Trip Planning Overview
All ACC section trips must follow a consistent planning process to ensure participant safety, proper insurance coverage, and accurate reporting. This guide walks through the full lifecycle of a trip from initial proposal to post-trip reporting.
The five-step trip lifecycle
1. Trip Proposal
The trip leader submits a proposal including destination, dates, difficulty rating, maximum participants, and required certifications. Use the Trip Proposal Template available in Templates & Forms.
2. Section Chair Review
The section chair reviews the proposal against safety requirements, checks leader certifications, and confirms the trip is covered under the current CGL policy. Approve or request changes before publishing.
3. Publication & Registration
Publish the trip through the Member Portal and open registration. Ensure the difficulty rating, prerequisites, and equipment requirements are clearly communicated to participants at the point of registration — not at the trailhead.
4. Pre-Trip Briefing
The trip leader conducts a pre-trip briefing covering itinerary, emergency protocols, equipment checklist, and emergency contacts. For trips involving avalanche terrain, review the Avalanche Safety article for additional pre-trip requirements.
5. Post-Trip Report
Within 7 days of the trip, the leader submits a post-trip report including attendance, incidents (if any), and route notes. Use the Post-Trip Report template from Templates & Forms.
Difficulty ratings
All section trips must be assigned a difficulty rating when posted. This helps participants self-select appropriately and ensures the right leader qualifications are in place.
| Rating | Description | Typical Activity |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Easy — no technical skills required | Day hikes, social events, gym nights |
| D2 | Moderate — basic fitness required | Multi-day hikes, beginner ski tours |
| D3 | Difficult — experience required | Backcountry skiing, scrambling |
| D4 | Advanced — technical skills required | Alpine climbing, glacier travel |
| D5 | Expert — significant experience required | Technical alpine routes, ice climbing |
:::warning Insurance reminder Trips rated D4 and above require a certified guide or an ACC-qualified leader with documented experience on similar terrain. Confirm with ACC National before publishing. :::
What makes a valid section trip
For a trip to qualify as an ACC-sanctioned section trip — and to be covered under the ACC's CGL insurance — it must meet all four criteria:
- The trip is run by the section for the benefit of all section members, not as a private guide trip
- The trip is available to all section members
- The trip is advertised simultaneously to all members (not filled before being posted)
- Registration is through the section site and references the ACC waiver
If you are hiring a guide for a section trip, all trip registration must go through the section — not through the guide directly.
Related articles
- Avalanche Safety — terrain classification, gear requirements, and leader qualifications for snow travel
- Minors on ACC Trips — policy requirements when minors are participating
- Insurance & Liability — who is covered under the CGL and what qualifies as a sanctioned activity