Alex, Michael, and Scott all flew out for 4 days of ice climbing in Ouray, Colorado.

On day 1 we went to the Ice Park. We refreshed some rusty skills and learned some new ones while climbing some great pitches of ice! At the end of the day we did a short multi-pitch to get warmed up for some multi-pitch backcountry ice the following days.

On day two we climbed Dexter Slabs just North of Ouray. It was a low visability day but we got it done and had a great time doing it!

Day three found us climbing at the Skylight Area where we climbed a few ice routes and then got on a mixed route to let the guys see what dry tooling was all about. I’m pretty sure everyone slept great that night. Well, everyone except Alex who was kept up by his new born daughter Zoey.

On day four Alex opted out of climbing because of sleep deprivation. So Scott, Michael and I headed back to the Skylight Area to to climb a route called Choppo’s Chimney, then headed back to the Ice Park for a few more pitches to finish off the arms.

Great trip guys! I hope to climb with you all again!

BK

The team has been doing great and are through the first stretch of their acclimatization rotation and are now headed to the Jose Rivas hut on Cotopaxi.

On Friday the team climbed Ruminahui (15200 ft) in Cotopaxi National Park and enjoyed some breathtaking views of Cotopaxi. The following day they hiked to the Jose Rivas but and completed snow school and glacier travel training above the hut in preparation for the ascent of Cotopaxi. Today they are resting in the morning at the wonderful accommodations at Chilcabamba prior to hiking back up to the hut for the next nights climb of Cotopaxi.

The weather seems to be trending towards the favorable for the team and if all else goes well they should be standing on top early in the morning on the 16th.

After that it is on to Banos for some rest and relaxation at a lower altitude and then Chimborazo. Stay tuned for more updates and pictures!

-ND

We are getting set for a 12 day Cotopaxi and Chimborazo climb with a group of 10, and the guides are in Quito, Ecuador making final preparations for the trip as the bulk of our group is scheduled to arrive this evening.

Two of our guests for this expedition are already here, having decided to come down a few days early to get some additional time to acclimatize. Today they are hiking Rucu Pinchincha just outside of Quito. The hiking is easily accessible from the Telepherique/Gondola and makes for an enjoyable hike and climb of this 15,000 ft peak.

This evening the rest of our group will arrive and the trip will begin in earnest. Stay tuned to our blog for daily updates on the trip and the teams progress as well as pictures.

We will also be posting updates and pictures on our Facebook Page.

ND

Chris has been talking about how great his younger brother would be at climbing for months. This last weekend Chris flew out with his brother Eric for some ice climbing in Ouray. Both brothers did great! Eric was floating up steep ice like he had been doing it for years, and Chris was leading and mock leading in the ice park despite a tweeked wrist. Chris will be out for some more ice shortly and there are rumors of Eric coming out for some rock climbing in the future!

Thanks for the great New Years weekend guys!

BK

Julie is planning to climb Nun and Kun in Kashmir this summer and came to Durango for a little training on Engineer Mountain. We hiked up to 11,500′ and made our camp for the next two nights. The next day we had a training day in which we went over, knots, self arresting, traveling in avalanche terrain, beacon searches, snow anchors, moving on fixed lines, moving with crampons and an axe. On the final day we got up early and summited Engineer by 8am, having watched the sun come up while climbing the ridge. Julie is coming back for more training in March on our Denali prep course. Great climbing with you Julie, see you in March!

BK

The ice in the backcountry of Southwest Colorado is Fat! Below are some photos from the last week.

BK

Tim came out to Colorado and once again crushed it! We climbed Engineer Mountain car to car in about 7 hours. It was a pretty windy at the bottom of the ridge going up and on the way down but quite beautiful while higher on the ridge and summit.

Tim I look forward to climbing with you this summer and Happy Anniversary to you and Mary!

BK