With a couple of big storms in early October we have laid down a nice base for decent early season turns. I don’t feel like it is a a real ski season unless I get started in the early fall. Skiing this time of year can be surprisingly good, but there are a couple of…
Clothing Systems for all Conditions As always, the gear your choose can make the difference in all the ways you envision as you’re planning your next trip or adventure. Increased efficiency, a lighter pack, maximum versatility and not to be overlooked – impeccable mountain style. Our partners at Outdoor Research offer the best and most…
Trailer Video Recently a few of us headed out into the Weminuche Wilderness for a climb of the inspiring Wham Ridge on Vestal Peak. Vestal Peak is one of our most popular offerings in the San Juan Mountains during the summer in part because it qualifies as one of the most difficult of Colorado’s Centennial…
SJMG Guide Interview Dan Zokaites – AMGA Rock Guide The Featured Guide section is a new element of our newsletter and SJMG Blog intended to provide you with an in-depth look at some of our world-class guides. This issue’s Featured Guide is Dan Zokaites – an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and SJMG Guide since 2012. Dan is a relatively new guide with…
The Weminuche Ski Traverse Andrew Klotz – AMGA Certified Ski Guide On April 23rd of 2013 I set out with three friends to do a trip that we had all thought about for a long time – a ski traverse through the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains. In previous…
Inspiration from Imagery Labor Day Weekend We’ve had a busy weekend here in the San Juans, with fantastic weather and plenty of summits throughout the range – not to mention a few laps on the Telluride Via Ferrata. Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!! [image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”left” alt=”Summit of Vestal Peak” title=”Climbing in…
4 Easy to Follow Tips by Dawn Glanc AMGA Certified Rock & Alpine Guide So many times when we go climbing, the sole focus is on the climber. However, the belayer is equally important to the team. A lead belayer should not take their job lightly. A casual approach can cause injuries – and possibly…
Success on the French Direct SJMG Guide Andres Marin [image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” alt=”Moraine Camp” title=”Alpamayo Expedition” height=”263″ width=”320″]https://dev.mtnguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/andres.alpamayo.4.jpg[/image_frame] Our expedition was just incredible. Every moment was just fantastic, in our journey to the top of Alpamayo: from our long bus ride from Lima to Huaraz, meeting great people in Huaraz, putting all our gear together…
Outdoor Research Guide Uniforms SJMG Guide Ben Kiessel As a partner guide service with Outdoor Research, each season we get a few new pieces of technical outerwear to use on our trips – part of our SJMG Guide Uniform. This year, and after a hearty bit of field work already I might add, SJMG Guide…
Although Ken lives in Texas he is on a mission to climb Colorodo’s 54 14,000 foot peaks! Last week we went into Chicago Basin with his son and climbed the areas three semi technical 14ers; Windom, Sunlight and Eolus. I believe after our trip Ken has climbed 38 14ers! We will be seeing Ken again…
Its not super common that we hike into Vestal Basin from Molas Pass. We usually take the train which cuts off about 6 miles round trip and a 2,000 foot climb from the river back to the car on the way out. Aaron, Jacob and I left Molas on Wednesday morning and made great time…
Pachamanca Time! We wanted to let everyone know that the team is safely back at basecamp and enjoying some rest before the final push back to Huaraz. Soon, they will be enjoying a Pachamanca! More details to come with pictures once Andres and team reach Huaraz. Nice job everyone!!
Safely Back at High Camp Just got word that Alpamayo Team #2 summited yesterday and are safely back in high camp! We will post a full recap once we hear from Andres about the details of the climb. Great work everyone!
At Alpamayo Basecamp [image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” alt=”Team Members” title=”Alpamayo Expedition #2″ height=”263″ width=”320″]https://dev.mtnguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/alpamayo.team_.2.jpg[/image_frame] Our second Alpamayo Expedition of the season is underway and going very well. Everyone in the group arrived to Lima on time, with no delays and all their bags (whew!). After a night in Lima, the group boarded the Cruz del Sur…
Alpamayo Summit Success! [image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” alt=”High Camp on Alpamayo” title=”Alpamayo Expedition #1″ height=”263″ width=”320″]https://dev.mtnguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/elias.alpamayo.4.jpg[/image_frame] On Tuesday July 9th, we moved to high camp after a 3 day snow storm that had us tent bouded at Morraine Camp. Upon arrival to High Camp, we struggled to set camp up with the almost 1 m of…
Established at Alpamayo High Camp Elias just called in with an update for their Alpamayo team. After 3 days hunkered down at Moraine Camp due to weather and plenty of fresh snow, the team finally made their climb to high camp and are now established and ready to push for the summit tomorrow. The weather…
Progress Towards High Camp [image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” alt=”Alpamayo Expedition” title=”French Direct Route” height=”320″ width=”263″]https://dev.mtnguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/alpamayo-1.jpg[/image_frame] Elias and his team are making good progress on Alpamayo. On the 4th of July they checked in from basecamp, and were planning to do a carry to moraine camp the following day. Everyone was doing well and in good spirits.…
Bruce and I climbed Wilson Peak near Telluride last week. We left the Rock of Ages trail head at 6am and were on the summit at 10am, and were back at the trail head by 1pm for a 7 hour car to car trip. Thanks for the great trip Bruce! BK
Alpamayo Expedition #1 Begins [image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” alt=”SJMG Guide Elias and Team” title=”Alpamayo Expedition” height=”263″ width=”320″]https://dev.mtnguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/elias_peru.jpg[/image_frame] The team is finaly in the capital of Peruvian Andinismo! After a late arrival into Lima due to a flight cancellation out of Houston, we made it to Lima just on time to grab some rest and be headed…
A Brief History and Essential Equipment [image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” alt=”Telluride Via Ferrata” title=”In an Unmatched Setting” height=”320″ width=”263″]https://dev.mtnguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ferrata4.jpg[/image_frame] Via Ferrata is the Italian name for what might fairly be called extreme hiking. First built in the Italian Dolomites during World War 1 these “iron roads” were intended to facilitate the rapid movement of troops through…