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Alpine Training for Rock Snow & Ice

• 4-Day Mountaineering Course, Intermediate level training and instruction.
• Advanced Mountaineering and Alpinism, Advanced level training and instruction.
• Guided Snow Climbs, Intermediate climbs, guided.
• Snow School, Snow climbing Introduction.
• Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel, Introduction to glacier travel and rescue.

4-Day Mountaineering Course, Alpine Rock & Snow

Intermediate Level Course: June 17-20, 2013

On this course the skills and techniques taught are a strong foundation for the aspiring mountaineer and alpinist. This course is conducted in easily accessed and unmatched alpine terrain on Pikes Peak. With this level of access we have more time in alpine terrain for training. This is our most popular and intensive program and many participants take this training to the great mountain ranges of the world.

Trip requirements: This is an intermediate level course and previous mountaineering and climbing experience is necessary. Days average 10 hours, training is intensive, complete and comprehensive. All participants should be in very good physical condition and have previous mountaineering experience. Email us for gear list and any other inquires.

Skills taught but not limited to:

• Risk management in alpine terrain.
• Knot craft.
• Belaying techniques for rock and snow.
• Anchors for rock and alpine terrain.
• Rock climbing skills.
• Rope management.
• Introduction to short rope, & short pitch terrain.
• Self arrest.
• Snow climbing.
• Snow anchors, pickets, ice axe T-trench, bollards, etc.
• Introduction to glacier travel roping up and pre-rigging.

Course schedule:

Course cost: $920, 4-day course. Group rates available, contact us for details.

Advanced Mountaineering and Alpinism

Advanced Level Course, contact us for private scheduling.

This course is for the mountaineer and alpinist looking to hone and refine skills already in practice. You will be in the lead a lot of the time on this course. With our guides there for critique and advice on risk management and time saving techniques. This training takes place high on Pikes Peak in the Glen Cove Cirque and on the North Face including the Y-Couloir. Here we practice advanced techniques and learn new skills for application of efficient movement and belay in big mountain terrain.

Trip requirements: Previous experience required (4-Day Mountaineering course or other mountain/glacier experience preferred). Stiff mountaineering boots, winter clothing and headwear are required. you should have your own crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet. Email us for gear list and any other inquires.

Skills taught but not limited to:

• Risk management in alpine terrain.
• Self-belay and self-arrest review.
• Movement skills on snow and steep snow including a climb of the Y-Couloir
• Axe and crampon selection and use.
• Route selection and group travel techniques.
• Knot craft and rope management.
• Snow anchors for protection, belay and rescue.
• Rappelling considerations.
• Route selection.
• Rigging for glacier travel.
• Belay techniques, and fixed lines.
• Crevasse rescue, 3:1 z-pulley refresher, c-pulley systems, 6:1 haul systems.
• Advanced crevasse rescue techniques.
• Other advanced techniques.

Course cost: $385, 2-day course.

Guided Snow Climbs

Y-Couloir, North Face Ascent

This is a seasonal climb, but when its in condition it's a true alpine classic in big terrain. Best as a spring and summer climb "the Y" is a first snow climb and ascent for many and climbers are drawn to it's perfect beauty.

We'll depart Colorado Springs at 7am and drive the Pikes Peak Highway. We will drop into the Bottomless Pit and start the 2,100' snow climb. We also have the option to start higher on the highway and approach via the Hero Traverse above the western edge of the Bottomless Pit. This appetizing warm-up peaks your interest and tests your footwork in a dramatic alpine setting. Once the traverse is complete we ascent the last 1,200' of "the Y". Both route options afford spectacular views as we climb neve snow directly up the North Face of Pikes Peak and top out in the middle of the broad summit.

Little Italy-The Chimney-Three Pigs, Glen Cove Couloir Ascents

The Glen Cove Cirque snow climbs are not as committing as the Y Couloir but just as fun and a good place to practice snow skills and hone technique. Here we have many couloirs to choose from as we ascend to the top of the Glen Cove Cirque and to an area called Devil's Playground. From here we can see Denver on a clear day.

Snow School, Snow Climbing Introduction

Beginner Level Course

This is a PPAS core program. The fundamentals of snow and glacier climbing are taught from the ground up. This training takes place in the alpine terrain above 11,500' on Pikes Peak in the Glen Cove Cirque. Here we have an abundance of snow routes and terrain to work on our snow skills advancement.

Trip requirements: No previous experience needed. Stiff mountaineering boots, winter clothing and headwear are required. Crampons, ice axe, harness and helmets are supplied. Email us for gear list and any other inquires.

Skills taught but not limited to:

• Self-belay and self-arrest.
• Movement skills on snow and steep snow.
• Axe and crampon selection and use.
• Route selection and group travel techniques.
• Knot craft and rope management.
• Snow anchors.
• Belay techniques.
• Rappelling considerations.

Course cost: $155, 1-day.

Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel Introduction

This segment adds glacier travel techniques to our skill set and alpine training. Rigging for glacier, roped travel and crevasse rescue skills in preparation for glaciated peaks such as Mount Rainier and beyond.

Trip requirements: Previous snow climbing experience or Snow School Course. Stiff mountaineering boots, winter clothing and headwear are required. Crampons, ice axe, harness and helmets are supplied. Email us for gear list and any other inquires.

Skills taught but not limited to:

• Route selection.
• Rigging for glacier travel.
• Knot craft and rope management.
• Snow anchors.
• Belay techniques, and fixed lines.
• Rappelling considerations.
• Crevasse Rescue, 3:1 z-pulley, direct haul systems.
• Other advanced techniques.

Course cost: $155

Pikes Peak Alpine School operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, Pike National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.