Peak Mountain Guides Blog

The big storms of mid-to-late January have produced excellent backcountry skiing and some lively conditions for avalanche courses.  Since January 16th the San Juans have received over 3 feet of snow, most of it coming in “right-side-up” storms that have started warm and finished cold, making the surface snow cold, dry, and soft – which is primo for skiing.  The big load has also tested the snowpack’s strength, creating a perfect learning environment for our avalanche courses.  We’ve been out enjoying the nice skiing as well as the great conditions for avalanche education.  Following are some photos from our recent trips.

Recent storms have produced excellent backcountry skiing.

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The ice climbing season in Southwestern Colorado is off to a terrific start.  Cold nighttime temperatures along with mild days and minimal snow have created excellent ice climbing conditions in both the Ouray Ice Park and the surrounding backcountry.  Following are some photos from a few ice climbing programs we have done recently in conjunction with our friends at the American Alpine Institute.

Ice climbing season is off to a great start!

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We had a great AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course over New Year’s weekend.  The interesting snowpack conditions made for good learning opportunities and we skied some good snow too!  Following are some photos from the course.

Tyler digs a quick snow profile to evaluate the reactivity of wind slabs.

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Give the gift of skiing or snowboarding!  When you book a day of backcountry skiing or snowboarding for a friend, you come along for free!  A third person can join for 1/2 off!  All touring equipment is included free of charge.  This special is valid for any day of backcountry skiing or snowboarding during the 2011-2012 season.  Reservations must be made by December 25, 2011.  Email us at info@peakmountainguides.com or call 970-318-1011 to make your reservation today!

Visit our backcountry skiing webpage for more info.

Give the gift backcountry skiing or snowboarding this year with our holiday special.

We just received word from the National Park Service that we have been awarded a permit to offer a six day mountaineering school and summit climb on Mt. Rainier in 2012!  There is a great deal of competition for these permits so we are very pleased to have been selected for the third year in a row! Our trip will take place July 15-20 and we’ll provide instruction in basic mountaineering skills while making an ascent of the Disappointment Cleaver route.  Our group will be limited to just 4 clients in order to provide in-depth instruction and to maximize our chance of success on the summit attempt.  You can learn more on our website or feel free to call us at 970-318-1011 for more information.

A beautiful sunrise greets climbers during an ascent of Mt. Rainier.

Here is a video from our friends at Backcountry Access (BCA) that describes how to perform a beacon search.  In the video, Andy from BCA describes the three phases of the search: signal search, coarse search, and fine search.  If you have never practiced this skill the video will give you a good idea of the basics.  If you already know how to perform a beacon search the video will give you a nice refresher before the season.  Have fun and be safe out there!

Chad and I (Matt) had our first day of the ski season yesterday (11/8). We skied great boot-top powder on North facing terrain in Commodore Basin.  There was 4″ of fluffy new snow capping a substantial 3 foot deep snowpack.  The skiing was very smooth and predictable, and lots of fun!  In fact, it was pretty outstanding for November 8th!  Following are some photos from our day:

Chad riding boot-top powder in upper Commodore Basin on November 8th.

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Guide Matt Wade will be giving a free Avalanche Awareness Clinic at the REI in Grand Junction next Thursday evening (11/3). Participants will learn about avalanche terrain recognition in the backcountry, avalanche types and characteristics, and they will learn how to identify clues to avalanche danger. There will also be an introduction to avalanche rescue using a beacon, shovel, and probe.   Clicking on the image below will direct you to the REI page where you can sign up.  Tune up your avalanche awareness skills with this FREE clinic!

Free Avalanche Awareness Clinic at the REI in Grand Junction on Thursday, November 3rd.

We had three great trips in Red Rocks last week that were filled with classic climbing, great desert weather, and lots of smiles.  Following is a short compilation of words and photos that describe the three programs led by guide Matt Wade.  Consider joining us for a trip in 2012! Call or email for dates.

The week began with two days of climbing with Larry from Michigan. Matt and Larry started by warming up on single pitch routes in Willow Springs, including the classic Spiderline (5.7).

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Here is a video of guide Matt Wade leading the final pitch of Solar Slab in Red Rocks with good friend and long-time client Troy Rutledge.  Matt and Troy shot this video with Troy’s GoPro helmet cam during their trip to Red Rocks last year.   The climb was great and playing with the GoPro was just as fun!  We’ll be in Red Rocks again this fall and we still have space available from October 8-13.  Give us a call if you would like to join us for a climb!