Incoming Student Trip FAQs
Step 1: Complete an .
Step 2: Once we receive your interest form submission, we will send you an email with registration and payment details (please allow 3-5 business days).
Note: Payment must be completed to secure a spot on the trip.
Step 3: After registration is confirmed through the participants colorado.edu email, please submit any required forms listed on the trip page for the specific trip you have registered for.
Step 4: Attend a virtual pre-trip meeting. Dates and times for virtual pre-trip meetings can be found on the trip page for the specific trip you have registered for.
We understand that registering for one of these trips is a big commitment and feel strongly that the value you receive is worth the investment for the opportunity to explore some truly incredible places and meet knew friends before the semester starts. In terms of what the registration fee covers, these trips are priced to include: all permits and park entry fees; campsites and lodging; transportation, including rental vehicles and fuel; all activity-related equipment and any personal rentals you may need to borrow from Outdoor Pursuits for your trip; Trip Leader pay, the cost of any outsourced activities such as the float trip for CU in the Rockies and the high ropes course on CU Bound; your own Outdoor Pursuits branded water bottle, which you will receive at the start of your trip.
The day your trip starts, depending on which trip you are registered for, you will check in and meet in either the Large Ice Rink Overlook or Indoor Turf Gym, both located in the Student Recreation Center. The exact time you will meet is also dependent on the trip you are registered for. The location and time will be shared in advance of the trip. Our trip leaders will be stationed at the entrance and throughout the building to help you navigate to the Ice Rink Overlook. If you have any issues finding the Recreation Center, or are running late, please call (303) 492-6080.
Upon return to campus you will assist with putting away gear used on your trip before being dismissed. All groups will be released no later than 12 p.m. on the day they return.
You are free to assist your student at their drop-off or move-in appointment and leave once the trips start. Once students have been dropped off, they will be expected to stay with their group for the duration of the trip. It’s usually best to say goodbye when they arrive at the Ice Rink Overlook, and then go explore Boulder for yourself! Your students will be in good hands and well cared for on their trips.
In general, you will not be able to contact your student during the trip. Students will be out of cell service and away from the internet for the majority of their time with us, however if you have an emergency and need to get in touch, please contact (303) 492-6080. Our trip leaders carry satellite communication devices throughout the trip and will check in with support staff every evening (~5 p.m. MT). In emergencies, we can relay any necessary information to your student.
Parking Services on campus offers day and week-long . If you are bringing a car to campus, you may want to stop by their office at 1050 Regent Dr. or call them at 303-735-7275 to purchase a temporary permit for when you're on your trip. Please make sure to do this well in advance, as they will not issue permits day-of.
CU in the Rockies and CU Mountain Fest: You will receive information about drop-off and move-in appointments leading up to your trip. Since these trips begin prior to move-in week, students on these trips are assigned a “drop-off” appointment. During drop-off appointments students will have a short window of time to drop off their belongings in their hall, but will not be able to unpack or decorate. In addition to drop-off appointments, students attending CU in the Rockies or CU Mountain Fest will be asked to schedule a “move-in” appointment for the day their group returns to campus.
CU Bound: Students attending Bound will be asked to select a priority move-in appointment the day their trip begins. The move-in time will be specified in an email closer to the start of the trip.
Outdoor Pursuits works closely with Housing to establish drop-off and move-in times for all students attending CU in the Rockies, CU Mountain Fest and CU Bound. Leading up to your trip we may share information with you that is different from what you are receiving in campus-wide emails from Residence Life or even from emails that are being sent about pre-arrival programs in general. As a rule, please follow the steps outlined for your specific trip by CU Outdoor Pursuits to ensure a smooth arrival and move in.Ěý
CU in the Rockieswill consist of four, 12-person groups (two trip leaders and 10 incoming students). Throughout the trip, there will be times when all four groups participate in activities together or camp in close proximity to each other and times when each group will operate independently from the others.Ěý
CU Mountain Fest will consist of two, 12-person groups (two trip leaders and 10 incoming students). Throughout the trip, there will be times when both groups participate in activities together and times when each group will operate independently from the others. In accordance with state park regulations, groups will split into smaller sub-groups each night to camp with one trip leader and five incoming students each, but their campsites will be in close proximity to each other.
CU Boundwill consist of four, 11-person groups (one trip leader and 10 incoming students). Each group will be paired with a buddy group who they will participate in their main morning and afternoon activities with. Throughout the trip, there will also be times when all four groups participate in activities together and times when each group will operate independently from the others.
Our incoming student trips are led by experienced student trip leaders, many of whom were past participants on an incoming student trip! They have gone through extensive training and all are certified in Wilderness and Remote First Aid and CPR, with many holding Wilderness First Responder certifications. All our trip leaders work for us during the school year, teaching outdoor courses throughout the semester and many work as outdoor professionals at other camps and guide services during summer break. Trips are supported by a full time Trips and Rental Center Senior Coordinator.
While these trips can seem intimidating, we have designed them to be able to accommodate all levels of experience. For many students, our incoming student trips are their first major outdoor outing, and while physical challenge is a part of the experience, these trips are not intended to be extreme experiences that push you to your limit. The main focus of all of our incoming student trips is on building relationships with other students and experiencing some of the amazing activities that Colorado has to offer.
In general, expect warm days and cool evenings while in the mountains. Colorado has some pretty unpredictable weather, so come prepared for everything from hot, sunny, and dry, to cold, cloudy, and snowing. Our packing list is fairly comprehensive, so as long as you follow it, you should be well equipped for whatever comes our way. That said, if you know that you get cold easily, don't be afraid to bring an extra jacket or warm layer.
If you cancel more than thirty days prior to the course start date you are entitled to an 80% refund of the trip fee. If you cancel less than thirty days prior to the course start date you will not receive a refund.
This refund policy still applies for emergency situations and for illness. You may want to consider purchasing trip insurance from a travel agent to avoid financial loss due to unforeseen circumstances.
Please call Outdoor Pursuits with any questions you may have at (303) 492-6080.