Alpine Skills Clinic, June 2012
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
CB Mountain Guides
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