Winter 14er Peak Ascents
Take on the challenge of ascending a 14,000-foot peak during the winter season. With expert guides, you’ll experience the beauty and intensity of Colorado’s winter backcountry while summiting these majestic mountains.
Winter Guided
Winter 14er Peak Ascents
How much experience or training do I need for a winter fourteener ascent?
You don’t need extensive mountaineering experience to join our Winter Fourteeners trips. Our guides will tailor the experience based on your skill level, fitness, and goals, whether you’re a seasoned climber or new to winter ascents. We’ll communicate with you in advance to create a customized itinerary that fits your abilities and expectations, and we can make recommendations for prep work in advance.
Will I always reach the summit during a Winter Fourteener trip?
While reaching the summit is the goal, the primary focus of our trips is on safety and creating an incredible experience. Conditions in winter can be challenging, and not everyone may reach the peak on their first attempt. However, our guides ensure that the journey itself is rewarding, with breathtaking views, skill-building opportunities, and a memorable adventure regardless of the final altitude. Advanced physical training and our mountaineering 101/102/103 course series can help to prepare you in advance of your summit attempt.
What’s the difference between Mount Elbert and Mount Arkansas?
Mount Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado, offering a non-technical but physically demanding ascent, perfect for those seeking a classic fourteener experience. Mount Arkansas, though just shy of 14,000 feet, presents more technical challenges that often surpass those of many true fourteeners. It requires greater endurance, mental resilience, and strategic preparation, making it an excellent choice for climbers looking for a tougher winter ascent.
What should I bring for a Winter Fourteener trip?
Apex Mountain School provides essential gear for your Winter Fourteeners ascent, including boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and harnesses (up to 42”/44” max). You’ll also need a beacon, probe and shovel, which you can rent from us if needed. Additionally, please bring layered clothing, a sturdy backpack, snacks, and water. For a detailed packing list, check out our “What You Should Bring” tab.
Testimonials
Winter 14er Peak Ascents
Winter 14er Peak Ascents
Winter 14er Peak Ascents with Apex Mountain School offers it all. Colorado is home to the greatest number of peaks at or above 14,000 feet in North America. Here, mountain enthusiasts have the chance to experience one of the most impressive mountain ranges on the continent.
In addition to winter mountaineering courses, we also offer privately guided trips the most majestic Colorado Winter Ascents. Our guides will work with you to select a route and itinerary that meet your specific needs and goals.
Disclaimer
Mount Arkansas, standing at 13,795 feet, is just a few feet shy of being classified as a fourteener, but don’t let that fool you—this peak offers a significantly more complex climbing experience. The technical challenges of Arkansas often surpass those of traditional fourteeners, demanding not only physical endurance but also mental resilience and strategic preparation. Climbers may encounter altitude sickness, difficult conditions, and the need for greater stamina than expected, making it a comprehensive challenge for any adventurer. Whether you’re navigating its rugged terrain or managing the psychological demands of high-altitude climbing, Mount Arkansas proves to be a formidable and rewarding pursuit
Difficulty:
Easy – Difficult
Duration:
1 day
Location:
- Arkansas – 13795′
- Elbert – 14439′
Policies
Terms, Conditions, and Cancellation Policy
Contact Us for Large Group bookings.
Topics we typically cover include:
- Trip planning
- Navigation with map & compass and/or GPS device
- Emergency shelter construction
- Movement skills
- Self arrest
Available Daily
Select date on booking calendar above.
Apex Mountain School Provides
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Professional Alpine Guiding: Private leadership and expert route navigation from our professionally trained winter guiding staff.
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Technical Mountaineering Equipment: Full use of essential technical gear provided at no extra cost, including mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and harnesses.
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Winter Alpine Education: Field instruction tailored to your goals, covering winter movement mechanics, alpine route evaluation, and self-arrest principles.
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Group Risk Management Kit: Comprehensive group safety gear carried by your guide, including emergency communication devices and medical supplies.
Excludes
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Avalanche Safety Gear: A beacon, probe, and shovel are strictly required for every participant. You are welcome to bring your own certified rescue gear, or conveniently rent a full avalanche safety kit from us during checkout.
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Personal Transportation: Apex Mountain School does not provide transit. All guests are responsible for coordinating their own transportation to and from the designated office or winter trailhead.
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Winter Technical Apparel: Personal weather-proof clothing, including moisture-wicking layers, insulated outerwear, heavy gloves, beanies, and snow goggles/polarized sunglasses.
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Nutrition & Hydration: Personal high-energy snacks, trail meals, and insulated water bottles (to prevent freezing) sufficient for a demanding, full-day winter ascent.
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Guide Gratuities: Gratuities for your guiding staff are optional but greatly appreciated for outstanding leadership on the mountain.
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)
- Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers (avoid cotton)
- Wear a waterproof and windproof outer layer(jacket and pants)
- Bringinsulated gloves, hat, and a neck gaiter or balaclava
- Weargoggles or sunglassesto protect against snow glare
- Useinsulated, waterproof bootssuitable for crampons
- Pack a small backpackfor water, snacks, and extra layers
- Carryhigh-energy snacksand at least 1 liter of water
- Applysunscreen and lip balmto protect against sun and wind
- Bringtrekking poles(if you have them; optional)
- Make sure to rent or bring essential gear: crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness
- Be physically prepared for a full day of hiking at altitude
- Inform the guide of any medical conditions or concerns
Other Outings You Might Like
Mountaineering 101
Learn the fundamentals of mountaineering in this beginner-friendly course. Perfect for adventurers ready to explore high alpine environments safely.
Level 2 Private
Take a private AIARE Level 2 course for advanced avalanche education tailored to your group. Flexible and focused on your specific goals.
Mountaineering 103
Master technical climbing skills in Mountaineering 103, designed for experienced adventurers ready for serious alpine challenges.
Mount Elbert
Hone your climbing techniques with our focused skills training, perfect for anyone looking to advance in mountaineering.
Mount Arkansas
Take on the challenge of ascending a 14,000-foot peak during the winter season. With expert guides, you’ll experience the beauty and intensity of Colorado’s winter backcountry while summiting these majestic mountains.
Ski Mountaineering
Blend skiing and mountaineering in this advanced course. Tackle steep ascents and exhilarating descents with expert guidance in high-altitude terrain.
Contact Us
We’re Happy To Help!
Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620