Domestic Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering Courses

General Information

We conduct our mountaineering courses in the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. The San Juans typically have the best mountain weather in the United States, allowing us to concentrate on skill acquisition and climbing, not on miserable weather. From our base in Durango we have access to 14 mountains over 14,000 feet and hundreds in the 13,000 foot range. These attributes make the San Juans a fantastic training ground to learn the basics of alpine mountaineering, and to beef up your skills for longer and more technical climbing expeditions throughout the world.

Three Day Alpine Climbing Course - A great introduction to alpine mountaineering at altitudes between 11,000 and 13,000 feet. Perfect for those looking for a smooth introduction to alpine climbing and camping.

Five Day Alpine Climbing Seminar - The best course to prepare you for technical alpine mountaineering at altitude in both rock and snow environments. Courses are conducted in Chicago Basin during the months of May and June, and in Vestal Basin during the months of July, August, and September.

Ten Day Alpine Climbing Leadership - The ultimate Colorado Mountain course in the best areas Colorado has to offer. This course will prepare you to lead your own climbing trips in any of our country's major mountain ranges like the Sierras, Tetons, Wind Rivers, North Cascades, and beyond!

Alaska Mt. Bona Expedition - The best preparation for Alaskan mountaineering or high altitude mountaineering in the Himalaya. This is the perfect trip to fully prepare you for Denali. Conducted in the "Mountain Kingdom", Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

Custom and Private Guiding - Increase your skill and experience level by pushing your limits, as you see fit! If a group setting does not appeal to you, then why not consider the benefit of private instruction, and an itinerary specifically tailored to your climbing background, and goals.

Registration and Cancellation: Prospective participants are required to fill out an Expedition Application, sign a cancellation policy agreement and a liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit . The trip balance is due on the first day of your course or trip. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.