Ski Mountaineering Camp: Rocky Mountain National Park
Overview
This 1 Evening/ 2 Field Day camp is ideal for the experienced backcountry skier or rider who is looking to break into the world of ski or splitboard mountaineering. Participants will learn what it takes to ascend and descend technical lines with oversight and mentorship from one of our experienced ski or splitboard guides. All of this will take place while riding steep, technical lines in Rocky Mountain National Park. Participants will walk away from this camp feeling more confident in their basic mountaineering and navigation skills. Participants in this camp should be advanced skiers, comfortable with steep, un-groomed and treed terrain. Expect to hike uphill for 2,500-4,500 vertical feet each day.
Day 1
Meet on zoom at 6pm to discuss: clothing, equipment, packing and current snowpack conditions.Â
- Introductions
- Equipment/Clothing
- Packing
- Avalanche Bulletin/Forecast
- Advanced Navigation Resources
- Weather Resources
- Plan for Day 2/3
Day 2 and 3
Meet in Rocky Mountain National Park. Participants will have the opportunity to ascend and descend some of the most amazing ski mountaineering terrain that the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Participants will also go over the following subjects in the park:
- Steep Skiing and Riding Techniques
- Ice Axe Use
- Booting and Crampon/Ski Crampon Use
- Skin-track Setting and Pacing
- Technical Transitions in Steep Terrain
- Basic Rope Fundamentals/Management
- Snowpack Assessment
- In Field Navigation
- How to Properly Debrief
Pricing: $950 per person
UPPER LAYERS
- Top Long Sleeve Synthetic or Wool: medium to expedition weight long underwear Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman 1/2 zip
- Soft Shell or Fleece Jacket Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear A-therm Jacket
- Shell Jacket with hood.  Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cloudseeker Jacket
- Puffy Jacket: Hood Recommended. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Dynotherm Hooded Jacket
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Bottom Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman Tight
- Shell Pant: full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Highball Pants
- Socks:Â Synthetic or wool. Sized for your boots and blister protection. Liners recommended.
HEAD AND HANDS
- Gloves 3 pair: 1 light, 1 medium, 1 heavy pair Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cyclone Alpine Glove
- Hat: medium weight ski hat
- Hat: baseball or visor for sun
- Buff/neck gaiter
ACCESSORIES
- Back Pack: 30 to 40 Liter ski pack, Guide Pick: Mammut Pro Short Removable Airbag System Backpack
- Water & Food: Thermos or insulated water bottles are best. Lot’s of snacks.
- Sunglasses/ Sunglass Case
- Ski Goggles
- Extra Prescription Glasses/Contact Lens
- Sunscreen/Lip balm
- Headlamp-Extra batteries
SKI/SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY (Packages available for rent at JHMG)
- Boots: Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Snowboarding Boots
- Skis or Splitboard with compatible binding for boots
- Climbing Skins (fit to skis)
- Ski Poles
- Helmet
- Ice Ax
- Crampons (ski boot compatible)
- Ski Crampons
- Harness
SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT (REQUIRED and available for rent at JHMG)
- Transceiver Guide Pick:Mammut Element Barryvox
- Shovel Guide Pick: Mammut Alugator Twist shove
- Probe Guide Pick: Mammut Fastlock Probe 240