Crested Butte is known for it’s skiing. Lots and lots of good skiing. Whether it’s the world-famous ‘Extreme Limits’ in-bounds terrain at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, the deep snow-pack of Irwin Cat-Skiing terrain, or the endless amounts of easily accessible and awesome backcountry ski touring and split-boarding that spans out from town in 5 different drainages. There is a reason why Crested Butte is home to extreme ski athletes like Seth Morrison & Wendy Fisher, and why some of the fastest athletes in the relatively new sport of ‘rando-racing’ (backcountry ski touring racing) also come from here.

And while, Crested Butte has it’s share of climbers, the place is not known for it’s ice climbing. However….as we are learning this year, a relatively dry start to the 2011/2012 Winter Season has been bringing out the inner ice climber in all of us, and we have been excited to learn and see how, with a little less then normal snowfall (last winter brought almost 800″ to the Crested Butte Backcountry), there is actually lots of great ice climbing in, and around, our area…if one is up for a bit of an adventure to get to it….and of course, the journey is half the fun!

The closest concentration of high quality and multiple ice lines is just down the road to our south in Lake City, CO. Home to the relatively new and un-pretentious, Lake City Ice Park, almost a dozen high quality climbs exist in a great top-rope and lead friendly environment just a mere 100′ stroll from your car. No crowds, no lines, and no fluff….this place is hands down the best place to learn the fun winter trade of ice climbing, all under a typical bluebird Colorado sky amidst the majesty of the Northern San Juan Mountains.

Crested Butte Mountain Guides is also proud to be the sole concessionaire for ice climbing guiding services in the Lake City Ice Park, and have been enjoying fantastic conditions with dozens of happy folks new to the sport so far this winter.

For more experienced folks, or folks with a strong climbing background there is also a wealth of backcountry/natural ice lines throughout the area that offer anywhere from 1-4 pitches of great ice climbing in a pristine backcountry setting. Most of these routes involve a full-day of being out, have more of an approach then the ice parks, and sometimes require a ski tour in to access, but it is just about guaranteed no one else will be around, and the chances of stumbling upon some elk, mule deer, or nesting eagles is higher then seeing other climbers.

Many of these stellar, remote, and pristine ice lines are in, and around, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park such as: Chipeta Falls, the Curecanti Monster, Porcupine, Blue Balls, and Gandolf’s Beard being just some of the named classics. They have  along and storied history in the world of ice climbing, seeing just few ascents throughout the years, with some being by some of ice climbing’s great pioneers such as Charlie Fowler and Jeff Lowe.

Around the Lake City Area, Sherman Falls is the local area classic, with 3 pitches of reliable and stellar ice in an incredible setting high in the San Juan Mountains, with a beautiful crux pillar pitch of WI4(+). lake City also hosts numerous other flows that come and go with the season, offering great opportunities to always find something that is in condition. This also makes for a great 2-day trip destination for those looking to really getting some experience on the ice, with a day in the Lake City Ice Park to start, and then a day in the backcountry on Sherman Falls or one of the other climbs to follow. All with a night in a local cabin in the quaint and quiet town of Lake City, CO.

Finally, and not to be understated, is the world-Famous Ouray Ice Park. The place that started it all in terms of man-made ice in an environment that allows for beginners through experts to ply their trade. The Ouray Ice Park is the mother-lode of easy, accessible, and user friendly ice, with hundreds of routes scattered up and down the canyon, comprising the Ice Park proper. A perfect place for beginners, intermediates, or experts alike, and always a hub of activity in the small scene that is professional ice climbing.

The Ouray Ice Park is a bit of a trek from Crested Butte (2.5 hrs), but we have been guiding ice climbing there for almost a decade and know the ins and outs of what can be a bit of an intimidating place, allowing folks an opportunity to maximize their time on the ice on climbs that are suited for their ability or desires. Coupled with the great climbing, is a charming Victorian town, and local hot springs to soak in when the day is done…..And joining us for an insiders, intimate experience at the Annual Ouray Ice Festival at North America’s biggest and best Ice Climbing Festival, is always a special endeavor,

So……as we wait for Ullr to grace us with his presence here in Crested Butte again, and bring us the copious amounts of powder we are known for…..the ice is ‘IN’.

-Crested Butte Mountain Guides

As the aspen leaves turn and the temperature drops, it’s time to start thinking about winter. Here at Crested Butte Mountain Guides, we’ve unveiled our winter 2011-2012 avalanche courses to prepare you for safe powder play.

There’s no better way to be backcountry ready than with an AIARE Avalanche Safety Course. This winter, we’re offering Level I, Level I hut, Level II and refresher courses. Curious about what each course will entail? Below is a brief run-down. For more information about our Avalanche Safety Courses or to register, click here or call us at 970-349-5430.

Level I

The level I course is designed to provide an introduction to avalanche safety. With a mix of classroom and field time, we’ll learn how to recognize potential hazards, how to minimize and manage them, and how to respond in case of emergency. During this 3-day course, we’ll analyze an avalanche forecast, identify avalanche terrain and avalanche types, learn basic rescue techniques, gain an understanding of basic snowpack, learn the basics of route selection/terrain features, and more. Eight sessions offered. 

Cost:
$325

Dates:
Dec. 9-11
Dec. 21-23
Dec. 30-Jan. 1
Jan. 6-8
Jan. 20-22
Feb. 10-12
Feb. 24-26
Mar. 9-11

Level I Hut Course

What better way to test your newly acquired avalanche safety skills than to apply them right away? With our level I hut course you’ll have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice immediately. The curriculum mirrors that of the level I course, but takes place from the base of a ski hut in the backcountry. This winter, take your level I course at the Maroon Hut in the former mining town of Gothic (just outside of Crested Butte) or at the Lost Wonder Hut, on the eastern side of Monarch Pass. Breakfast and dinner are provided during the 3-day course. Six sessions offered.

Cost:
$475

Dates:
Dec. 16-18
Dec. 27-29
Jan. 13-15
Jan. 27-29
Feb. 17-19
Mar. 2-4

Level II

With a solid foundation of avalanche safety, we’ll dive deeper into the principles and techniques in level I, but with a strong focus on the science behind it. This 4-day course is great for anyone looking to become a backcountry guide or for the advanced backcountry enthusiast. We’ll explore the snow metamorphism process and how it relates to backcountry snow stability, weak layer formation in the snow pack, temperature gradient and its effects on snow, standardized observations and recordings for weather, rescues, and more. Three sessions offered. 

Cost:
$435

Dates:
Dec. 15-18
Jan. 12-15
Feb. 16-19

Refresher Course

Feeling a bit rusty on those avalanche safety skills? Take our 1-day refresher course to brush up before entering the backcountry. We’ll spend the entire day out in the field, focusing on terrain recognition, travel techniques, decision-making, and a mock rescue scenario. This course is also a great a way to stay up-to-date on the latest Industry news, equipment, tests and techniques. Five sessions offered.

Cost:
$90

Dates:
Dec. 10
Dec. 31
Jan. 21
Feb. 11
Feb. 25

Well folks after a loooooong winter, Summer is finally here and in full swing in the high country of the Elk Mountains. Despite lots of lingering snow up high still, we have been enjoying warm and sunny days guiding rock-climbing in Taylor Canyon & Cement Creek, and cloudy days have been serving up perfect conditions for shady climbing trips to the impressive walls of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park as well.

All the Spring snow and stormy weather has brought one silver lining…WILDFLOWERS !!!! Lots and lots of wildflowers. Although still too snowy up in the high alpine meadows, closer to town on drier ground, the types, colors, and variety of wildflowers is off the charts this year, and as the snow continues to slowly recede with elevation throughout the summer the carpet of colors will continue to come out late into the summer season.

Daily hiking trips, wildflower tours, and backpacking trips have been blessed with great colors, snow on the peaks, water in the rivers and creeks (sometimes alot !) and pictures, stories, and memories to last the remainder of the summer.

And for the third consecutive year in a row we have started our popular Peak Of The Week Summer Hiking Series…… 8 different local peaks, affordable group price, professional guides, every Friday of the summer from July 8th through August 26, 2011.

Early monsoonal weather to the high country this year has slowed down the ability for some climbing of Colorado’s famous high peaks, but our staff of experienced and professional guides has been able to sneak a few ascents in (between thunderstorms) of the local classic ‘Guides Ridge’ climb with some happy and satisfied guests. This is an alpine adventure not to be missed…varying in difficulties and routes appropriate for the whole family or the seasoned alpinist.

The mountain bike trails continue to dry out and open up daily, and we are currently enjoying great tacky riding conditions on the dry trails, with field and fields of green and wildflowers in every direction. And….our Vehicle Supported Mountain Biking Trips are enjoying awesome reviews of great single track riding, great food, exceptional guides, and unparalleled camping spots and vistas…..our next trip departs July 26-29, 2011……look for pics and a write up to follow soon…or better yet, jump in with us, spots are still available !!!

Looking down the road there is still lots of summer left, and lots of time to enjoy any or all of the above activities, but as we all know too well, summer in the high country of Colorado can be fleeting, and will be gone before we know it…..enjoy it while it lasts !!!

-CBMG Staff

This summer CBMG has introduced a whole new way to explore Crested Butte and it’s surrounding areas…Vehicle-Supported Overnight Mountian Biking!  We provide you with a professional mountain bike guide and riding itinerary to some of the most majestic trails in the lower 48.  We set up camp, prepare breakfast and dinner, clean up afterwards and tend to the camp fire at night.  All you have to do is show up, ride hard, eat well and relax at end end of a beautiful day.

These are quickly becoming one of our most requested trips.  Check out the pictures from a recent outting we did in the Strand Hill area and find out why!

Nothing like a little fresh green salad, pesto pasta and some baked salmon waiting for you at camp after a long day of riding, huh?.  Bon appetit!  Interested?  Give us a shout and find out how to book your trip today!

-The CBMG Staff