Mountaineering 101

Mountaineering 101

All ages 12 and up

Travelling 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. We can work to provide you to with new 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. Topics for each course may include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Mountaineering Equipment Basics – Learn to use and take care of a variety of mountain gear including climbing, navigation, and camping equipment.

Possible Topics

• Avalanche Education and Beacon Use
  • Instruction in proper use of beacons, probes, and shovels.
• Strategic Travel
  • Learn efficient travel methods, route finding, and trip planning.
• Technical Climbing
  • Learn to belay and travel on steep snow and even ice!
• Self-Arrest
  • Simulated scenarios help you understand how to stop your fall on high angle snow and ice.
• Shelter Construction (if multiple days)
  • Igloo, Quinzee, Tree Well Shelter, Cave and Snow Trench are discussed.
  • We will construct a shelter for our overnight stay.
• Backcountry Ski Touring and Telemark Technique
  • Practice backcountry skiing skills including uphill travel and great turns.
• Winter Survival
  • We close with a few “what if’s”, as well as exploring mock scenarios.