Curious what mountaineering courses look like in the winter?
Here’s a snapshot from last season, with some footage from Sarah Janin.
Winter conditions in the Colorado Front Range can look pretty different from the bluebird alpine days of spring and summer. Snow may be unconsolidated or avalanche conditions may make steep snow terrain inappropriate, so our winter courses focus on traveling through a mix of rock, snow, and ice in a winter environment.
During the Intro to Mountaineering course, day one is focused on building the skills you’ll use in the mountains, including traveling as a roped team, moving in crampons, using a mountaineering axe, and self-arresting. On day two, we take those skills into Rocky Mountain National Park for a mountaineering objective.
Intro to Mountaineering is also the first two days of our 5-Day Mountaineering Development Series for those looking to continue building their skills.
Upcoming Intro to Mountaineering dates:
November 14
December 12
January 2
January 30
February 20
March 20
5-Day Development Series:
November 14
December 12
Winter mountaineering looks different, but it’s a great time to build the skills that carry into the rest of the year.
Colorado Mountain School
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Colorado Mountain School - Leaders In Climbing
08/27/2026
We don’t quite have conditions like this in the Rockies this time of year, but we’re already gearing up for the season ahead and looking forward to getting back on snow.
Our next mountaineering course dates are live, starting in November. Whether you’re looking to build skills, prepare for a specific objective, or spend more time in the mountains this winter, we’d love to get out with you.
Check out the upcoming dates and start planning your season!
08/17/2026
A few shots from a custom day out in Lumpy Ridge with Buster Jesik this summer. Just one of the many reasons we love Estes Park!
08/15/2026
We asked Colorado Mountain School guide Justin Studt to share a highlight from his guiding season and a memorable day in the mountains.
“Coaching Rock Climbing Development Series 2 students through their first leads on the Eldorado Canyon classics was a season highlight. There’s nothing like watching someone graduate from following to leading.”
Outside of guiding, Justin’s favorite days are spent climbing and hiking with his wife, Lisa.
Thanks for sharing, Justin. We hope everyone has a great weekend and gets some time to enjoy the mountains, whether that means climbing, hiking, or simply spending a little time outside!
There might not be snow on the ground yet, but there soon will be, and our 2026/27 Avalanche Education courses are now live!
Course offerings include:
• Avalanche Level 1 (3-Day)
• Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid (2-Day)
• Avalanche Level 2
• Avalanche Level 1 Hut & Yurt Trips
• Avalanche Level 2 Yurt Trips
• Avalanche Rescue
• Avalanche Safety Development Series (includes Intro to Backcountry Skiing, Avalanche Level 1, and Avalanche Rescue)
Whether you’re new to the backcountry or looking to build on your experience, our courses are designed to develop the skills and judgment needed to travel in avalanche terrain.
DM us with any questions and we would love to help find a good fit for you!
08/03/2026
Spearhead North Ridge Conditions | July 30, 2026
One of our guides, Andy Hansen, climbed the North Ridge (5.7, III) on Spearhead while guiding on July 30 and reported mostly dry conditions despite rain the night before.
The day started cool, overcast, and windy, with the sun breaking through as the climb progressed. The route saw three parties total, including one party topping out from the East Face after climbing The Kingfisher.
The descent is currently completely dry and does not require traction.
Photos from the day’s outing!
*These observations reflect one guide’s experience on a single outing on July 30, 2026. They are shared for informational purposes only and are not intended to be an official conditions report or route recommendation. Mountain conditions can change rapidly due to weather, temperature, precipitation, rockfall, and seasonal changes. Always make your own assessment and decisions in the field.
07/27/2026
A few shots from Bernardo and Clint’s recent climb of Better Than Love on Hallett Peak. It’s always fun to see where our guides spend their days off.
Thanks for sharing these, Bernardo!
It’s been a warm summer in Colorado, so we’ve been chasing the shade whenever we can. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of great climbing to be found!
07/22/2026
Ptarmigan Finger Conditions | July 15, 2026
One of our guides, Norie Kizaki, climbed Ptarmigan Finger on July 15th and reported favorable early morning snow conditions.
The left Ptarmigan Finger remained shaded on its lower half until about 10:00 a.m., providing good crampon conditions through at least mid morning. A breeze near the top also helped keep the snow firm, even on sun exposed sections.
Photos from the day’s outing!
*These observations reflect one guide’s experience on a single outing on July 15, 2026. They are shared for informational purposes only and are not intended to be an official conditions report or route recommendation. Mountain conditions can change rapidly due to weather, temperature, precipitation, rockfall, and seasonal changes. Always make your own assessment and decisions in the field.
07/20/2026
Blitzen Ridge in prime summer conditions. Friday’s team enjoyed a full day of alpine climbing on one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s classic alpine routes!
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633 S Broadway Street Unit A
Boulder, CO
80305
Opening Hours
| Monday | 8am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 5pm |
| Friday | 8am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 5pm |
| Sunday | 8am - 5pm |