Do you want to learn all about mountaineering, alpinism, and the skills needed to climb the worlds highest peaks? We’ll teach you the basics and much more! In this class, you’ll learn the basic skills needed to begin your mountaineering journey such as tying climbing knots, how to belay, crampon and ice axe techniques and more! We’ll also point you in the right direction to continue your mountaineering journey. This is an entry level course that focuses on the basics of mountaineering and the equipment and gear needed.

Springtime in the Colorado mountains is absolutely perfect for mountaineering and alpinism. The snow conditions are ideal and the warm Colorado sun provides ample locations for rock, mixed, and snow climbing. Throughout this course you’ll experience some of the best scenery in Colorado as well as walk away with a fundamental understanding of snow, rock, and ice climbing.

Itinerary

Day One: Rock Climbing Foundations

Today is all about front-loading the movement and technical skills needed for the remainder of the course. Belaying, knots and hitches, rappelling, rock climbing movement, anchor building, and transitions are all covered in great depth.

Day 2: Snow Climbing Skills Day

We transition to the snow for the day and discuss and practice ice axe techniques, movement in snow with both boots and crampons, self arrest, and rope travel techniques.

Day 3: Crevasse Rescue

Build on rope travel techniques from day two as you learn to perform crevasse rescue. Today we’ll learn about snow anchors, load transfers, mechanical advantage hauling systems, and other considerations important in rescuing a partner from a crevasse.

Day 4: Mountaineering Objective

It’s time to put it all together by climbing a real objective. Depending on group fitness and current conditions, an earlier start time may be required.

Prerequisites & More Information:

• Recommended experience level: beginner
• While not required, a basic understanding of rock climbing will help with skills taught in later days of the course
• An awesome mix of snow, rock, and ice climbing techniques
• Four days of climbing experience while learning new skills or refining old ones
• All mountaineering climbing equipment is included