This 5 day course is meant to provide competent resort skiers and snowboarders with all the tools needed to get as rowdy as they want in the backcountry. Because this course takes place in an expedition format participants will also gain valuable skills for camping in snowy conditions in the backcountry so they can gain the skills to do more advanced multi day ski and snowboarding trips.
Participants will learn everything from basic avalanche and ascending skills they can use in mellower terrain to belay and rappelling skills that might be important in more consequential terrain.
Skills You'll Learn
This is a 5 day course focused on backcountry skiing and riding where mountaineering objectives are involved. A full equipment list is provided prior to the start of the course.
Prerequisites
Participants must have solid skiing experience in all conditions. Ideally black and double black terrain with variable snow.
During this course students will learn to:
Avalanche rescue skills. How to do beacon checks, rescue a companion and how to operate and store avalanche equipment.
Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify avalanche terrain where consequences may be more severe.
Use snow and weather information and forecasts to make terrain decisions to enjoy the best skiing.
Practice basic and advanced backcountry skills such as using climbing skins on skis, kickturns, and other ascending skills.
Learn climbing skills for steep snow such as snow anchors and rappelling as well as skills for easier rock scrambling to get to the top of objectives where a ski descent is the goal.
Backcountry snow camping skills such as site selection and setup to provide protection and comfort on multiday ski missions.
Advanced techniques for skiing consequential terrain. This can be easier skills such as how to transition from boots to skiing in steep terrain to more advanced skills such as belayed skiing.
Methods for skiing consequential terrain as a group to ensure the most enjoyment with the safest outcomes.
Dates & Locations
April 10th-14th, Lake City Colorado
May 15th-19th, Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado
Equipment included
All technical mountaineering equipment:
ice ax, crampons, snow protection and any other basic climbing gear such as harness and helmet.
All group camping equipment:
tents, stoves, morning and evening meals, water purification.
Avalanche equipment:
avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.
Equipment Not included
We do not provide a backcountry set up. We're happy to help participants in purchasing or renting equipment but each participant will need:
skis with backcounty bindings. Pin bindings are ideal but frame bindings are acceptable
touring boots that work with those bindings.
ascending skins
ski poles. we recommend collapsible poles.
We do not provide personal clothing or camping gear such as:
sleeping pad or bag
backpack
jackets
snacks during the day.
water bottles
Ready to book your experience or have more questions?
Colorado is a big state with over 300 days a year of sunshine. When you're planning your climbing trip feel to use us as your Colorado experts. We're happy to help answer any questions to help elevate your experience here to new heights.
Get in Touch with Us
Ready to book your experience or have more questions?
Colorado is a big state with over 300 days a year of sunshine. When you're planning your climbing trip feel to use us as your Colorado experts. We're happy to help answer any questions to help elevate your experience here to new heights.
Get in Touch with Us
Ready to book your experience or have more questions?
Colorado is a big state with over 300 days a year of sunshine. When you're planning your climbing trip feel to use us as your Colorado experts. We're happy to help answer any questions to help elevate your experience here to new heights.
Get in Touch with Us
Reviews
"
The Colorado Climbing Company did a phenomenal job. I’ve used a lot of guiding services all over the world, and this was without a doubt one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The guide did a great job of keep it challenging while always making sure it was 100% safe and keeping me well informed of everything that was going on. I climbed two weekends in a row and both days were perfect!
"
I booked a guided climbing trip for 8 people at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company. We all had varying skill sets which made it challenging for our guides to figure out how to accommodate us all but they did a great job and we all had a blast. Some of us were able to lead climb for the first time and some of us did our first multipitch climb which was awesome to get to experience something new in such a beautiful setting. Communicating before the trip was fast and easy and the guides were all super nice and explained everything clearly so we always felt safe. I would highly recommend climbing at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company if you're planning a trip to Colorado Springs...it was a unique way to experience the nature without having to commit to driving into the mountains.
"
Safety was obviously top priorities for both parties involved. Their professionalism and superb communication made me confident and comfortable in their skill. I informed them of my goals prior to climbing & he chose routes that would exceed my expectations and enhance my ability to learn new skilks and technique. Unlike climbing with strangers I felt I was climbing with real friends and real partners that pushed me way past what I would have pushed me in a healthy way while resurrecting my boundaries as all friends/partners/guides should! I would highly recommend these guys whatever your style and skill set . If you're brand new or climbing outdoors for the first time these guys will show you the ropes in a safe, solid, way!
"
Had an amazing experience climbing in Eldorado Canyon with Josh! This was my first ever multi-pitch climb and Josh made me feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. His knowledge of climbing and safety showed, and I appreciate all the awesome pics he took along the way! Stoked!!! Thanks Colorado Climbing Company!
"
I climbed the Crestone Traverse in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with Jeremiah in August 2023, owner of the Colorado Climbing Company. Jeremiah was an outstanding guide. Besides utilizing his expertise on the climb, he cooked pizza for dinner and provided bagels for breakfast. He was a great instructor, had a sense of humor, and was patient. He is also an incredibly skilled alpinist. I used several guides this summer on technical climbs and my experience with him was unsurpassed. I highly recommend The Colorado Climbing Company for all of your climbing adventures in Colorado.
"
I’ve climbed with Colorado Climbing Company twice when visiting family in the Grand Junction area— at Unaweep Canyon and Colorado National Monument. Both were amazing experiences! Each time, my guides Luc and Nico were very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and always made me feel safe even with my limited climbing experience. They were super helpful in teaching techniques and always encouraging me to get to the top! Jeremiah is always very helpful and responsive during the booking process, from recommending routes and even helping me reschedule when the weather didn’t cooperate. Pricing is extremely fair for the unforgettable experiences you get in return. I’ll continue to use Colorado Climbing Co whenever I’m back in CO!
"
Holy smokes, these guys ROCK ( literally 😆🧗🏽♀️🧊) A huge shoutout to Olivia who was my ice climbing guide in Lake City. I am pretty new to ice climbing and I felt like this trip helped me grow tremendously. She was not only a master at all things ice climbing, but was a fantastic teacher. Learning knots, in addition to the art of ice climbing, can be overwhelming but she made it such a blast. We had an 8 hour trip and she somehow managed to keep me pumped the whole time. And as a new climber, she made it such a safe place to learn and ask ALL the questions. I’ve used plenty of guiding services before but these guys are definitely my top choice.
"
I climbed for half a day at Garden of the God's with CO Climbing Co. It was the best day of my trip to Colorado Springs. The guide had a great knowledge of safety and climbing tips as well as an excellent knowledge of the plants and animals in the area. I loved my trip so much that I am considering moving to CO!!! Use this company if you want a great climbing experience!
"
I participated in an ice climbing trip Jeremiah was fantastic and provided the best experience we could have asked for. The small group setting was great and my girlfriend and I both got to spend the whole day on the wall. He also took the time to not only tell us what to do, but teach us how and why. I would highly recommend this company for any level of climber.
"
My wife and I recently booked a climb with The Colorado Climbing Company for a climb up the first Flatiron outside Boulder. We have a healthy amount of single pitch sport climbing experience, but hadn't done any trad climbing or multi-pitch. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area, showed great proficiency with setting anchors and protection, and was overall a fun guy to hang out with. We would happily book another trip with them in the future, and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in climbing in Colorado.
"
I climbed for half a day at Garden of the God's with CO Climbing Co. It was the best day of my trip to Colorado Springs. The guide had a great knowledge of safety and climbing tips as well as an excellent knowledge of the plants and animals in the area. I loved my trip so much that I am considering moving to CO!!! Use this company if you want a great climbing experience!
"
Holy smokes, these guys ROCK ( literally 😆🧗🏽♀️🧊) A huge shoutout to Olivia who was my ice climbing guide in Lake City. I am pretty new to ice climbing and I felt like this trip helped me grow tremendously. She was not only a master at all things ice climbing, but was a fantastic teacher. Learning knots, in addition to the art of ice climbing, can be overwhelming but she made it such a blast. We had an 8 hour trip and she somehow managed to keep me pumped the whole time. And as a new climber, she made it such a safe place to learn and ask ALL the questions. I’ve used plenty of guiding services before but these guys are definitely my top choice.
"
I’ve climbed with Colorado Climbing Company twice when visiting family in the Grand Junction area— at Unaweep Canyon and Colorado National Monument. Both were amazing experiences! Each time, my guides Luc and Nico were very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and always made me feel safe even with my limited climbing experience. They were super helpful in teaching techniques and always encouraging me to get to the top! Jeremiah is always very helpful and responsive during the booking process, from recommending routes and even helping me reschedule when the weather didn’t cooperate. Pricing is extremely fair for the unforgettable experiences you get in return. I’ll continue to use Colorado Climbing Co whenever I’m back in CO!
"
I climbed the Crestone Traverse in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with Jeremiah in August 2023, owner of the Colorado Climbing Company. Jeremiah was an outstanding guide. Besides utilizing his expertise on the climb, he cooked pizza for dinner and provided bagels for breakfast. He was a great instructor, had a sense of humor, and was patient. He is also an incredibly skilled alpinist. I used several guides this summer on technical climbs and my experience with him was unsurpassed. I highly recommend The Colorado Climbing Company for all of your climbing adventures in Colorado.
"
Had an amazing experience climbing in Eldorado Canyon with Josh! This was my first ever multi-pitch climb and Josh made me feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. His knowledge of climbing and safety showed, and I appreciate all the awesome pics he took along the way! Stoked!!! Thanks Colorado Climbing Company!
"
Safety was obviously top priorities for both parties involved. Their professionalism and superb communication made me confident and comfortable in their skill. I informed them of my goals prior to climbing & he chose routes that would exceed my expectations and enhance my ability to learn new skilks and technique. Unlike climbing with strangers I felt I was climbing with real friends and real partners that pushed me way past what I would have pushed me in a healthy way while resurrecting my boundaries as all friends/partners/guides should! I would highly recommend these guys whatever your style and skill set . If you're brand new or climbing outdoors for the first time these guys will show you the ropes in a safe, solid, way!
"
The Colorado Climbing Company did a phenomenal job. I’ve used a lot of guiding services all over the world, and this was without a doubt one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The guide did a great job of keep it challenging while always making sure it was 100% safe and keeping me well informed of everything that was going on. I climbed two weekends in a row and both days were perfect!
"
I booked a guided climbing trip for 8 people at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company. We all had varying skill sets which made it challenging for our guides to figure out how to accommodate us all but they did a great job and we all had a blast. Some of us were able to lead climb for the first time and some of us did our first multipitch climb which was awesome to get to experience something new in such a beautiful setting. Communicating before the trip was fast and easy and the guides were all super nice and explained everything clearly so we always felt safe. I would highly recommend climbing at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company if you're planning a trip to Colorado Springs...it was a unique way to experience the nature without having to commit to driving into the mountains.
"
I participated in an ice climbing trip Jeremiah was fantastic and provided the best experience we could have asked for. The small group setting was great and my girlfriend and I both got to spend the whole day on the wall. He also took the time to not only tell us what to do, but teach us how and why. I would highly recommend this company for any level of climber.
"
My wife and I recently booked a climb with The Colorado Climbing Company for a climb up the first Flatiron outside Boulder. We have a healthy amount of single pitch sport climbing experience, but hadn't done any trad climbing or multi-pitch. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area, showed great proficiency with setting anchors and protection, and was overall a fun guy to hang out with. We would happily book another trip with them in the future, and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in climbing in Colorado.
"
I climbed for half a day at Garden of the God's with CO Climbing Co. It was the best day of my trip to Colorado Springs. The guide had a great knowledge of safety and climbing tips as well as an excellent knowledge of the plants and animals in the area. I loved my trip so much that I am considering moving to CO!!! Use this company if you want a great climbing experience!
"
Holy smokes, these guys ROCK ( literally 😆🧗🏽♀️🧊) A huge shoutout to Olivia who was my ice climbing guide in Lake City. I am pretty new to ice climbing and I felt like this trip helped me grow tremendously. She was not only a master at all things ice climbing, but was a fantastic teacher. Learning knots, in addition to the art of ice climbing, can be overwhelming but she made it such a blast. We had an 8 hour trip and she somehow managed to keep me pumped the whole time. And as a new climber, she made it such a safe place to learn and ask ALL the questions. I’ve used plenty of guiding services before but these guys are definitely my top choice.
"
I’ve climbed with Colorado Climbing Company twice when visiting family in the Grand Junction area— at Unaweep Canyon and Colorado National Monument. Both were amazing experiences! Each time, my guides Luc and Nico were very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and always made me feel safe even with my limited climbing experience. They were super helpful in teaching techniques and always encouraging me to get to the top! Jeremiah is always very helpful and responsive during the booking process, from recommending routes and even helping me reschedule when the weather didn’t cooperate. Pricing is extremely fair for the unforgettable experiences you get in return. I’ll continue to use Colorado Climbing Co whenever I’m back in CO!
"
I climbed the Crestone Traverse in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with Jeremiah in August 2023, owner of the Colorado Climbing Company. Jeremiah was an outstanding guide. Besides utilizing his expertise on the climb, he cooked pizza for dinner and provided bagels for breakfast. He was a great instructor, had a sense of humor, and was patient. He is also an incredibly skilled alpinist. I used several guides this summer on technical climbs and my experience with him was unsurpassed. I highly recommend The Colorado Climbing Company for all of your climbing adventures in Colorado.
"
Had an amazing experience climbing in Eldorado Canyon with Josh! This was my first ever multi-pitch climb and Josh made me feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. His knowledge of climbing and safety showed, and I appreciate all the awesome pics he took along the way! Stoked!!! Thanks Colorado Climbing Company!
"
Safety was obviously top priorities for both parties involved. Their professionalism and superb communication made me confident and comfortable in their skill. I informed them of my goals prior to climbing & he chose routes that would exceed my expectations and enhance my ability to learn new skilks and technique. Unlike climbing with strangers I felt I was climbing with real friends and real partners that pushed me way past what I would have pushed me in a healthy way while resurrecting my boundaries as all friends/partners/guides should! I would highly recommend these guys whatever your style and skill set . If you're brand new or climbing outdoors for the first time these guys will show you the ropes in a safe, solid, way!
"
The Colorado Climbing Company did a phenomenal job. I’ve used a lot of guiding services all over the world, and this was without a doubt one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The guide did a great job of keep it challenging while always making sure it was 100% safe and keeping me well informed of everything that was going on. I climbed two weekends in a row and both days were perfect!
"
I booked a guided climbing trip for 8 people at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company. We all had varying skill sets which made it challenging for our guides to figure out how to accommodate us all but they did a great job and we all had a blast. Some of us were able to lead climb for the first time and some of us did our first multipitch climb which was awesome to get to experience something new in such a beautiful setting. Communicating before the trip was fast and easy and the guides were all super nice and explained everything clearly so we always felt safe. I would highly recommend climbing at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company if you're planning a trip to Colorado Springs...it was a unique way to experience the nature without having to commit to driving into the mountains.
"
I participated in an ice climbing trip Jeremiah was fantastic and provided the best experience we could have asked for. The small group setting was great and my girlfriend and I both got to spend the whole day on the wall. He also took the time to not only tell us what to do, but teach us how and why. I would highly recommend this company for any level of climber.
"
My wife and I recently booked a climb with The Colorado Climbing Company for a climb up the first Flatiron outside Boulder. We have a healthy amount of single pitch sport climbing experience, but hadn't done any trad climbing or multi-pitch. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area, showed great proficiency with setting anchors and protection, and was overall a fun guy to hang out with. We would happily book another trip with them in the future, and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in climbing in Colorado.
Created by:
Colorado Springs
6435 Garlock Way
Colorado Springs, CO
80918
Denver
596 S. Carr St.
Lakewood, CO
80226
The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel National Forest, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, and Rocky Mountain National Park.Book Now
Copyright © 2010-2025 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com
Created by:
Colorado Springs
6435 Garlock Way
Colorado Springs, CO
80918
Denver
596 S. Carr St.
Lakewood, CO
80226
The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel National Forest, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, and Rocky Mountain National Park.Book Now
Copyright © 2010-2025 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com
Denver
596 S. Carr St.
Lakewood, CO
80226
Created by:
The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel National Forest, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, and Rocky Mountain National Park.Book Now
Copyright © 2010-2025 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com