The Weminuche Ski Traverse
An Ultimate Wilderness Skiing Adventure
Consider yourself lucky because you’ve just stumbled upon the most incredible wilderness ski trip in the lower 48 – The Weminuche Ski Traverse! This one-of-a-kind backcountry ski mountaineering adventure is one that only San Juan Mountain Guides has the experience, expertise, and ability to put together. 6 full days of ski touring throughout the renowned 500,000 acre Weminuche Wilderness makes this a trip like no other and could quite possibly become the most memorable ski experience of your lifetime – for all the right reasons!
Over 6 days our group will ski tour from the southern end of the Weminuche Wilderness to the extreme northern end, visiting many remote and seldom seen basins this time of year such as No Name Basin, Stormy Gulch, Vestal Basin, and of course the uber classic Chicago Basin. Along the way we will climb and ski through a number of high mountain cols and peaks in order to connect our tour through the remote wilderness. It is almost a guarantee that we will not see another skier for the entire 6 days due to the logistical challenge and difficulty of accessing these regions of the San Juan Mountain Range. Due to the challenging nature of this trip, potential participants will need additional screening to determine their suitability for the terrain and overall experience.
Guiding with The Local Experts
Your guides for this trip will be Patrick Ormond and Nate Disser, both IMFGA/AMGA Licensed Mountain Guides. Together with their nearly 50 years of combined experience leading trips and clients in the mountains around the globe, you can be sure that you will be receiving best-in-class leadership and guiding. With a group size of a maximum of 6 skiers and 2 guides for this program, the small client-to-guide ratio will aid in the groups ability to pick the best lines and ski the best terrain possible.
Cost & Inclusions
$3,999 PER PERSON
INCLUDES:
- Guiding and trip leadership with an IFMGA/AMGA Certified Guide(s)
- Group camping & cooking gear (tents, stoves, etc.)
- Custom Trip Food resupply on Day 3 of the Itinerary
- All avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel)
- Transportation from Ouray to trailhead and back to Ouray
2026 Dates
COSTS
$3,999 per person
Includes
TYPE
Skiing & Avy
LOCATION
Weminuche Wilderness
DURATION
6 Days
RATIO - CUSTOMER/GUIDE
3:1; 6:2
DIFFICULTY
Weminuche Ski Traverse Itinerary
DAY 0
Meet at SJMG office at 1600 for trip intro and finalize paperwork. We prefer to meet on this day to make sure that everyone has their gear prepped and ready to go for the next day, as we will be heading out into the backcountry early in the morning. Stay in a hotel in Ouray.
DAY 1
Departing early from Ouray, we will shuttle over to the Endlich Mesa Trailhead where we will begin our ascent towards treeline. Traveling along the ridge like feature of Endlich Mesa for a few miles, the group will eventually reach Sheridan Mountain (12,746′). The group will ski the North Face of Sheridan Mountain down to City Reservoir and our camp for the evening. Camp at City Reservoir.
DAY 2
Touring up from City Reservoir, our day will take us on to Silver Mesa, a beautiful high alpine above treeline feature with amazing 360 degree views. Our tour will eventually lead us to a final climb up to a col just below Aztec Mountain (13,310′). From the top of this col we will be looking down into Chicago Basin. An almost 3000′ ski descent will take us to into the basin and our camp for the evening. Camp in Chicago Basin.
DAY 3
A layover day in Chicago Basin is planned for this day so that with light packs, we can climb and summit Mt. Eolus (14,091′). After reaching the summit we will prepare for a ski descent back down to our camp – almost 3500′ of skiing takes us back to our camp! A custom food resupply has been arranged for this day. Camp in Chicago Basin.
DAY 4
Rising early in order to manage our terrain timing, the group will ski tour and climb up to Twin Thumbs Pass (13,228′) where we will get our first views of the remote No Name Basin. An enjoyable 2500′ descent into lower No Name puts as at the foot of less seldom seen peaks like Knife Point. Another short tour into Upper No Name sets us up for the following days ascent to Jagged Col. Camp in Upper No Name.
DAY 5
Another early morning as we break camp and head out to climb up to Jagged Col (13,018′). Incredible views of the remote Jagged Mountain (13,822′) and Leviathan Peak (13,502′) dominate the scenery in one of Colorado’s most remote mountain locations. Some varied skiing, traverses, and touring takes us into Stormy Gulch at the base of Storm King Peak (13,737′). One final climb over Trinity Col (12,980′) and ski descent into Vestal Basin below the mighty Wham Ridge on Vestal Peak (13,783′) and our camp for the evening. This is a true mountain day that only a very few skiers have ever experienced! Camp in Vestal Basin.
DAY 6
Our final day of this incredible wilderness skiing adventure will see us descend into the Elk Creek drainage, eventually making our way to the Animas River and the conclusion of the tour. A celebratory dinner in Ouray is a must! Stay in Ouray or Depart.
| Image | Description | Guide Pick |
|---|---|---|
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Duffel Bag
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1 - 2 Large, durable bags for organizing and transporting your gear during airline travel, etc. | Osprey Transporter Duffel Bags |
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Thermos
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Coffee is the lifeblood of champions. We highly encourage the consumption of coffee or other hot drink on winter excursions. | 18 oz. Yeti Hotshot Thermos |
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Water Bottles
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We recommend wide mouth Nalgene (or similar) water bottles for the majority of our programs. One or two 1-liter bottles is the standard for long days in the mountains. | 32 oz. Nalgene Water Bottle |
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Personal Food
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Lunch begins when breakfast ends and ends when dinner begins. Bring what you LIKE to eat and consider the length, relative difficulty, weight, and other factors when deciding what to bring in the mountains with you. A variety is always best. Don't be afraid of Mr. T. | Personal Food |
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Sunglasses
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A good pair of wrap around sunglasses are an essential item for all of our trips. When the sun shines brightly on fresh snow in the mountains your eyes will thank you for a quality pair of shades. Looking good is important too. | Julbo Shield Sunglasses |
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Sunscreen
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Essential for all of our programs. SPF 30 would be our minimum recommendation. Typically a 4 oz. bottle will suffice but consider trip length when deciding how much to pack. | Dermatone SPF 50 |
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Chapstick
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Chapstick is important to bring on all trips. We recommend getting chapstick with SPF 15 or higher, otherwise it won't do much good to protect you from the intense sun. | SPF Chapstick |
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Headlamp
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A headlamp is recommended for all of our programs and is an essential piece of equipment to have whether or not you plan to be out overnight. You don't want to be caught in the dark without light! | Petzl Actik Core Headlamp |
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First Aid Kit
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An excellent investment for all of our programs. Our guides always carry a comprehensive medical kit but it's nice to have a small kit of your own to take care of blisters, small cuts or scrapes, and to carry any medications you anticipate needing. | Adventure Medical Kits |
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Socks
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Synthetic or wool socks are a must for all outdoor activities. Select a pair that fits well, is warm, and is comfortable. Socks that extend above the edge of your boots will be most comfortable. Bring 2-3 pairs depending on the length of trip. | Synthetic/Wool Socks |
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Baselayer Top
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Choosing the right baselayer really makes a difference in comfort, moisture-wicking, and the balance between cool and warm at the right time and in the right places. We recommend using a lightweight sun hoodie for most trips. A warmer wool baselayer is great for extra cold days or expeditions. | Himali Sun Hoodie |
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Base Layer Bottom
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An insulative baselayer bottom is a must have for alpine, ski and ice climbing trips and objectives. Wool or synthetic options both work. | Ortovox Base Layer Pants |
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Mid Weight Top
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A lightweight fleece with a gridded interior for increased wicking performance and added breathability is the perfect choice for a midlayer for anything from ski tours to alpine ascents. Hoods let you regulate temperature on the go, and slim fits allow you to wear it under additional layers. | Ortovox Fleece Grid Hooded Jacket |
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Hard Shell Jacket
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Our Outside Magazine and Men’s Journal “Gear of the Year” award-winning storm shell is engineered for fast-and-light alpine climbs and all-day backcountry tours. You need at minimum either a soft shell jacket or hard shell jacket for local Ouray based winter courses and programs. | Outdoor Research Axiom Jacket |
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Hardshell Jacket
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A waterproof rainshell or hardshell jacket will keep you protected from wind and rain while out in the elements climbing, skiing or hiking. | Ortovox Westalpen 3L Hardshell |
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Buff
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Simple, effective and infinitely adaptable, Original BUFF® headwear is the product that started the multifunctional headwear revolution. At its core is a moisture-managing microfiber fabric that is wind resistant and able to control odor. We recommend the BUFF for all of our programs as a multi-purpose insulation piece and trendy headgear! | Original Buff |
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Insulated Vest
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Same spirit, same guts, and same award-winning hybrid-mapped design of the Cathode Hooded Jacket, minus the sleeves and hood. An insulated vest is an optional item on our programs but we do think vests offer excellent flexible layering options in a variety of circumstances, weather conditions, and trip types. | Outdoor Research Cathode Vest |
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Hand Warmers
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An optional item, but nice to have on cold weather climbs and courses. Consider having a few stowed away in your pack so you can break them out if you feel you need them. | Hand Warmers |
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Stuff Sacks
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Stuff sacks are a great way to organize your gear in your pack and help to keep things tidy in a variety of ways. A great addition to any of our programs. | Outdoor Research Stuff Sacks |
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Baseball Cap
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A required item on the majority of our programs, a baseball cap helps to keep harmful sun off your face. The Radar Pocket cap is packable, durable, and looks great! | Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap |
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Lightweight Gloves
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Updated for touchscreen compatibility, the StormTracker Sensor Gloves are equally at home alpine climbing, ski touring or ice climbing. Low-profile GORE® WINDSTOPPER®. Soft Shell fabric deflects biting gusts, and a tricot lining retains valuable heat. | Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves |
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Midweight Gloves
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Built to handle cold mornings on the up-track and powder turns all the way back down, these versatile gloves feature a new stretch nylon shell outer, a goat leather palm with textured fingertips, and a warm, quick-drying wool blend lining. | Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves |
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Ski Gloves
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Bring at least 2 pairs of gloves: 1 pair warm, waterproof gloves for the downhill and 1 pair lightweight, gloves for skinning. If your hands get cold easily bring extra gloves, mittens and/or handwarmers. | Ortovox Merino Freeride Glove |
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Avy Transceiver
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The PIEPS DSP Sport Avalanche Beacon is the go-to beacon for the everyday backcountry traveler, offering circular range, a smart transmitter, and three-antenna accuracy in an easy-to-use package. | PIEPS DSP Sport Avalanche Beacon |
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Touring Skis
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Touring skis with touring bindings are required for all of our ski programs. We have these skis to rent an our shop in Ouray if you do not have your own. If purchasing your own skis, make sure to select a touring binding that is compatible with your boots. | La Sportiva Hi5 Ski |
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Ski Poles
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Our classic ski touring poles with a pro-level feature set, the all-aluminum Traverse Pro poles feature FlickLock Pro adjustability and an innovative SwitchRelease wrist strap with a lockable release function. | Black Diamond Traverse Pro Ski Poles |
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Climbing Skins
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Climbing Skins are a required item for all of our backcountry ski and avalanche programs in order to ascend uphill on your skis. We offer these to rent at our office in Ouray if you do not have your own for your skis. Please have your skins cut to fit your skis prior to arriving for your trip. | Black Diamond Climbing Skins |
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Ski Touring Boots
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Refined for 2016, the Spectre 2.0 is now 5% stiffer while retaining the largest range of cuff rotation in its class. The patented design allows for a full 60˚ of ankle movement, while the vertebra construction provides support on downhill descents. The Spectre 2.0 now works with all tech, tr2 and step-in at bindings, for more versatility and compatibility. | La Sportiva Spectre 2.0 |
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Avy Shovel
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With a redesigned blade construction for cleaner snow study and easier stomping through hard avy debris, the Transfer is our workhorse shovel with a removable, extendable shaft for working in deep pits. | Black Diamond Transfer 3 Shovel |
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Avy Probe
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Built for daily snow study, snow professionals and deeper snowpacks, the Tour Probe 320 features a durable, all-aluminum construction. | Black Diamond Quickdraw Tour Probe 320 |
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Snow Study Kit
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A snow study kit is optional for Backcountry Ski programs, but it is a great item to carry regardless. For Avalanche Courses please consider purchasing a kit to have with you on the course. Level 2 Course participants should choose the Digital Pro Kit. | Brooks Range Snow Study Kit |
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Ski Backpack
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The Kamber ABS® compatible 22+10 give you the option to add an inflatable airbag system to a technical ski pack designed to carry everything for a full day in the backcountry. We highly recommend a specific ski touring pack for all of our backcountry ski and avalanche programs. | Osprey Kamber ABS Packs |
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Ski Jacket
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Sweating one minute and freezing the next is only fun when you’re jumping from a hot tub into the snow and back—not while you’re skiing. If the words “ski season” make you think about moving uphill as much as downhill, the Skyward Jacket speaks your language. Air-permeable AscentShell technology keeps you cool and dry while skinning up, and keeps the speed-generated windchill out after you peel off your skins and drop in for the descent. | Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket |
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Ski Pants
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Traverse the Rockies’ rugged ridgelines in the Trailbreaker Pants. This highly breathable soft shell pant provides the perfect amount of weather protection and breathable warmth. Pertex® Shield+ lower legs offer complete waterproof protection when you’re breaking trail in the front of the pack. | Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Pants |
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Ski Puffy
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Perfect for aerobic climbs and ski tours, this backcountry chameleon provides the warmth of a synthetic puffy one moment and the breathability and quick-dry performance of a fleece the next, all without forcing you to add, remove or adjust your layers. | Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket |
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Ski Hat
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Get out and get after early mornings with fresh powder. The Delegate Beanie is made with a merino wool blend and a warm micro fleece polyester earband. A chunky knit beanie with a knit-in logo, the contrast pom adds a nice funky touch. | Outdoor Research |
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Ski Goggles
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From the sweeping peripheral in the Optimum lens, to the horizon-inspired frame structure, FARGO proves sometimes a quick stop in a small place leads to more than you would have ever expected. Goggles are mandatory on all ski programs and cold weather alpine objectives. | Zeal Fargo Ski Goggles |
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Ski Repair Kit
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A backcountry ski repair kit is well worth the time to put together. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it! | Example Ski Repair Kit |
Who is the Weminuche Ski Traverse intended for?
The Weminuche Ski Traverse is intended for more advanced and experienced backcountry skiers looking for a multi-day wilderness ski touring trip. Guests will have the best time if they are capable of ski touring for several hours a day at altitude. Due to the more advanced nature of this program, additional participant vetting will occur as part of the registration and trip confirmation process.
Can children or minors join the Weminuche Ski Traverse?
Because guests on the Weminuche Ski Traverse travels through consequential terrain, we require all participants to be able to perform a beacon rescue. Guests also need to have backcountry ski touring fitness. Please contact the office if you think minors in your family would be able to participate.
How many people will be on the trip with me?
The Weminuche Ski Traverse is guided at a 3:1 ratio with a maximum group size of 6 skiers and 2 guides. Let the office know your intended group size so we can reserve guides to accommodate it.
When will I be back in town?
You will return to Ouray around 5:00 PM on the 6th and final day.
Do I have to bring everything on the Equipment list?
Yes, the equipment list is designed to be comprehensive for a multi-night stay with varied weather/objective possibilities.
Does San Juan Mountain Guides provide food?
Food is not provided on this program. However, our Pro Shop in Ouray offers backcountry meals from Farm To Summit for sale. We have a wide variety of breakfast, coffee, and dinner meals to purchase. Other dehydrated meals such as Mountain House (or similar) are appropriate. There will be a food re-supply on Day 3 of the itinerary. Your guides for the program will help to plan review your food for the trip to insure recommended best practices are followed.
I have my own equipment, can I use it?
Yes! If you have your own gear, you are most welcome to use it! Please bring it into the office so that your guide can confirm it will be safe for backcountry travel. We also provide a wide variety of rentals ski equipment at our shop in Ouray.
What will the weather be like in the Weminuche Wilderness?
The temperature averages 30 to 40 degrees with highs above 45-50 and lows in the high 20’s. We recommend bringing layers you can shed while touring and put back on transitioning or for the descents. Don’t forget sun protection! As always, participants should be prepared for a wide variety of winter and spring weather conditions from snowstorms to bluebird skies!
OURAY, COLORADO: GETTING HERE
Ouray is located in the SW corner of Colorado, approximately 30 minutes south of Montrose. Known as “The Switzerland of America”, the town of Ouray is a vibrant outdoor oriented community. All local businesses are very friendly to the ice climbers who flock each winter to climb in the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding areas.
The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Montrose, CO. Many airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, CO, however, many airlines now offer direct flights into Montrose – especially during the summer and winter months.
It is also possible to fly into Grand Junction, Durango, Telluride, or Denver CO. It may be necessary to rent a car and drive to Ouray if you’d like to fly into one of these airports.
Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Ouray. If you plan on renting a car, please consider the winter weather when selecting your vehicle and at a minimum choose something that offers either front wheel or all-wheel drive.
- Montrose, CO: 45 minutes
- Durango, CO: 2 hours
- Denver, CO: 5.5 hours
Ouray has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 970-946-0713 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip!
PROGRAM POLICIES
REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION
Advance Registration is required for this program. You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.
INCLUSIONS
- Guiding and trip leadership with an IFMGA/AMGA Certified Guide(s)
- Group camping & cooking gear (tents, stoves, etc.)
- Custom Trip Food resupply on Day 3 of the Itinerary
- All avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel)
- Transportation from Ouray to trailhead and back to Ouray
EXCLUSIONS
- Transportation to Ouray, CO
- Hotel costs before or after the program
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner *Available to Purchase at SJMG*
- Guide gratuity
- Personal ski clothing & ski gear (rentals available)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
- Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
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~ Bob Jones, New Climber
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~ Joe Jones, New Climber
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
~ Bob Jones, New Climber
Ius ex oratio repudiandae. Sanctus fuisset usu et. Id iriure legendos complectitur sit, ad altera fabellas est. Mei ex fuisset hendrerit, vulputate scripserit scribentur eum at.
~ Joe Jones, New Climber
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
~ Bob Jones, New Climber
Ius ex oratio repudiandae. Sanctus fuisset usu et. Id iriure legendos complectitur sit, ad altera fabellas est. Mei ex fuisset hendrerit, vulputate scripserit scribentur eum at.
~ Joe Jones, New Climber