What are the types of courses and classes?

White (Basic) - 2-3 km or approximately 1-2 miles in length with very little climb and mostly on trails with very little route choice. Great for children 8-10 yrs or new orienteers. This is the course to take for a first experience. You NEED the time to learn how to interpret an orienteering map.

Yellow (Intermediate) - More decision making with routes still primarily along trails, but controls may be off trail. Length approx 3-4 km or approx 2 miles with increased climb. Great for beginning adults or children ages 10-14. Don't move up a level until you can win this course.

Orange (Advanced) - 3.5-5 km or 2-3 miles with increased climb over yellow. More route choice and off-trail navigation. Great for adults with some off-trail skills or older experienced children 15-18 yrs. Don't move up until you feel you could complete this using just the contour lines.
Long Orange (Long Advanced) - Same as Orange with added length (varying) to appeal to adventure racers. Great for those still building off-trail skills but wanting more running/climb.

Brown (Short Expert) - Length varies based on climb. Typically 3-5 km. Expert orienteering, difficult cross country navigation. Typically designed for older orienteers who prefer shorter length but still challenging navigation.

Green (Medium Expert) - Length will vary based on climb but is typically 4-6 km. Expert orienteering, difficult cross country navigation.

Red (Long Expert) -Length will vary based on climb but is typically 6-8 km. Expert orienteering, difficult cross country navigation.

Blue (Longest Expert)- Length will vary based on climb but is typically 7-12 km. Expert orienteering, difficult cross country navigation.

For more info, check out CAOC's great breakdown of courses.
Also see our glossary for more definitions.