When Fran contacted us to book a trip up Mt. Crested Butte’s Guides Ridge in early June we were looking forward to another great day on the ridge with another great client, as per usual.   The day ended up being anything but usual.

Turns out at 75, Fran is the oldest person CBMG has ever taken up the Guides Ridge to date!  The youngest person was 8 … quite an age span, huh?!

Not that age should ever define a person, but let’s be honest, our society tends to expect a limited range of activities from people in their 70s; gardening, bingo, nightly news spectating, fussing over grandchildren, and generally puttering about for example.  Mountain climbing, on the other hand, is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of how a senior citizen might spend their day.  Well, now we have Fran (and many other adventurous seniors out there) to thank for debunking our ridiculous stereotypes and showing us what non-conventional possibilities await us in our golden years.

Fran was gracious enough to let me tag along the day he attempted the Guides Ridge with CBMG guide, Scott Krankkala.  Bringing with him a sense of humbleness and quiet enthusiasm, Fran was a true joy to climb with.  Below are some pictures from our day …

Scott (left) and Fran gearing up for the Guides Ridge at the top of the Silver Queen lift. 

Hiking across The Peel to the Guides Ridge.

Starting up the route.

Great view of Snodgrass (upper right), Long Lake (upper left) & the town of Mt. Crested Butte below.

Stopping for a quick breather before heading up the next pitch. 

What a view!!!

Scot belaying Fran off an anchor through one of the more difficult sections of the Guides Ridge. 

Checking out the exposure.  It’s a long way down!

Fran contemplating his next move. 

Almost to the top…

Scott & Fran exchanging a congratulatory handshake as they reach the summit.

Sweet summit success!  Strong work, Fran!

Fran, unlike many mountain lovers, started exploring mountain climbing relativity late in life, essentially once he retired.  Before that there just wasn’t time, he explained, what with working, raising a family and all the other things life throws at us early on.  Since discovering his passion for the mountains Fran has continued to push himself on new, higher and more difficult peaks including some in WY and AK.   Think about that the next time you find yourself making excuses to not try something new … it’s never too late and you’re never too old.  Kinda reminds me of a Tom Petty lyric -

“Well, I don’t know, but I’ve been told you never slow down, you never grow old”

Here’s to many more years of not slowing down!  Thanks for the inspiration, Fran!

-Tiff (CBMG Staff)

The 2012 CBMG Women’s Climbing Clinic was a blast! Strong women and small ratios allowed our group to cover a lot of different skills throughout the days. Day 1 was geared for those new to climbing, but we were able to cover many advanced skills. We started off the day learning how to set a top rope climb, how to rappel, belay, tie-in, and different rock climbing techniques. After climbing all that we could, we covered how to belay a lead climber and how to lead climb (the climber brings the rope up and clips it into bolts or natural protection in the rock). We then set up some mock leading (the climber “leads” while having another rope for back-up protection in case of a fall).Annie Yoder went for the real thing and successfully lead her first sport climb – Congratulations Annie! The day wrapped up with more climbing and learning how to safely “clean” an anchor and rappel back to the ground.

Day 2 was geared more toward understanding rock climbing gear and learning how to safely place gear and build anchors. We spent some time placing gear in the cracks and then put our placements to the test.  One participant commented,  “I understand how they work, but I still don’t see how they could hold all that weight?”.

Well, what better way to test the gear than to put on the harness, clip in to the gear, and bounce with all your might! The picture below is Mary Tubb giving it her all to dislodge a very tiny stopper…and yes…it held.

After removing the mystery surrounding all that climbing gear, we finished up the afternoon with some crack climbing technique and continued practice cleaning gear, cleaning the anchor and rapelling to the ground.

The women’s climbing clinics not only offer a great way to become more confident in climbing, it is also a great way to meet other awesome, adventurous, women! We had a ton of fun, laughed a lot and learned a ton. Crested Butte Mountain Guides will be holding another clinic towards the end of the summer, so keep your eyes peeled for our posters around town! If there are any special requests – such as lead-climbing, multi-pitch, etc., just give the office a shout at 970-349-5430 to put in your request!

-Laura Chase (CBMG Guide)

This year’s Alpine Skills course was excellent, with the smallest class we have ever had (1 guest) Michael and I we able to get a lot accomplished despite one of the leanest snow packs in over 30 years.  

Day 1 :  We started with a trip briefing; going over gear, personal goals for the course, and general expectations.  Then we were out the door and off to spring creek for a day of alpine rock skills.  We spent the day climbing and working on general rock craft, anchor building, gear placement, rope management, route selection, etc. 

Day 2 :  Found ourselves climbing on snow high above the tiny make-shift town of Irwin.  Working on ice axe technique, snow anchors, self-arrest, and we were even able to string together a nice snow climb to put it all together. 

Day 3 :  We caught the Silver Queen lift on Mt. CB at 9:30am and spent the day on the peak’s Sunset Ridge ;a classic ridge on the lookers right side of the infamous Guides Ridge.  Here we brought all the skills of the previous 2 days together.  It was great to see Michael apply what he had been learning and practicing and we had a great day of climbing above tree line. 

Thanks Michael for a great course!

Here are some select pics from this year’s CBMG Alpine Skills Clinic …

The Spring Creek Needle.  Objective for Day 1 of the Alpine Skills Clinic 2012.

Enjoying the climbing on the Spring Creek Needle.

Practicing gear placement a few pitches up.

Top of the Needle!

Day 2.  Snow climbing practice above Irwin.

More snow climbing. 

Go Mike!!

Sunset Ridge (center ridge) on Mt Crested Butte.  Objective for Day 3 of the clinic. 

Top of Mt. Crested Butte!

With another successful Alpine Skills clinic under our belts we’re already looking forward to the next one!  We hope you can join us next year and if not we’re always happy to arrange for private, custom skills clinics.  Contact our office for more information 970.349.5430 or info@crestedbutteguides.com

-Kyle, CBMG Guide