Colorado Ski Mountaineering

Spring ski mountaineering often encompasses early morning starts traveling deep into the mountains to take advantage of the frozen snowpack. Typically higher summits and more impressive objectives are achieved due to the easy travel and predictable snow conditions. We ascend using skins on our skis, occasionally utilizing crampons for both skis and/or ski boots to gain the top. Once the sun hits our objective, the snow surface softens and we will make our descent on smooth pleasant corn snow.

Ascending with boots and crampons in the spring

Colorado ski mountaineering is moderately strenuous in which skiers will often climb uphill on skis with climbing skins, climb steep slopes with crampons on your ski boots and ski down moderately steep terrain. A lot of the uphill techniques can be taught and picked up fairly easily by people with a good level of cardiovascular fitness. The downhill skiing element can be coached and encouraged by your guide, but a reasonable level of innate ability is required. It is recommended that you can comfortably ski any ‘Black Diamond’ ski run at larger western ski areas in almost any conditions.

Mountain Pro works closely with a variety of permit holders in Colorado including Crested Butte Mountain Guides for the Elk Mountains and Collegiate Peaks, Paragon Guides of the Vail area and Gore Range as well as Colorado Mountain College. It is through these relationships that we are able to offer some of the best ski mountaineering experiences in Colorado.

Locations for launching your ski mountaineering itinerary include:

Crested Butte, Colorado: numerous technical 12,000 ft peaks with marquee ski lines striking distance of town make CB a prime ski locale. Check out our Colorado Backcountry skiing page as well!

Leadville, Colorado: famous for it’s high elevation with town at 10,200 ft. Leadville is our main departure point for skiing the 14ers. Mt Massive, Colorado’s highest peak is right out the backdoor and skiable in a day by a fit group.

Vail, Colorado: Although a lower elevation starting point, Vail offers entry to one of the more rugged ranges in the state: The Gore Range.

Yes it’s a winter shot, but nicely framed by great spring ski objectives.

Guests will be responsible for:

Personal equipment and clothing including: transceiver, shovel and probe (Available for rent)

All beverages (in town and on tour)

Town meals

Lunches for each day

Travel to/from Launch Points

Ski Mountaineering is our absolute passion. If you have an idea for a ski descent and are seeking advice or feel you may need a guide, do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Also, if you are considering one of our European ski mountaineering programs like the Haute Route or Berner Oberland, ski mountaineering in Colorado is a great way to sample what the sport is all about by learning some of the skills required.

Please see our Rates and Booking page to set up your spring ski tour.

* Programs run in the Crested Butte area are operated under United States Forest Service issued special use permits held by Crested Butte Mountain Guides for the Gunnison Ranger District. All Mountain Pro programs in the Crested Butte area are conducted by Mike Bromberg as an employee of Crested Butte Mountain Guides.