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Ski Mountaineering Courses in Colorado's San Juans
Held in the majestic San Juan Mountains, this camp is perfect for skiers and snowboarders who would like to further develop skills in mountaineering and combine backcountry skiing techniques. During the course we will ascend and descend several classic San Juan summits near the highway 550 corridor. This particular alpine location is perfect for developing ski mountaineering specific techniques and providing opportunities for ski/board descents.
The time of year provides opportunities for splendid spring corn skiing, or the chance to do some really great powder skiing in the high alpine bowls if we receive stormy weather. Many of the ascents and descents we will target for this course are either inacessible during the winter months, or too hazardous given avalanche conditions during that time of year.
- Skiing on technical alpine terrain
- Snow climbing techniques
- Equipment selection and proper use
- Review Route finding and navigation
- Review Trip planning and preparation
- Review Spring condition avalanche awareness and timing
- Mountain weather and conditions forecasting
- Ski crampon, boot crampon, and ice axe use
- Rappelling and imrpovised alpine anchors
- Ski anchors and belaying
- Light overnight systems and shelters
Day 1 (Thursday afternoon): Course participants will meet at the Southwest Adventure Guides office for a thorough gear check and introduction to the course including goals and objectives for each participant. Review Navigation, Tour Planning, and current avalanche forecast. Stay in a hotel in Durango.
Day 2: Course participants will meet at SWAG office for morning departure at 7 am for the days objective. The day is spent accomplishing a relatively smaller objective to focus on skill acquistion and other course curriculum. The group will then establish a backcountry camp.
Day 3: Ski mountaineering objective with the focus being travel to the next camp location over a variety of complex terrain. Guides and course participants will identify a suitable ski mountaineering objective for the day and successfully carry out a tour summiting a nearby peak.
Day 4: Ski mountaineering objective. Simulate technical glaceri travel considerations and rescue protocols. Course close and certificate presentation in Silverton.
Additional Information
Prerequisites: Prior basic skiing and/or snowboarding experience is required. Particpants should feel comfortable sking black diamond runs at a ski resort. Participants should also be in good physical condition. Participants should also have completed formal avalanche training, Level 1 or higher.
Trip Cost Includes: Guiding and instruction with AMGA Certified Guides, shelter, stoves, ropes, rock gear. Avalanche probe, shovel, and beacon, boots, skis, and climbing skins are available for rent from our shop for an additional cost.
Not Included: Hotel costs before, or after the course. 3% land use surcharge, trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing, skiing, 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 link to access the required forms. |
