Advanced Mountaineering Skills
Starting from$193 pp
Mountaineering 103 builds on advanced techniques to prepare you for the most challenging and technical climbs. This course is designed for experienced mountaineers looking to refine their skills for high-altitude and complex routes. Gain a deeper understanding of mountaineering strategies and tackle demanding terrain with confidence.
- Learn advanced snow and ice climbing techniques
- Practice route planning and glacier navigation skills
- Deepen your understanding of winter mountain safety
- Ideal for those preparing for more technical and remote climbs
Winter Guided
Advanced Mountaineering Skills
What skills are covered in the Mountaineering 103 course?
Mountaineering 103 focuses on advanced skills which can include technical climbing on steep slopes, crevasse rescue, moving rope belays, and efficient transitions between different terrain types. This course is designed for more experienced climbers who want to refine their techniques and tackle more challenging routes.
Who is Mountaineering 103 best suited for?
Mountaineering 103 is ideal for participants with medium to significant climbing or mountaineering experience, especially those who have completed Mountaineering 102. It’s perfect for climbers preparing for high-altitude expeditions or climbs, or looking to enhance their technical skills in mixed terrain.
What gear is needed for Mountaineering 103?
We provide essential technical gear, including boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and harnesses. You’ll need to bring layered clothing, a reliable backpack, and plenty of water and snacks. For the complete list, check out the “What to Bring” tab above.
How physically demanding is Mountaineering 103?
Mountaineering 103 is our most challenging course, requiring a higher level of physical fitness and experience. It involves potentially steep and complex terrain, and technical maneuvers. The course is tailored to meet your skill level and goals, but participants should be prepared for a full day of medium to strenuous activity.
Testimonials
Advanced Mountaineering Skills
Traveling in the backcountry of the Colorado Rockies can be an intimidating undertaking. Mountain enthusiasts need to be well prepared to handle anything the mountains might throw at them. Learn how to approach and achieve mountain objectives with the guides at Apex Mountain School.
Certain peaks can be accessed through easier routes without the use of technical gear. In the Mountaineering 103 course we focus on preparing you for more technical routes. We will help you plan routes which are not so well marked whether they be on rock, ice or snow. Another important aspect of mountaineering is knowing how to act in case of an emergency. Crevasse rescue is one of the techniques we could help you develop.
We can work with you to enhance existing skills such as those covered in our Mountaineering 101 and 102 courses. We will also help to build new technical skills. Just as importantly, we will help you hone your mountain sense and judgement as our guides share with you their strategies for making the most of mountain environments.
Apex Mountain School’s Mountaineering series of courses offers a logical progression in your development as a mountaineer.
Difficulty:
Moderate – Difficult
Duration:
6 hours
Location:
Leadville, CO (Chalk Creek)
Vail, CO (Meadow Mountain)
San Juan Range
Policies
Terms, Conditions, and Cancellation Policy
Contact Us for Large Group bookings.
Course Overview
- Designed for experienced climbers refining skills for high-altitude, technical routesBuilds on prior experience (e.g., 101/102); ideal for preparing for summit-level objectives
Advanced Technical Skills
- Steep-slope climbing: rock, ice, and snow terrain
- Moving rope belays & team rope travel for efficient rope management
- Crevasse rescue for glacier environments
- Efficient transitions between mediums (rock ↔ ice ↔ snow)
High-Altitude Navigation & Strategy
- Route planning and navigation in extreme alpine conditions
- Developing “mountain sense” and judgment for objective-based decision-making
Gear & Safety Management
- Master the use of specialized technical gear for complex terrain
- Focus on safety protocols, emergency techniques, and environmental awareness
Closing & Application
- Apply skills on challenging alpine objectives
- Preparation tailored toward high altitude expeditions and complex route ascents
Available Daily
Select date on booking calendar above.
Apex Mountain School Provides
- Advanced-level mountaineering instruction for experienced climbers
- Training in steep snow, ice, and mixed terraintechniques
- Skills for moving rope belaysand team rope travel
- Crevasse rescuetechniques for glacier travel
- Route planning and high-altitude navigation
- Instruction on transitioning between rock, ice, and snow
- Focus on expedition preparednessand mountain decision-making
- Use of technical climbing gear(crampons, ice axes, ropes, helmets, harnesses)
- Safety training: emergency response, risk assessment, and weather awareness
- Course guided by experienced, certified mountaineering professionals
Excludes
- No specific course fee or pricingmentioned on the page
- Transportationto and from the training location is not included
- Lodging or mealsare not provided
- No personal clothing or accessories(jackets, gloves, goggles, etc.)
- Travel or medical insuranceis not included
- Fitness prerequisitesor health requirements are not clearly listed
- No detailed cancellation or refund policymentioned
- Rental availability or cost of optional gearnot clearly outlined
What to Bring
- Beacon (rental available)
- *No cotton – cotton does not wick moisture or insulate when wet.
- Synthetic or wool long underwear bottom (thin)
- Synthetic or wool long sleeve top (medium)
- Mid layer top and bottom
- Synthetic or wool socks
- Winter jacket
- Insulated “Puffy” Jacket
- Snow pants
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Small day pack
- Water bottle
- Food
ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Thermos of hot liquid
- Gaiters
- Extra gloves
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
- Camera
APEX MOUNTAIN SCHOOL PROVIDES
- Boots
- Crampons
- Ice Axes
- Helmet
- Harness (42”/44” max)
- Wearlayered clothing (base, insulating, and waterproof outer layers)
- Bringinsulated, crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
- Packwarm gloves, a hat, and a face covering (balaclava or gaiter)
- Carrysunglasses or gogglesfor snow and sun protection
- Use a backpack (25–40L)to carry essentials during the climb
- Bring at least 1–2 liters of waterin insulated bottles
- Packhigh-energy snacksand lunch for the day
- Applysunscreen and lip balmwith SPF
- Bring or confirm availability of technical gear(ice axe, crampons, helmet, harness, etc.)
- Be in strong physical conditionfor steep terrain and long days
- Reviewbasic mountaineering skills(rope work, knots, belaying)
- Let the guide know of any medical conditions or concernsin advance
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Contact Us
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Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620