PE 1663: Ropes Course Programming (Spring)
Students learn about leadership, teamwork and pushing past perceived limits during this 3-day course at Cornell's Hoffman Challenge Course. We meet on campus for the first class to get to know one another and do some group activities that will prepare students for the full days ahead. The 2nd class is a full day of low elements activities that involve outdoor team challenges like building log bridges, balancing on cables and swinging on ropes. The 3rd class is on the high ropes course where students rely on trust and teamwork to climb up 10-60 feet in the air, swinging/balancing, jumping off platforms and ziplining. This experience is founded on the principle of Challenge by Choice and the outdoor ropes course environment offers fantastic opportunities to learn, grow and try new things with many ways to adapt the experience to every unique person. The course is taught off-campus at the Hoffman Challenge Course, and transportation is provided.
| Course Fee | Students: $260* Community: $290 CU Faculty/ Staff: $280 |
|---|---|
| Fee Notes | *If your financial aid package has a total family contribution (TFC) under $36,000, your course fee can be reduced to $99 by filling out the Fee Waiver Application. You can find your TFC on Student Center under View Financial Aid > 2025 > Aid Offer. |
| Attendance | First Class is mandatory. Students must attend all classes to receive PE credit. |
| Prerequisites | No previous experience. |
| Drop Deadline | 1/20/26 |
| Enrollment | Enroll through Student Center or by contacting COE at 607-255-6183 or coed@cornell.edu |
| Links | Cornell Team and Leadership website |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 4/16/26 | 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 4/18/26 | 10:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | 5/2/26 | 10:00 am to 4:00 pm |
What to Wear and Bring
The majority of this class takes place outdoors and we run the class rain or shine. You will be walking on trails in the woods, sitting on log benches and climbing up trees. We highly suggest that you bring extra clothing because the weather patterns at the Hoffman Challenge Course can be very different from Ithaca's weather in town.
- Closed-toe shoes are required- Hiking shoes or a waterproof shoe (ankle support is not needed unless you are prone to twisted ankles)
- Warm beanie/hat
- Wool or synthetic “base layer” like long johns or a long sleeve shirt
- Fleece jacket or sweater, puffy jacket or vest
- Jacket shell to protect you against the wind
- Gloves
- Lightweight, full-length hiking pants or heavier duty-pant that you can still stretch your legs in
- Warm socks (extra pair of socks for rainy days)
- A water bottle