(Ages: high school age recommended)

From the KMAC base camp in Estes Park we’ll venture out into Rocky Mountain National Park daily to begin our skills training for mountaineering. We start with rock climbing basics then move on to snow climbing. Crampon and ice axe use will be taught and practiced in order to prepare for several peak ascent possibilities. We will learn to honestly and objectively assess our team strengths to pick an objective. Once we choose a peak, we will work backwards through all the steps we need to do to get to the top. In that process we will learn basic expedition planning and choose several training and acclimatizing goals to get us ready for our big send! Students will complete this camp with a strong foundation in fundamental mountaineering skills including but not limited to: movement on snow and walking and climbing with crampons, snow and ice anchors, mixed terrain climbing, snow safety including use of ropes, avalanche basics, and alpine meteorology

Sample itinerary…

Day 1:   Arrive at Kent Mountain Adventure Center. Equipment issue. Equipment check. Rock climbing instruction in the afternoon. Camp at KMAC.

Day 2:   Intro to rock climbing at Jurassic Park

Day 3:   Snow school. Ice axe and crampon use. Rope safety and anchors

Day 4:   Rock and mixed climbing school. multipitch climbing techniques. Group discussion and choice of objectives with training plan

Day 5:  Alpine start! Time to put techniques to use. We will climb snow ice and rock to ascent one of the mighty peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Magnificent views in all directions. Return to base camp. Dinner. Evening discussion.

Day 6:  Break camp. Hike out to trail head. Drive back to KMAC base camp. Celebration feast and showers!

Day 7:  Final group meetings. Pack up. Students depart KMAC 11:00am