Telluride is home to both mountains and mountaineers alike and for decades this magical valley has called many to make their journey upwards. It is said, that when climbing mountains “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves” and that you should climb mountains “not so the world can see you but so you can see the world!” These alpine excursions will focus on an iconic Telluride peak, with the objective of an attempted summit. We’ll pack everything into our trekking packs and hike into our wilderness base camp for two nights of alpine adventure. Using Yvon Chouinard’s quote “HOW you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top” as a guide, students will receive thorough instruction on basic mountaineering skills. From pre-trip planning, map reading and route finding, to setting up proper base camps, Leave No Trace ethics and understanding weather; aspiring mountaineers will immerse themselves in the magic, mystery and allure of mountain climbing.

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