Fast & Light Alpinism Seminar

The Four Day Fast & Light Alpinism Seminar is designed for those that want to more highly develop their alpine climbing and mountaineering skills. Successful completion of this course will allow you to travel and climb competently in other major mountain ranges such as the Tetons, Sierras, or North Cascades. In May and June our courses are conducted in Chicago Basin, the home of the 14'ers. Due to it's location and altitude, Chicago Basin holds snow longer than other areas throughout the San Juans. Therefore, courses in Chicago Basin focus on general principles of alpine snow/ice climbing, including the use of crampons, ice axes, etc.

In July and August our courses are conducted in Vestal Basin, the home of the Grenadiers and classic routes such as the Wham Ridge (III, 5.4). Course curriculum during this time of year focuses on alpine rock climbing skills up to 5.7 in difficulty. Both courses will prepare you for other technical alpine mountaineering ascents in Colorado, and qualifies you to participate in our International Programs in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Alaska, and beyond. The course culminates in at least one, and usually two, technical mountain ascents that afford you the opportunity to apply the skills and techniques that were covered during instructional portions of the course.

Seminar Highlights and Topics Covered Include:

• Standard belaying and rappelling methods in alpine environments.
• Alpine anchors, climbing gear, hauling systems, and self-rescue protocol.
• Route planning, map, compass, and GPS navigational tactics.
• General trip planning and packing including:
• Food options dependent upon your itinerary.
• Stoves and cook gear and their proper use.
• Essential gear to keep pack weights light.
• Campsite selection and Leave-No-Trace (LNT) principles.
• Pace and time management.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: We meet early at the Southwest Adventure Guides office. From there, we drive to X-Rock, one of our local rock climbing crags where we will learn the basics of belaying, rappelling, knots, and climbing technique. The foundation of alpinism has always been a background and understanding of basic rock climbing principles.

Day 2: After an early breakfast, we hitch a ride on the D&SNGRR where we will eventually be dropped off at Needleton. We begin the hike to Chicago Basin here, and will spend most of the day making our way up to our base camp, nestled amongst the hom of the 14'ers in the southern San Juans.

Day 3: Today we will cover snow travel, cramponing, ice axe use, team roped travel, snow anchors, and self arrest as we prepare for our ascents of either Sunlight Peak (14,008 ft.), Mt. Eolus (14,034 ft.), or Windom Peak (14,025 ft.).

Day 4: Rising early for an alpine start, we'll begin the ascent of one of the nearby 14'ers. Spring snow conditions characterize our route selection on this day, and depending upon conditions we may be able to climb to the summit via steep snow couloirs.

*Please note that itineraries are general and may be changed due to current conditions, and matters of practicality, in order to make the coures safe, fun, and rewarding for everyone.

Additional Information

Trip Cost Includes: Guiding and instruction, breakfasts and dinners while on the mountaineering portion of the course and communal camping, cooking and climbing equipment.

Not Included: Personal lunch food. D&SNGRR train tickets. Hotel costs before, during, or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, $3 Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card, which is required, trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing or camping equipment, or guide gratuities.

Prerequisites: Participants need to be in good physical condition. Previous multi-day backpacking or camping experience is suggested though not required.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Mulit-Day Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.