Outdoor Council of Canada Terrain Matrices

These Matrices were developed by the Outdoor Council of Canada as part of the Field Leader training and certification program. When leading in a professional capacity, Field Leaders are required to consult them as part of their scope of practice.

These matrices can also be used by recreationalists to benchmark how much risk they are taking, and what the source of those risks might be. The risk adverse and less experienced might be advised to stay in Class 1 terrain. The more adventurous and or more experienced might choose to expose themselves to higher risk environments. Any activity in terrain more complex than that listed should be considered high risk and requiring a high degree of judgement, skill, and training.