May 15 - 17; June 5 - 7; June 19 - 21; July 10 - 12; July 24 - 26; August 7 - 9
Cost: $ 705 per person
Client-to-Guide Ratio: 3:1
Climbing Level: Beginner
Our 3 Day Introduction to Alpine Mountaineering is designed for those who are new to alpine rock/snow/ice climbing and would like to experience what the backcountry has to offer. This is the perfect course to satisfy your curiousity if you've been thinking about taking your front country climbing skills and seeing how you perform in a wilderness setting. The San Juan Mountains provide us with the perfect venue to teach the basic principles of backcountry travel and alpine climbing. Earlier in the season, crampons and and ice axe are usually required, while later in the season we focus the instruction more specifically on alpine rock climbing
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Day 1: We meet early at the Southwest Adventure Guides office. From there, we drive north to Andrews Lake (10,800 ft.). From Andrews Lake, we make a short hike to our base camp location below Snowdon Peak. Here begin our introduction to alpine rock climbing. We will cover knots, belaying, rappelling and rope management skills. Following our rock climbing instruction, we set up camp, cook dinner, and relax in the spectacular alpine setting.
Day 2: After an early breakfast, we will hike to the snow slopes below Snowdon peak. Here, we learn alpine snow and rock climbing techniques, self arrest skills and glissading. We continue with learning and practicing team roped travel, anchoring, and belaying.
Day 3: We will rise early on the third day for our ascent of the West Face of Snowdon Peak (13,077 ft.). We ascend either the Northwest Couloir, the East Ridge, or the West Buttress depending on conditions. This is a dramatic technical climb which will provide you with exhilarating views of the San Juan Mountains from a high and central location. From the summit, you can see the entire San Juan Range and the raging Animas River almost five thousand feet below. After descending, we will pack up camp, return to Andrews Lake, and drive back to Durango.
Please note that itineraries are general and may be changed due to current conditions and matters of practicality in order to make the courses safe, fun, and rewarding for everyone.
Trip Cost Includes: Breakfasts and dinners while on the mountaineering portion of the course and communal camping, cooking and climbing equipment. We can supply airport and hotel transfers, and local transportation during the course free of charge for those who fly into Durango.
Not Included: Personal lunch food. Hotel costs before, during, or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, $3 Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card, which is required, trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing or camping equipment, or gratuities.
Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.
Alaska
