In this 2 day introduction to mountaineering, we will cover the basic fundamental skills needed to be able to climb a simple, yet technical mountain on your own or in the company of a guide.  Personal gear selection for mountaineering, use of crampons and ice axe, minimum impact travel techniques, efficient movement on moderate rock and snow covered terrain, knots, risk awareness and avoidance techniques will be demonstrated, discussed and practiced during our intro course.  Not only will this course improve your technical skills and movement skills, but also introduce or reinforce outdoor etiquette in the mountains and principles of environmental stewardship. Whether it’s your first time outside or you need a refresh after 20 years, all abilities and experience levels are welcome.  This course takes place in Rocky Mountain National Park and is offered  April-July.

$549.00

Pay a 50% deposit per item

Have questions? Ask one of our guides!

 

(720) 282-9235 | Info@saiguides.com

 

See below for more details

Details

Minimum Eligibility Criteria: No experience needed. Must be able to hike up to 8 miles with possibly 3000ft of elevation gain while wearing a light pack and above 8400ft.   Length: 2 days 

  • Day 1: 8 hours 
  • Day 2: 6-9 hours

Maximum Ratio: 

  • Day 1:  6 participants 1 guide. 
  • Day 2:  3 participants, 1 guide

Minimum Age: Under 18 will need written consent from parent/guardian

Skills Covered

Day 1

  • Equipment overview and proper fit
  • Leave No Trace Principles and Outdoor Etiquette
  • Personal gear selection for mountaineering
  • Use of crampons and ice axe
  • Minimum-impact travel techniques
  • Efficient movement on moderate rock and snow covered terrain
  • Knots, belaying, simple anchors, and stance management
  • Risk awareness and avoidance techniques

Day 2

  • Leave No Trace Principles and environmental stewardship
  • Technical ascent 

Price Includes

Does Include:

  • AMGA Trained or Certified Guide
  • Group Climbing Equipment
    • Ropes
    • Ice Axe
    • Crampons
    • Technical Hardware – carabiners, protection, belay devices, ice screws, pickets, etc;
    • Technical Softgoods – slings, cordelette, anchor rope, etc;

 

  • Personal Climbing Equipment
    • Climbing Shoes
    • Helmet
    • Harness

Does Not Include:

  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Trip/cancellation Insurance
  • Non-technical Personal Items – clothing, pack, sunglasses, etc
  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Overnight or camping equipment
  • Rescue Insurance
  • Park Entrance Fees (if applicable)
  • Guide Gratuity
  • Unforeseen costs incurred outside of the control of SAI

Equipment List

Clothing   Bottom

  • Lightweight synthetic bottom
  • Synthetic underwear
  • Lightweight softshell pants – a tighter, more athletic fit is ideal 

Top

  • Lightweight longsleeve top
  • Midweight longsleeve top – with hood recommended
  • Sports Bra
  • Lightweight softshell Jacket with hood
  • Non-insulated lightweight waterproof shell jacket with hood – should fit over your softshell jacket and under your harness waistbelt
  • Down or synthetic midweight insulated puffy jacket – should fit over the outside of all your layers

Head

  • Wool or synthetic beanie – needs to fit under your helmet  (no pom pom on top)
  • Face Mask (PPE) – n95 or similar
  • Sunglasses – full sun protection with 100% UV protection 

Hands

  • 2 pairs of mid-weight water resistant softshell type gloves – with a leather palm

Feet

  • 1 pair wool or synthetic mid-weight socks – hiking socks are great
  • Footwear: 3-season mountaineering boot with the ability to accept a pneumatic or “semi-automatic” crampon
    • EX: La Sportiva Trango Cube, La Sportiva Trango Tower
  • Sticky rubber approach shoes

Technical Equipment 

  • Harness – UIAA/CE rated climbing harness with belay loop and gear loops.  Should be able to fit on the outside of your layers and be lightweight.  Adjustable leg loops recommended
  • Helmet – UIAA/CE rated climbing helmet.  Should be able to fit on the outside of your beanie
  • 2 locking carabiners – large, round stock screw gate carabiners that are easily manipulated while wearing gloves
  • 1 Alpine axe 50-55cm
  • Steel Mountaineering Crampons – horizontal front points are great.  Must be compatible with your boots

*All technical equipment will be provided by SAI, but if you have our own, it’s encouraged that you bring it.   Food

  • 2L of water
  • 2L of water
  • 1500-2000 calories of food – energy bars, pre-made sandwiches, fruits, etc

Personal

  • Backpack – 25-35L
  • 2L of water carrying capacity total.  1 water bottle and 1 dromedary bag is great
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Smartphone