Colorado Mountaineering

Hello everyone!

I am just getting into mountaineering and trying to get some tips on how to properly train as the season is coming up and if anyone would want to potentially partner up!

Background: moved to Denver metro from NC 5 years ago. I immediately fell in love with climbing, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering.

The start of summer 2022 I had a goal to immerse myself in the mountains every weekend. I did eleven 14ers from late June to October. That winter I also started backpacking in as harsh conditions as possible. I have backpacked in -5F and hiked in -10F way more including windchill.

Start of summer 2023 I did the same thing. Another ten 14ers and this time started scrambling in class 3 and 4 terrain on various 12ers and 13ers. I again made sure to camp in harsh conditions to get a feel for reel mountaineering.

I also do semi tough hikes in the winter, so I am very comfortable traversing in knee to waist deep snow.

I am on the same trajectory for this year. In addition to my normal countless hours of cardio and some weight training, I have been apart of a climbing gym for a few months now and have been training on top rope.

This year I made it a goal to actually dabble into mountaineering. We have maybe a little over/under a month until it’s allowable and I have bought La Sportiva mountaineering boots, Petzl Crampons, ice axes, mountaineering harness, etc.

I eventually would like to get into more extreme and extensive mountaineering/climbing and go out of the country or even the state, but I want to solidify my experience here in CO first.

I have joined the Colorado mountain club, but that hasn’t been too helpful as those classes book in minutes and I have heard some bad things about the club (someone correct me if I am wrong).

I was hoping to maybe have a mentor or even just a mountaineering buddy to show me the basics. I am also interested in joining the Alpine rescue team which a new class opens Dec of this year so want to be prepared for training in that.

I am open to any suggestions, good first climbs or couloirs, etc etc. if no one is interested in partnering up

I would like to add, I am very motivated and ambitious when it comes to my mountaineering goals. I train hard, I try to be as careful as possible, and I try to read the terrain as much as possible. I like to mitigate risks and not be overly ambitious or even get summit fever

Thank you!

They are expensive, but taking a multi-day mountaineering course with Colorado Mountain School is a great way to build a foundation. Or, book a climb on Mt. Rainer with one of those guide companies. IMO its best to learn from professionals if you have the means. 

https://coloradomountainschool.com/course-category/mountaineering/

14ers.com is a good source of information, as is their associated Facebook group. If you're going to run around in the mountains in winter, try to include some avalanche safety training in your curriculum if you haven't already done so.