Leader Badges

A listing of the different types of Leader Badges in The Mountaineers, including what they mean and how to get them! Typically, members take courses, enhance their skills, and then "pay it forward" by leading trips, activities, seminars, and courses of their own for new members. Learn how to become one here!

Leader Badges acknowledge our members' initiative, skill, and donation of time to our organization. Typically, members take courses, enhance their skills, and then "pay it forward" by leading activities and coordinating or teaching courses, clinics, and seminars! For additional information about leader permissions and benefits, please visit our Leader Resources page.

Here are the leader badges that describe the skills of our leaders who have met our training and leadership qualifications. Please contact us at info@mountaineers.org if you have any questions or suggestions.

Activity Committee Chair

Activity committee chairs serve as the administrative leader of activity programs at their branch.

Advisory Council

The Mountaineers appreciates the careful thought and time given by members of the Advisory Council, a group of experts from our community who share a passion for our mission.

Alpine Ambassadors

Alpine Ambassadors is a group of climbers looking to push their limits together, learn from the mentorship of guides and highly accomplished climbers, and mentor others. The group is comprised of leaders from all branches with climbing programs.

Alpine Scramble Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved by the leaders of their branch's Alpine Scramble Committee to lead alpine scrambles for The Mountaineers. Scrambles are trips with off-trail travel and a summit destination.

Alpine Scrambling Leadership Course

This badge represents successful completion of The Alpine Scramble Leadership Course. Alpine Scramble or Basic Climbing course graduates that have continued their climbing education and/or raised their leadership skills have completed this course.

Assistant Canyon Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved by their branch's Canyon Committee to play the role of Assistant Canyon Leader on Mountaineers Canyon Trips.

Backcountry Ski Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved to lead backcountry ski trips for The Mountaineers.

Backcountry Trail Run Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved as a trail run leader for The Mountaineers.

Backpack Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved to lead backpacking trips for The Mountaineers.

Basic Snowshoe Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved to lead beginner and basic snowshoe activities for The Mountaineers.

Bikepack Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved by their branch's Bikepacking committee to lead Bikepacking trips.

Board of Directors

Members of the Board of Directors serve the organization by offering strategic direction and insight, and by providing financial and legal oversight. They offer their time and expertise, their financial support, and they serve as ambassadors of The Mountaineers in their communities.

Branch Chair

Branch chairs serve as the administrative leader of an entire Mountaineers branch.

Branch Officer

Branch officers to one of our Mountaineers branches.

Canyon Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved by the leaders of their branch's Canyon Committee to lead canyoning trips for The Mountaineers. Canyoning trips are trips with off-trail travel and technical, often roped, descent of a watercourse.

Climb Conditioning Leader

The Climb Conditioning Leader runs hiking conditioners for climbing students on trails and non-technical terrain no more than a few hours from the car. The Climb Conditioning Leader is not a leader for the hiking committee and cannot run hiking trips without a separate Hike Leader badge.

Climb Leader

Climb Leaders can lead any type of alpine climb that is within their technical abilities. This leader can lead any type of climb available. This is the only leader that can run climbs involving any combination of significant rock, glacier, and snow travel. This includes the “Alpine Climb” trip type on the website.

Cross-Country Ski Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved to lead cross-country ski trips for The Mountaineers.

Fire Lookout Crew Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved to lead fire lookout and related trail maintenance activities for The Mountaineers.

Four-Legged Hike Leader

The holder of this badge has four legs, a sensitive snout, and has been approved as a hike leader for The Mountaineers.

Frontcountry Trail Run Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved as a trail run leader for The Mountaineers.

Future Climb Leader Training Seminar

This badge represents successful completion of the Future Climb Leader Training Seminar.

Glacier Climb Leader

Glacier Climb Leaders can lead glacier climbs that are within their technical abilities and can include basic students and other novices in their groups. This leader cannot lead any climbs involving significant rock travel.

Glacier Climb Rope Leader

Glacier Climb Rope Leaders function as assistant leaders on glacier climbs that are within their technical abilities. Rope leaders are typically in charge of a rope team on climbs.

Global Adventures Leader

The holder of this badge has been approved to lead Global Adventures trips for The Mountaineers. Global Adventures is a program that offers multi-day adventures beyond the Pacific Northwest, both domestic and abroad.