MOUNTAIN COURSES

Denali and Expedition Prep

Need the skills to tackle high-altitude mountains? This is the course for you!

If you are looking for the most complete Denali or expedition prep course that heightens your learning outcomes and maximizes your time and experience in an alpine environment this is the course for you. 

This course is designed by veteran expedition guides in order to train you on the skills necessary to be successful on big mountain expeditions. We base out of Ouray, Colorado and maximize our days in alpine terrain. With the mountains at your doorstep we will tackle a variety of skills and climbing techniques in order to grow your skills and confidence for expeditions.

Different from other prep courses you will find, we include two days of creature comforts in order for you to absorb and practice the technical skills taught throughout the course. The final two days we shift to the “blue collar” part of expedition climbing. We gear up for an overnight and practice winter camping and skills and a summit attempt style climbing day in order to simulate conditions and tactics on big mountains.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1

We begin by practicing ice and snow movement skills, anchor building, ascending techniques, rappelling skills, and fixed line practice/scenarios. With the availability of the Ouray Ice Park and quick backcountry access, we are able to maximize our learning and skills.

Day 2

We’ll review skills from Day 1 and proceed to focus on snow/ice anchoring, glacier travel with a backpack, crevasse rescue, and sled hauling techniques. This concludes the technical skills necessary for expeditions.

Day 3

Mountain Objective: We begin the morning with a presentation on functioning at high altitude and personal management in cold weather environments. We prepare for our overnight and snowshoe into our overnight camp. Here we will learn about cold weather expedition camping, tent construction and expedition skills in a snow covered environment.

Day 4

Putting our skills to the test with a winter climb of a nearby peak. Throughout the ascent we will instruct on avalanche awareness and terrain recognition. After our climb we will pack up our expedition tools and return to Ouray for a final debrief and Q&A session.

Summary of Learning Outcomes:

  • Knots, hitches, ropework
  • Snow anchoring 
  • Glacier travel 
  • Crevasse Rescue
  • Steep snow and ice climbing techniques
  • Fix line practice
  • Altitude awareness lecture 
  • Sled hauling techniques
  • Cold weather camping 
  • Tent and basecamp construction
  • Expedition etiquette 
Climb the Mooses tooth on the Ruth Glacier in Alaska

AVAILABILITY

March 6th – 9th, 2026

PRICING

2 Day: $799 (per person)
4 Day: $1699 (per person)
*two person minimum*

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Is this course right for me?
This course is intended for individuals with prior basic mountaineering or climbing skills. Designed for students who want/need the skills for Denali or Himalayan style peak.

Trip Length
2 or 4 days

Group Size
Max 4:1

Departure Time
8:00am

Meeting Location
Ouray, CO – exact location TBD

Equipment List

Meals/Food
Dinner and breakfast provided on overnight for the 4 day course

Included in your trip cost

  • Certificate of Completion is provided to all students who complete the 4-day course, demonstrating the completed skills necessary for a Denali summit program.
  • Personalized Expedition Prep course in the Ouray, CO area.
  • Course lead by an IFMGA Guide with decades of experience climbing Denali.
  • Technical equipment (ropes, ascenders, lanyards).
  • Group equipment (tents, stoves, camping equipment).

Not included in your trip cost

  • Meals/Personal snacks
  • Personal clothing and equipment
  • Accommodation
  • Transportation
  • Customary guide gratuity
  • Trip/Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Incurred costs by leaving a program early
  • Incurred costs as a result of force majeure

NEXT STEPS

Thoughtfully chosen trips & courses to continue your progression.