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"HMHI ROPES Course"
Thank you for your interest in the HMHI ROPES Challenge Course. We would love to supplement your program or team with an outcomes-focused challenge course experience! Please explore the following sections to learn more about what we can offer you.
COURSE LOGISTICS
COURSE LOGISTICS
Start Time
Start Time
Please see below for our preferred Course times. Regardless, we will do our best to accommodate the time you and your group need, just ask!
Summer Schedule (May 1st through October 31st):
Mondays between 9:30am-6pm.
Wednesdays between 9:30am-1pm.
Fridays between 9:30am-6pm.
Saturdays between 9:30am-6pm.
Winter Schedule (November 1st through April 30th):
Mondays between 12pm-5pm.
Wednesdays between 10am-1pm.
Fridays between 10am-5pm.
Length
Length
The amount of time determines what Course options you can pick. We can be flexible with the time/options if your group meets certain criteria but call for details. See below for detailed descriptions of each course option.
General Outline and Sequencing
General Outline and Sequencing
We follow a typical experiential sequence that looks something like the one below. Please keep in mind your experience is unique, and this outline will be more tailored to your goals.
1st Hour: Finalizing paperwork and other logistics; icebreakers; going over Challenge by Choice and Full Value Commitment; introductions and splitting into smaller groups if needed; initiative game(s) focused on communication and problem-solving; processing.
2nd Hour: Learn spotting; trust initiatives; low course elements; processing.
3rd Hour: Put on harnesses and helmets; 1 high course element per participant; processing.
4th Hour: 2nd high course element per participant; processing; closer.
Some things to consider while deciding which hour option:
We receive feedback that our 2-hour option is ideal for really helping the group come together and experience the goals you are hoping to achieve. With that said, we are still able to do a lot with our 1 hour courses, but our 2 hour option is definitely our most popular low course option. The more time you give us, the more we can really dive into our process and foster your group development.
1 and 2 hour courses are typically low courses where we stay close to the ground. This fits well with groups wanting to emphasize group cohesion, communication and teamwork.
3+ hour courses typically include our low course elements for the first half, and then our high course elements where participants wear harnesses and are belayed through different obstacles on our high course. Our 3-hour course is our most popular option and combines the intended outcomes of group cohesion/communication with empowerment.
COURSE OPTIONS
COURSE OPTIONS
High Course
High Course
Our most popular option!
Approximately 3+ hours duration (Can be flexible if your group meets certain criteria, call for details).
Accommodation for 8-30 people. Larger groups are recommended to split days/times.
A select few of our 12 high course elements. See below for some examples.
Low Course is required, see below for details.
Outcomes include, but are not limited to communication, empowerment, self-esteem, trust, and fun of course!
Postman's Walk
Postman's Walk
Postman's Walk is an entry-level high course element requiring the climber to traverse across a foot cable between two telephone poles. A hand rope running parallel to the foot cable gives the climber something stable to hold onto for the duration of the traverse.
Skywalk
Skywalk
Skywalk is an intermediate-level high course element requiring the climber to traverse across six little swings.
Crate Stack
Crate Stack
Crate Stack is a unique high course element requiring climbers build a tower of crates and maintain their balance on top of it. Team members on the ground assist with spotting and handing crates to the climber.
Cargo Net
Cargo Net
Cargo Net is a difficult high course element ready to challenge adventurers with its pirate-ship-like traverse. The net is accessed via a rope ladder whereas most other high course elements are access via telephone poles.
Firecracker Ladder
Firecracker Ladder
Firecracker Ladder is our most difficult high course element. Participants climb up a rope with wooden pegs sewn in, resembling a string of firecrackers. You could also imagine the old-school PE knotted rope climb activity, but ours has the pegs instead of the knots in the rope. The difficulty arises from the pegs requiring both feet on them while your arms are doing chin-ups.
Low Course
Low Course
Great for entire group participation.
2+ hours duration.
Accommodation for 8-50 people. Larger groups are recommended to split days/times.
A select few of our 15+ low course elements. See below for some examples.
Unlimited ground initiative games and equipment to meet the unique needs of your group.
Outcomes include, but are not limited to communication, teamwork, cooperation, accountability, trust, problem-solving, overall group cohesion, and fun of course!
Whale Watch
Whale Watch
Whale Watch is a great entry-level low course element requiring a group of people to work together to balance on the platform for a certain amount of time.
Swinging Log
Swinging Log
Swinging Log is an intermediate-level low course element requiring the climber to maintain their balance while traversing the log. Spotters are nearby to support the climber however needed. This element can be done with a partner and involves each climber passing each other in the middle.
Commitment
Commitment
Commitment is a low course element with great metaphors and messages. Partners make a bridge with their hands to cross a V-shaped cable as it spans out. The rest of the group is there to spot and support.
TP Shuffle
TP Shuffle
TP Shuffle is an entry-level low course element requiring anywhere from one to many participants standing on a stabilized log. Participants either traverse across or rearrange themselves in a certain order.
A-Frame
A-Frame
A-Frame is a low-to-moderate-level low course element. A team works together to make an A-shaped structure walk across the field without their hands physically touching the structure. In some cases, a passenger may ride in the A Frame like pictured above.
Spider Web
Spider Web
Spider Web is a moderate-to-difficult low course element. Participants must pass through an opening in the web. Some participants will need to be lifted by their peers and passed through some of the openings. Once a participant passes through an opening, that space isn't able to be used anymore. If someone touches the sides while passing through, they must return to the beginning and in some cases that opening can't be used anymore.
Giant's Finger
Giant's Finger
Giant's Finger is a low-to-moderate low course element. Participants will work together to put on and then take off a 'ring' from a free standing pole. The challenge comes in the height of the 'finger' and precision with placing the ring without touching the finger.
Low Multivine
Low Multivine
Low Multivine is a low-to-moderate-level low course element. A participant traverse across a foot cable while holding onto dangling 'vines' always within reach. This element can be done with a partner and involves each participant passing each other in the middle.
Ground Initiatives / Mobile Course
Ground Initiatives / Mobile Course
We come to you!
2+ hours duration.
Accommodation for your group depending on venue size.
Facilitated at a location of your choice. We would like to preview the venue prior to your group. There will be a travel cost associated with this option.
Unlimited ground initiative games and equipment to meet the unique needs of your group. See below for some examples.
No high course option.
Outcomes include, but are not limited to communication, teamwork, cooperation, accountability, trust, problem-solving, overall group cohesion, and fun of course!
Zig Zag
Zig Zag
Zig Zag requires the entire group to cross a span of platforms. 2x6 boards are used to create bridges between platforms.
Team Skis
Team Skis
Team Skis require groups to stand and move together on two boards resembling a giant pair of skis. Each set can accommodate about 8 participants.
Other Ground Initiatives
Other Ground Initiatives
We have countless other ground initiatives and games that we'll tailor to your group's goals!
Indoor Low or High Course
Indoor Low or High Course
Mostly for bad weather, night, and winter use.
2+ hours duration.
Accommodation for 8-20 people.
1-4 low course elements.
Unlimited ground initiative games and equipment to meet the unique needs of your group.
Indoor high course experiences are available for longer times.
Outcomes include, but are not limited to communication, teamwork, cooperation, accountability, trust, problem-solving, overall group cohesion, and fun of course!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR COURSE
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR COURSE
Dress Code
Dress Code
Regardless of the course option you are signed up for, please prepare and dress to be outside. Dressing in layers and anticipating the weather will add to your comfort and enjoyment. Dress to be active in clothes and shoes that are comfortable and durable. Sun, wind, rain, heat, or cold can all be part of a day on the course – please be prepared. We may go inside due to your course option or severe weather.
What to wear:
Shoes: closed-toed with rubber soles. Tennis shoes are great!
Loose, casual, comfortable clothing that covers you and lets you move. T-shirts, longer shorts, and or long pants are all good choices depending on the weather and you.
Layer clothing for the weather and bring rain gear if it looks like rain.
What to bring:
Release form if you did not or were not able to submit it online. See below for more information.
Water bottle (we provide water).
Sunscreen (we usually have some if you don’t).
Hat
Bee sting kit (if you are allergic to bees), inhalers, other medications.
What to leave at home or in the car:
Jewelry and valuables – please remove jewelry before arriving at the course.
Rings, earrings, and necklaces can be broken and or pose a hazard to you or a peer.
Gum or candy.
To further optimize your experience for your group please arrive on time, put your cell phone on silent, or leave your cell phone in your bag so that it will not be a distraction to you or others! You may bring your phone out if you are snapping pictures of your course.
If you are sharing pictures of your experience to social media, we would love it if you tag @uofuhmhi and/or use #hmhiropes and #uofu
Please let us know what questions, concerns, or issues you may have. We look forward to seeing you on the ROPES course!
Release Forms
Release Forms
For everyone planning to be on the Challenge Course, regardless of participation level, fill out the release form online (Online) or print, fill out, and bring the release form with you (PDF).
When filling out our waiver on Docusign, please assure you've clicked all the way through the prompts, added your signature and ended on a page stating "Thank You", otherwise your release form will be stuck in the waiting for signature status and you may have to redo it onsite.
ROPES COURSE POLICIES
ROPES COURSE POLICIES
Eligibility and Exclusion Criteria
Eligibility and Exclusion Criteria
Group Organizers are responsible for screening participants who are appropriate for the ROPES Course.
Participants are expected to maintain an appropriate level of behavior and conduct.
HMHI reserves the right to refuse service to anyone creating an unsafe situation for themselves or others.
Our program isn't designed for groups less than 8. If your group shows up with less than this number, HMHI reserves the right to shorten the length of your course or cancel it.
Cancellation
Cancellation
We understand that circumstances change, and we ask for open communication and problem-solving.
A refund minus the deposit can be issued with advance written notice via email at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled course time.
In the event of cancellation on our end, a full refund with the deposit will be issued.
No shows will result in being charged the deposit and remaining balance on the prep, clean and maintenance fee. Late fees will be added in as a result of continual lack of response from you.
Smoking
Smoking
HMHI and the University of Utah are tobacco free.
On property, smoking can only happen in your vehicle with the doors closed and the windows up.
Off property, participants may smoke at the Fort Douglas Cemetery, located to the north of HMHI or the sidewalk to the south of the Course.
We will provide bags for cigarette butt disposal upon request, to avoid polluting the parking lot and surrounding areas.
SCHEDULE YOUR COURSE
SCHEDULE YOUR COURSE
Please let us know what further questions you may have, and we look forward to working with you!
ropes@hsc.utah.edu | Call 801-587-3148 | Text 385-831-0963
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