Intermediate Mountaineering Skills
Starting from$193 pp
Building on the fundamentals, Mountaineering 102 introduces advanced techniques for tackling more challenging terrain in winter environments. It’s designed for those with some prior experience who are ready to elevate their skills.
- 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
Intermediate Mountaineering Skills
How is Mountaineering 102 different from Mountaineering 101?
Mountaineering 102 builds on the fundamentals covered in 101, introducing more advanced skills such as team rope travel, high-angle self-rescue, and navigation in challenging conditions. It’s ideal for those who have completed Mountaineering 101 or have some prior mountaineering experience.
Do I need specific equipment for Mountaineering 102?
We provide all the technical gear you’ll need, including boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and harnesses. You should bring layered clothing, a backpack, and plenty of water. For a full gear list, please refer to our “What to Bring” tab.
How challenging is Mountaineering 102?
Mountaineering 102 is slightly more physically demanding than the introductory course. It involves steeper terrain and more technical skills, making it suitable for participants with a solid fitness level and some climbing or hiking experience. Our guides will tailor the pace to your abilities.
How does Mountaineering 102 fit into the progression of mountaineering skills?
Mountaineering 102 is a key part of our mountaineering series, building on the basics covered in Mountaineering 101 and introducing more technical skills. It’s ideal for those looking to refine their techniques and gain the experience needed to move on to more challenging courses like Mountaineering 103.
Testimonials
Intermediate Mountaineering Skills
Intermediate Mountaineering Skills (Mountaineering 102)
Travelling in the rugged backcountry of the Colorado Rockies can be a daunting 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. We can work with you to develop new skills and enhance existing ones. 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. Topics for each course may include, but are not necessarily limited to the following.
Difficulty:
Intermediate – Difficult
Duration:
6 hours
Location:
Leadville, CO (Chalk Creek) Vail, CO (Meadow Mountain)
Policies
Terms, Conditions, and Cancellation Policy
Contact Us for Large Group bookings.
POSSIBLE TOPICS
- Self Arrest- Review and practice this invaluable skill
- High Angle Self Rescue- Learn how to extricate yourself from threatening situations in complex terrain.
- Team Rope Travel- Practice the basics of this technique and discuss its proper application.
- White Out Navigation- Use navigational aides to help deal with challenging storm situations.
- Fixed Line Ascension- This technique offers additional security of steep and or dicey slopes
- Winter Snow Shelter Construction-– Igloo, Quinzee, Tree Well Shelter, Cave and Snow Trench are discussed. We construct a shelter for our overnight stay.
- Winter Survival Skills
- May also include: backcountry AT/telemark technique.
Available Daily
Select date on booking calendar above.
Includes
- Builds on fundamentals from Mountaineering 101 with more technical skills
- Instruction in advanced snow & ice climbing techniques
- Training in team rope travel, high-angle self-rescue, and fixed-line ascension
- Navigation in challenging conditions, including white-out scenariosand glacier route planning
- Winter snow shelter construction (e.g., igloo, quinzee, trench)
- Emphasis on winter mountain safetyand judging terrain
- Suitable for ages 12+ and those with prior experience (101 experience recommended)
- All technical gear provided (boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets, harnesses)
- Duration: 6 hours; locations: Leadville (Chalk Creek) and Vail (Meadow Mountain)
Excludes
- No exact pricing or cost information provided
- No mention of group size or student-to-guide ratio
- Fitness or physical requirements not specified (beyond “priors”)
- No details on cancellation, refund, or rescheduling policies
- No mention of transportation or logistics beyond course location
- “What to Bring” list outlines basics but lacks cost/rental details for some items
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, moisture-wicking clothing (avoid cotton)
- Bring a waterproof and windproof outer shell(jacket and pants)
- Wearinsulated glovesand a warm hat or beanie
- Usegoggles or sunglassesfor snow glare protection
- Wearsturdy, insulated boots(mountaineering or waterproof winter boots)
- Pack a small backpackwith water, snacks, and extra layers
- Bring1–2 liters of waterin an insulated bottle
- Carryhigh-energy snackslike granola bars or trail mix
- Applysunscreen and lip balmfor sun and wind protection
- Bring or rent crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness(check with guide)
- Prepare for cold weather and changing conditions
- Inform guide of any medical concerns or physical limitations
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Contact Us
We’re Happy To Help!
Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620