SKI MOUNTAINEERING

Ski Mountaineering bridges the gap between traditional backcountry touring and technical alpine climbing. Because we sell our bookings on a per-day basis, our SkiMo curriculum is entirely scalable. Whether you book a single day to master specific movement mechanics or a multi-day progression to plan and execute a major peak descent, your guide will tailor the pacing to your exact objectives.

Below are examples of how we structure the training based on your booking duration:

Example 1-Day Itinerary: Core SkiMo Mechanics

Perfect for experienced backcountry skiers or splitboarders looking to introduce technical alpine tools to their skill set.

• Morning: Objective Planning & Gear Check

  • Gear Review: Field-testing specialized kit (ski crampons, boot crampons, ice axes, technical harnesses, and rope systems).

  • Route Planning: Introduction to digital mapping (CalTopo), developing a strict time-plan, and evaluating real-time weather and snowpack data.

• Afternoon: Technical Field Session & Movement

  • Uphill Progression: Mastery of ski crampons and efficiency in steep kick-turns.

  • Bootpacking Mechanics: Techniques for walking with boot crampons, secure ice axe placement, and executing self-arrest maneuvers.

  • Ski Portability: How to rapidly transition and secure your skis/splitboard to your pack using A-frame and Euro-carry methods.

  • Ropework Introduction: Foundations of snow anchors and managing extended rappels into steep terrain.

Example 2-Day Progression: Advanced Peak Ascension

Highly recommended for athletes who want to combine theory with a student-led high-alpine objective.

• Day 1: Technical Systems & Field Practicum

  • You will spend the day covering the core mechanics outlined in the 1-Day itinerary, establishing solid baseline competency with ropework, anchors, and crampon movement.

• Day 2: The Alpine Push (Student-Planned Objective)

  • Alpine Start: A dawn departure to mimic real-world expedition parameters.

  • The Execution: Under the active oversight of your guide, you will execute the route plan developed on Day 1, managing real-time navigation, terrain evaluation, and avalanche exposure limits.

  • Advanced Features: Deep dive into complex anchor configurations across rock, snow, and ice, paired with downhill technique refinement on steep, technical descents.

Core Course Parameters

• Age Requirements: Designed for participants ages 12 and up. Note: If there are minors under the age of 18 in your party, please contact our administration office prior to booking so we can coordinate appropriate group parameters.

• Environmental Reality: All outings take place at high altitude in demanding mountain terrain. Weather changes rapidly, and clients must come prepared with full technical layering systems.

Available Daily

Select date on booking calendar above.

Apex Mountain School Provides

• Combination of skiing and mountaineering in a highalpine environment
• Outings tailored for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers
• Instruction on essential techniques: uphill/downhill travel, trip planning, gear selection
• Avalanche awareness and snow safety skills integrated into training
• Two-day program covering classroom and field sessions
• Hands-on skills: ski crampons, kick turns, A-frame/Euro carry, snow anchors, steep skiing, rappelling
• Options for advanced topics: anchor building (rock/ice/snow), advanced rappelling, terrain management
• Suitable for participants 12 years and older, prepared for backcountry travel on skis or splitboards
• Guides are highly qualified (AMGA/AIARE certifications)

What to Bring

• A/T Skis, Skins, A/T Boots, Poles, and Ski Crampons
• Beacon/Probe/Shovel (rental available) No Plastic Shovels Please
• 1-2 water bottles or thermos
• Lunch, and high energy snacks such as nut bars, cookies, chocolate
• Headwear – Visor or Cap, Hat or Helmet, Googles, Sunglasses
• Balaclava or neck gaiter
• One pair of gloves, one pair of mittens for cold days
• Synthetic or wool base layer
• Mid Weight base layer fleece or sweater
• Puffy Jacket
• Shell Jacket
• Synthetic or wool long johns
• Ski pants with zippered vents OR mid weight fleece layer and shell pants
• Synthetic or wool socks optimum weight for your boot fit
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Pack (26-30 Liters) that can accommodate, shovel, probe, skins, 1-2 water bottles or thermos, lunch, snacks, extra clothing when climbing, googles…

YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER

• Hand warmers
• Hot liquid
• Gaiters
• Liner socks
• Extra gloves
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle insulator
• Camera

• Be comfortable skiing in backcountry or ungroomed terrain
• Have a splitboard or alpine touring ski setupwith skins
• Wearlayered clothing: base, insulating, and waterproof outer shell
• Bring helmet, goggles, warm gloves, and a hat
• Carry a backpack (30–40L)to store layers, food, water, and gear
• Packavalanche safety gear: beacon, shovel, probe (rental available if needed)
• Bringski crampons and climbing skinsfor uphill travel
• Packhigh-energy snacks and lunch
• Carry at least 2 liters of waterin an insulated bottle or hydration system
• Applysunscreen and wear sunglassesto protect from sun and glare
• Be physically prepared for long uphill climbs and steep descents
• Review basic avalanche safety and ski touring techniquesif you’re a beginner
• Inform the guide of any medical conditions or limitations
• Be ready for variable mountain weather and long days in the field