (unless otherwise noted in pre-course information). Most courses start at 8 am and run until 5 pm each day. Some evening sessions may be scheduled. Quizzes, lectures followed by skills practice sessions, role playing, simulations, improvisation drills, tests, and outdoor activities in various weather are all part of the day-to-day activities on High Mountain Institute courses. You should be available for all scheduled classes and activities. Positive participation is required. At a minimum, all courses require students to have appropriate seasonal clothing to be outside for several hours at a time. A water bottle, waterproof clothing, various insulating layers, hand & head layers, sturdy boots, a headlamp or flashlight, watch, and daypack are all necessary items. Some courses will require additional personal equipment. In those cases, a list will be mailed in advance. The High Mountain Institute has some rental equipment available.

If you will be staying on our campus, you are welcome to arrive any time after 4 pm the day before the start of your course. Courses typically finish by 5pm on the final day. If you have paid for lodging, you are welcome to stay until 9 am the following morning.

Your 50% deposit reserves your place on a High Mountain Institute course. Deposits are non-refundable/non-transferable. If for any reason the entire course is cancelled by the High Mountain Institute, a full refund will be given. A 50% lodging deposit is required to reserve housing on our campus. Lodging is guaranteed only for individuals who have signed up in advance. Tuition and lodging (if applicable) balances are due on the first day of your course or earlier (cash, check, money order, Visa, or Mastercard). Unless specifically included in a program, (see listings) lodging is optional.

Optional on-campus lodging is in rustic wood heated cabins. Each cabin has two bunkrooms (4-6 beds) with a central common room. Bathroom facilities and showers are available 100-200 yards away in our main building. If you are paying for lodging, you are also welcome to use our kitchen to cook your own meals or you may eat in town at several different restaurants.

Everyone participating in the course helps with cleaning and chores. You are expected to leave your cabin (if applicable), the kitchen, bathrooms, classrooms and other facilities cleaner than you found them.

For Leadville area lodging at local hotels, bed & breakfasts, or private campgrounds, please contact the Greater Leadville Chamber of Commerce at 719-486-3900 or www.leadvilleusa.com. Camping on the San Isabel National Forest is typically available (Spring-Fall); call the Leadville Ranger District at (719) 486-0749 for more information.If you are camping, please do not do not camp on HMI's property and please do not use HMI's showers and kitchen. Showers are available in town at the local pool or the Leadville Youth Hostel for a small charge.

Once we have received your registration and deposit, we will e-mail you a course confirmation that directs you to additional information about your course, directions to the High Mountain Institute, shuttle information, Assumption of Risk and Release Forms, medical forms (if appropriate), etc. You are welcome to access these forms at any time, in advance of registering, by clicking here.