Colorado Climbing & Skiing Programs
Rocky Mountain NP, the San Juan Backcountry, and Ouray Ice
In Colorado, American Alpine Institute holds a concession to operate year-round in Rocky Mountain National Park, running Long's Peak ascents, guided rock climbs, and mountaineering courses. In southern Colorado's San Juans, the institute operates during the winter months, with guided skiing, mountaineering, and ice climbing courses in the Ouray Ice Park and the surrounding mountains.
Colorado Climbing & Skiing Programs
Rocky Mountain NP, the San Juan Backcountry, and Ouray Ice
Guided Programs - Custom Trips
AAI Guide Jim Mediatore savors the exposure on the legendary traverse on Ruper (5.8), Redgarden Wall, Eldorado Canyon.One of the most iconic and historic venues in American rock climbing, Boulder, Colorado offers stunningly diverse climbing in Eldorado Canyon State Park and the Flatirons, including everything from short sport lines to 1,000-foot multi-pitch adventures. With thousands of routes to choose from – from novice to expert – the Boulder area may be the best all-around rock climbing destination in the United States.
- Location:Boulder, Colorado
- Season:March - November / year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Private Pricing
Alpenglow lights the eastern rampart of Taylor Peak and the Cathedral Spires, seen from Sky Pond. Zach LovellStraddling the continental divide of north-central Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a climber's paradise. From long scrambling routes to classic alpine rock and ice climbs and front-country cragging, the park offers everything a climber could want.
- Location:Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Season:Year-round
- Length:2 days and up
- Cost:$595/day for 1:1; lower rates for larger parties
Ascending an untouched slope of fresh snow in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Ian PetersonThe San Juan Mountains, a high rugged mountain range in southwestern Colorado, offers endless backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities. With around 200+ inches of snow per year and over 300 days of sunshine annually, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy a bluebird pow day in Colorado’s backcountry.
- Location:San Juan Mountains, Colorado
- Season:Winter and Spring
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day for 1:1
Group Summit Climb
Morning light on the north aspect of Longs Peak (14,251 ft). The Keyhole Route starts to the right of the photo and climbs around the peak to the west and south. Zach LovellJust a couple hours from Denver, Longs Peak, the highest point in the northern Front Range, beckons hikers to its 14,259-foot summit. But the final mile of the ascent of the Keyhole route is a strenuous Class 3 scramble, and a guide is highly recommended to help manage the risks and insure a rewarding experience.
- Location:Rocky Mountain NP, Colorado
- Season:Year-round
- Length:2 days
- Cost:Private Rates
Courses
A climber learns rock-climbing fundamentals while protected by a top-rope. Scott SchumannA four-day intensive course that provides beginners and indoor climbers with a foundation in outdoor climbing techniques and the principals of rock climbing technical systems. By the end of the program, climbers will be able to belay, rappel, and set-up their own single-pitch top-rope systems to enable them to climb independently.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$975
A climber works up the fantastic North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak (5.5, III). Photo by Mike PowersSome of the most inspirational and beautiful lines in North America may be found on remote, high and wild alpine peaks. The first part of this two-part program introduces climbers to the art of alpine rock climbing. The second part expands on the knowledge presented in the first part and provides climbers with the skills and techniques to lead their own alpine rock routes.
- Location:Sierra Nevada, CA; Rocky Mountain NP, CO
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 or 12 days
- Cost:$1920 ($3600 for Parts 1 and 2)
A climber follows a pitch on Chouinard Falls, Lee Vining Canyon, CA. Ian McEleneyThe introductory course will teach new ice climbers the basics of ice climbing, crampons, ice tools, ice screws, belaying, knots and top-rope climbing techniques - all the basics required to be a competent top-roping ice climbing partner. The intermediate course will cover ice climbing techniques on steeper ground and gain the skills to follow and lead ice climbs in a multi-pitch setting.
- Location:Washington, Colorado, and California
- Season:January - March
- Length:2-day Intro Course / 5-day Intermediate Course
- Cost:$650 for Intro Course / $1495 for Intermediate Course
A climber on the Broadway Ledge of Longs Peak in the winter. Picture by Zach LovellThis skills-focused course is designed to help mountaineers and experienced backpackers transition to alpine travel and climbing in winter conditions. Held in Colorado’s glacier-carved Rocky Mountain National Park, this course gives students the opportunity to enjoy some great winter climbing opportunities in an accessible venue, just 70 miles from Denver International Airport.
- Location:Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Season:January – March
- Length:5-day Winter Mountaineering / Private Varies
- Cost:$1895 for Winter Mountaineering / $595 for Private 1:1
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