Fitness Conditioning for Mountaineering
Fitness conditioning for mountaineering becomes an even greater focus for me as winter gains momentum and the snow continues to fly. In preparation for a winter of guiding backcountry ski touring and mountaineering, as well as leading avalanche education courses, i...
A Rock Climbing Guide’s Perspective
A Rock Climbing Guide’s Perspective Fall in Vail is an exceptional time to climb, and not just because of the beautiful aspens changing and coloring every mountain side a burning yellow. The shaded crags, or climbing areas, like Roof Rock and Gilman Canyon can be...
Ropes That Rule
Our Edelweiss Supereverdry Curve Unicore workhorse holds a place of honor in our office. Ropes: 60m, 70m Edelweiss Supereverdry Curve Unicore 9.8mm Rope When these ropes first arrived in their cardboard mailing box, our guides ripped the tape open, removed the two 60m...
Director’s Picks: HERA Climb4Life Attache
Petzl’s HERA Climb4Life attache These bright blue HERA Climb4Life locking carabiners by Petzl play a key role in the gear fleet at Vail, Colorado’s Apex Mountain School. Great for use climbing both rock and ice, the simple, compact design makes it a useful tool,...
Director’s Picks: Scott’s favorite boot
When Scott, the director of the mountain guide service where I’m employed, returned from his AMGA Ice Instructor course in Canmore, Alberta, one of the first things he spoke about as highlights from his three weeks away was his pair of Arc’teryx Acrux AR...
Director’s Picks: Metolius Offset Master Cams
Metolius: Offset Master Cams Metolius Offset Master Cams are a great product at a great price. I started using them in Unaweep, South Platte, Vedauwoo, and Joshua Tree National Park, locations notorious for offset and expanding cracks. Metolius Offset Master Cams are...