Fundamentals of Winter Alpine Climbing

An alpine climber ascends a section of ice and rock in a narrow couloir. He is swinging his ice tool and wearing a blue jacket and helmet.

The Fundamentals of Winter Alpine Climbing clinic is designed for novice alpinists that want to develop the skills to climb in the big mountains in a winter environment. Our guides provide comprehensive and detailed instruction based on a curriculum honed by renowned alpinist and Skyward Mountaineering co-owner, Vince Anderson.

  • We spend this first day covering the basic components of alpine climbing, including:

    • How to pack for fast and light alpinism

    • Critical climbing knots

    • Fundamental crampon techniques

    • Belaying a climber safely

    Of course, we will also do some ice climbing and provide you with focused, actionable feedback on how to best develop your technique. After a full day of learning and climbing, we will gather after dinner for an educational and entertaining presentation of one of your guides’ recent alpine climbing adventures.

  • We delve further into the fundamentals of alpine climbing, including:

    • The specifics and secrets of effectively using your ice axes

    • How to read the ice and mentally map your ascent

    • Rappelling strategies for safe and efficient descents in the mountains

    An après-climb relaxation as a team at the Ouray Hot Springs will be well deserved after this long day of climbing.

  • We culminate our learning with a practical application of our skills on a graduation climb of one of Ouray's famous backcountry ice climbs.

An alpine climber in a blue jacket and blue helmet is ascending a steep and narrow snowy ridgeline above a crevassed glacier.

December 28 - 30, 2024
January 25 - 27, 2025
February 22 - 24, 2025

No previous climbing experience is required though the Fundamentals of Alpine Clinic is a comprehensive program for a short period of time so some climbing background may be helpful.

Montrose Regional Airport is 45 minutes from Ouray. There is NO rideshare service, you may book a shuttle service or rent a vehicle with AWD/4WD (for winter driving).

There are plentiful hotels in downtown Ouray, conveniently located in walking distance to restaurants and the town hot springs for an aprés-climb relaxation.

Climbers are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment. Skyward Mountaineering may assist in supplying technical equipment with advanced notice. See recommended equipment list below:

    • Underwear: Should be comfortable for a full day of activity, synthetic or merino wool will wick moisture away from the body

    • Heavyweight socks: Over-the-calf winter weight for superior warmth. Layering two pairs of socks is not recommended as it may impede blood flow and make your toes colder

    • Warm hat: Should be thin enough to fit under your helmet

    • Neck gaiter: Optional, lightweight and versatile for adding warmth around ears or covering your face in windy conditions

    • Softshell climbing gloves: Waterproof with high dexterity. 2 pairs recommended, one midweight and one heavyweight. Guide’s midweight recommendation - Showa Temres 282-02 (size up one from normal)

    • Mixed climbing gloves: Optional, these highly dexterous gloves have minimal insulation and are best for warmer days, lead climbing or mixed climbing

    • Midweight top baselayer: Merino wool or synthetic fibers will wick sweat away. Thumb loops are recommended to keep your wrists from being exposed and your hands warmer

    • Heavyweight bottom baselayer

    • Midweight fleece jacket: An integrated hood adds warmth and weather protection

    • Active insulation jacket: Ideal balance of breathability and warmth for winter aerobic activity

    • Midweight vest: Optional, adds warmth to your core without restricting movement

    • Softshell jacket: Midweight with a helmet compatible hood. Should have Durable Water Resistance (DWR) coating

    • Softshell pants: Midweight with reinforced instep.  Avoid ski pants as they are often too baggy and likely to catch on your crampons

    • Insulated parka: Down is lighter/more compressible and a hydrophobic treated down will insulate even when wet. Should have at least 200 grams of 800 fill insulation

    • Climbing backpack: Approximately 35 liters with ice tool attachments

    • Mountaineering boots: Must be rigid with toe and heel welts for full crampon compatibility

    • Vertical frontpoint crampons: Dualpoints are better for continuous ice while monopoints are lighter and better suited for mixed climbing

    • Crampon pouch: Reusing a USPS Tyvek mailing package is a cost effective option, though specific manufactured options exist and are more durable

    • Technical ice tools: Remove any adze attachment as this may pose an unnecessary hazard for waterfall ice climbing

    • Climbing helmet: Must be UIAA certified

    • Harness: Recommended ice clipper compatibility

    • Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner

    • 48 inch (120cm) sewn nylon sling: A Personal Anchor System (PAS) may be used instead

    • 1-2 Locking carabiners: Lightweight, screwgate is easier to operate than a triple-action carabiner

    • 1-2 Non locking carabiners: Wiregates are less prone to freezing

    • 2 Ice Clippers

    • Ice tool tethers: Optional, elastic umbilical style may be used to safeguard against dropping your tools

    • Trekking pole: A single pole is helpful for balance on slippery/snowy trails

    • Sunglasses: Dimmable recommended, CAT 3 lenses w/ athletic fit

    • Small tube of sunscreen and SPF chap stick

    • First aid kit: Small, should include any personal medications

    • Hand warmers: Optional, for those colder days

    • Kula cloth: Optional, antimicrobial cloth for people who squat to pee

    • Pee funnel: Optional, to facilitate easier bathroom usage in a harness for people who squat to pee

    • Hand warmers: Optional

    • Fully charged phone

    • 1-2 liters of water: A thermos with your favorite hot drink is recommended. Avoid water bladders and hoses as they are prone to puncture and freezing in a winter environment

    • High energy lunch and snacks: A healthy mix of fats, sugar, and protein for a full day of the on-the-go (leftover pizza or sandwiches are a great midday pick-me-up)

Based on a 3-day itinerary with a minimum of 2 participants:

$990/climber

Includes:

  • 3 days of instructional climbing with an AMGA certified Alpine Guide

  • Group climbing equipment (ropes, ice/snow/rock protection and anchor material)

Does Not Include:

  • Additional expenses associated with a change in the itinerary

  • Travel to/from Ouray

  • Lodging

  • Meals

  • Guide gratuity