Classics are IN and Getting Climbed After a bit of nervousness with respect to how the trajectory of this early ice season was going to play out, I’m happy to report that cold weather is back in a big way in Ouray and the San Juans. Consequently, our ice conditions have improved dramatically in the…
Early November Ice Conditions Report It’s that time of year again – ice season is fast approaching. Winter has returned to the San Juans – with snow and ice starting to come into condition throughout the range. Make sure to bookmark our San Juan Ice Conditions webpage. We will be doing twice weekly updates starting…
Stokin’ ain’t just for the fire and keeping your average stoke-level high ain’t easy. If it was easy to be stoked on everyday life as we get stoked for our outdoor pursuits and life passion, then the very existence of “stoke” would cease to exist and life would almost be…well boring. With that being said,…
Vestal Peak, elevation 13,870 ft (4,230 m), is a summit in the Needle Mountains of southwest Colorado. The peak is southeast of Silverton in the Weminuche Wilderness. Described by many as one of the most aesthetic peaks in the San Juans, our client David Yurko was able to capture this incredible Alpine adventure summit of Vestal Peak on his…
Dawn Glanc, pronounced, “Glance”, was born and raised in Brunswick, Ohio. In 1996, at the age of 21, she moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota. This is where she learned to rock and ice climb. After 8 years in the hills, Dawn wanted to explore bigger mountains and more complex terrain. In 2004,…
Ryan Riggins is a Durango transplant, originally from Orinda, California. He came to Colorado chasing the “white surf” as he went from a the never-ending Cali summers to the never-ending winters of the San Juans. A Fort Lewis graduate in Marketing, Ryan has been guiding since his Sophomore year in College. Ryan received his…
Andrés and Christel had a wonderful expedition to Alpamayo. They have been enjoying the descent and being in the mountains. This morning they were in Cachapampa and will be going to Huaraz today. We look forward to hearing their stories and seeing photos. Congratulations on a great trip!
Andrés and Christel are doing well at High Camp (5,490m/18,011 ft.). They are feeling strong and tonight will go for the summit of Alpamayo (5,947m/19,512ft). The French Direct Route leads out from the glacier, over a significant bergshrund, and onto the steep, beautiful SW face of Alpamayo. The team will endeavor the climbing of 50-70…
Andrés and Christel are doing excellent en route to Alpamayo. They are at Base Camp (4,300m/14,100ft) feeling great. Today they did a carry to Moraine Camp (4,900m/16,075ft) and will stay tonight at Base Camp. Sending them BUENA ONDA, positive vibes from the San Juans!
San Juan Mountain Guide Bill Grasse captures the experience of summiting Mt. Sneffels with his client. Mt. Sneffels is located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in the SouthWest of Colorado. It is a prestine 14,000+ peak and considered a classic in Colorado. If you are interested Mt. Sneffels or Mountaineering in the…
San Juan Mountain Guide’s second Alpamayo Expedition of the season is underway. Senior Guide, Andrés Marin is accompanied by the wonderful Christel Hennet. They arrived to Huaraz over the weekend with time to watch Christel’s team win the World Cup, Congrats! Yesterday they met the burros and hiked from Cachapampa to the first camp. Andrés…
The Alpamayo Expedition is safe and they are now on their return trek to Cachapampa. They attempted the summit two nights; the 4th and 5th. Due to energy levels and weather, they did not make the top. Certainly, the journey was incredible and they learned a lot. That’s what these expeditions are all about, learning…
If you haven’t been on the Telluride Via Ferrata, you need to check it out! It’s an adventure for the whole family!
Andrés called this morning. The team did not make the summit last night. In high altitude climbing, factors have to be in line to reach the summit safely. They are doing fine, at High Camp resting. Later this afternoon Andrés will call for a weather update and to give us their plan of action.
Andrés, Jerry, and Nathan are going for the summit of Alpamayo (5,947 m/19,512ft) tonight. The native language of Perú is Quechua. Alpamayo in Quechuan signifies: Alpa:Earth and Mayu:River. May the continual energy of the Earth River flow though them as they climb tonight! The French Direct Route leads out from the glacier, over a significant…
Heard good word from Andrés this afternoon. The Alpamayo Expedition is doing great! They arrived at High Camp (5,490m/18,011 ft.) today, feeling good and doing excellent. They will contact us again tomorrow afternoon. The hope is to go for the summit tomorrow night July 4/5. Cheers to Andrés, Jerry, and Nathan as they continue their…
Andrés checked in today from Moraine Camp (4,930m./16,175ft.) All is well. Everyone is doing great, they are enjoying the journey. He said the weather is a little in and out. Looking at the forecast on mountain-forecast.com, it appears the weather will be improving as they continue up the mountain. Tomorrow they will head to Advanced…
Jerry, Nathan and Andrés are making great progress on Alpamayo. Received word from Andrés that they are all doing super and acclimatizing well. Today they did a carry from Base Camp (4,300 m./ 14,100 ft.) to Moraine Camp (4,900 m./ 16,075ft). Tonight they will stay at base camp. They plan to advance to Moraine Camp…