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Colorado Ski Mountaineering Camp
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.
*Course fee includes 2 nights lodging at a hut near the town of Silverton, CO
- Skiing on technical alpine terrain
- Snow climbing techniques
- Equipment selection and proper use
- Route finding and navigation
- Trip planning and preparation
- Spring condition avalanche awareness and timing
- Mountain weather and conditions forecasting
- Ski crampon, boot crampon, and ice axe use
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. 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 stay at a hut on the outskirts of Silverton, CO.
Day 3: Ski mountaineering objective. Guides and course participants will identify a suitable ski mountaineering objective for the day and successfully carry out a tour and climb of a nearby peak. Stay in hut.
Day 4: Ski mountaineering objective. Guides and course participants will identify a suitable ski mountaineering objective for the day and successfully carry out a tour and climb of a nearby peak. Course close and certificate presentation.
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.
Trip Cost Includes: Guiding and instruction. 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. |
