Telluride Mountain School

Although the predicted storm passed by Telluride only leaving a trace of new snow, ice climbing is in prime condition!

Along with some eager (and talented) students from the Telluride Mountain School, we spent two separate afternoons climbing ice that ranged from beginner to intermediate. Students also had the chance to try a bit of mixed climbing as we moved away from the easier slab climbs in lower Ames to the slightly more challenging climbs on the railroad grade. 

The first afternoon session gave students a chance to try climbing ice for the first time and focused on the basic movements and skills necessary to have a successful climb. Pick and crampon placements were emphasized as well as "reading the ice". The talent in this group was exceptional!

Our second afternoon session brought us to an area that is rarely as good as it is right now! A slightly smaller group allowed for some light instruction on mixed climbing and how to get through small sections of rock. Steeper and not as straightforward for the kids as the slabs, they students were challenged to "get to the cubby!". Some found success, but everyone had a smile on their face at the end of the session. 

From all of us at Telluride Mountain Guides - Thanks and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! See you again next year!

The beauty of the West

The Grand Turk, just outside of Silverton, CO.

What a remarkable place we live in!

One morning you can be shoveling a foot of snow from your deck and another you can be in a t-shirt, enjoying close to 50 degree temperatures. As the weather continues to change, so do the opportunities for getting outdoors! It never ceases to amaze me how much you are able to do in the area surrounding our tiny Box Canyon.

With the last snowstorm behind us (and another on the way), conditions are continuing to just get better on the ice. While a bit brittle at the start of the day, the latest warming trend has helped to soften things up and make for some really great afternoon outings. More heavily trafficked routes are becoming a bit chopped out, making for easier climbing and good endurance training. The real gem are all the mixed options that are starting to present themselves as the ice continues to slowly drip. A creative eye is rewarded with new challenges!

Today's warm temperature started people talking about rock climbing trips to the desert, but we still have plenty of winter left with another storm predicted to hit us tonight...Time to get the skis back on the snow and sharpen those tools!

We hope you are making the most of your winter and appreciating the beauty of your own backyard, wherever that might be.

Ames Ice

We had a great day today climbing some easy ice in Ames! Warm temperatures, sticky ice, and lightly falling snow all made for some ideal conditions.

There was a bit of "cleaning" to do with all the new snow that Telluride has received lately, but there's nothing wrong with that!

Backcountry travel

Here is a great short cartoon illustrating some important points to backcountry travel. How often do these criteria get overlooked when you are in the backcountry (skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, etc.)? Which characters best represent your behavior when you are in the backcountry? 

Keep practicing those "shovel guitar" moves and be safe out there!

Telluride Ice Conditions continued...

As promised, here are some images of Telluride ice that is slowly starting to form.

Upcoming will be images of Bear Creek and Ames. Conditions are good in Bear Creek and has already seen some traffic. Get out there if you can!

Telluride Ice conditions

What we are lacking in snow, we are making up for in ice! Conditions are also continuing to improve in the Ouray/Silverton area. Check in tomorrow for some images of the ice conditions in and around Telluride.

Until then, start sharpening those tools...

Early season skiing in Wolf Creek!

 Winter is here! This past weekend was spent at the Wolf Creek ski resort outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and the snow arrived just after we did! Wolf Creek offers something for everyone: steep and accessible hike-to terrain in close proximity to moderate gladed runs and only a 3 hour drive from Telluride. While they reported around 18 inches of fresh snow, there were certainly pockets that rode deeper. 

The expectation was that we would not be the only ones with the idea to storm chase, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that any crowds were quickly dispersed throughout the mountain. 

Telluride also benefited from the same storm and locals were quick to jump on the opportunity to access our own resort, although without the benefit of chairlifts! 

Here's to an early start to the winter ski season. Let's hope this is a good indicator of what is to come!