When planning your adventure in Vail, Colorado, trust Vail’s Original Mountaineering School and Climbing Guide Service.Our family owned and operated guide service and educational institution has been serving the Valley and beyond for nearly 25 years. Apex guides and instructors are passionate about all aspects of mountain activities and mountaineering education, including:
- avalanche education,
- rock climbing,
- ice climbing,
- alpine climbing,
- peak ascents,
- mountain biking,
- backcountry skiing and splitboarding,
- and a multitude of mountaineering courses and skills development trainings in the Vail area and beyond.
We are honored to guide and instruct you and your party through your adventures and development in the mountains. With a strong educational foundation in:
- AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association)
- AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education)
- PMBIA (Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association)
- PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America)
- WMS (Wilderness Medical Society)
- LNT (Leave No Trace)
- Self Rescue Training
- and a number of additional individual CE trainings and certifications,
our team looks forward to the opportunity to serve your family, friends, group and you individually or as a team through the mountains of Colorado and beyond. When it comes to high adventure, choose the name that our local community knows and trusts. Choose the Apex team.
Summer Guided Trips
Vail Biking
Mountain biking Vail is an amazing way to get exercise and connect with nature.
The mountain biking trails around Vail are second to none – the Rocky Mountains finest.
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The mountain biking trails around Vail are second to none – the Rocky Mountains finest.
Rock Climbing
Vail offers world-renowned rock climbing experiences.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned climber, you'll find stunning routes in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
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Whether you're a beginner or seasoned climber, you'll find stunning routes in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Nature Hikes
Experience the beauty of Vail’s wilderness on guided nature hikes. Discover diverse wildlife, vibrant wildflowers, and breathtaking mountain views.
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Rappelling
Challenge yourself with a thrilling outdoor rappelling experience. Descend stunning rock faces with expert guidance in the scenic Vail area.
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ELBERT SUMMIT HIKE
Conquer Colorado’s highest peak with our guided hike to the summit of Mt. Elbert. Enjoy spectacular views and a sense of accomplishment when reaching for the top of a fourteener.
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Multi-Pitch
Take your climbing skills to new heights with multi-pitch rock climbing. Climb higher and farther with professional guidance on Colorado’s famous vertical routes.
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APEX MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
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Avalanche Education
AIARE LEVEL 1 BACKCOUNTRY COURSE
Be prepared when traveling in the backcountry with an AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course.
Learn how to make informed decisions in order to mitigate risk in adverse conditions.
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Learn how to make informed decisions in order to mitigate risk in adverse conditions.
AIARE LEVEL 2 BACKCOUNTRY
Take your backcountry skiing to the next level this winter with an AIARE Level 2 course.
Deepen your avalanche safety expertise with our AIARE Level 2 course, designed for backcountry users who want to advance their understanding of snowpack and risk management.
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Deepen your avalanche safety expertise with our AIARE Level 2 course, designed for backcountry users who want to advance their understanding of snowpack and risk management.
AIARE PRIVATE COURSES
Enjoy a more personalized avalanche education experience with our AIARE Private Courses.
Get personalized avalanche education tailored to your group’s needs. Our private AIARE Level 1 course ensures focused instruction and flexibility in scheduling.
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Get personalized avalanche education tailored to your group’s needs. Our private AIARE Level 1 course ensures focused instruction and flexibility in scheduling.
AIARE PRIVATE COURSES
Experience a custom learning environment in our private AIARE Level 2 course, designed for people looking for in-depth avalanche training with personalized attention.
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AVALANCHE RESCUE
Learn and practice the skills needed to respond to an avalanche accident.
If there’s an avalanche, an efficient and intentional response is crucial.
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If there’s an avalanche, an efficient and intentional response is crucial.
AIARE LEVEL 1 ZOOM COURSE
If you have put off taking your Apex AIARE Level 1 course because you couldn’t or don’t want to take a Friday off from work, we have the solution.
This Zoom course offers an alternative for your classroom day!
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This Zoom course offers an alternative for your classroom day!
AIARE LEVEL 1 AND RESCUE COMBO
Travel safely through avalanche terrain and be prepared for an unexpected turn of events with this AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Combo course.
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AVALANCHE REFRESHER
During an AIARE course there is a great deal of information presented.
Often when we return to the backcountry it is difficult to remember everything we have learned and practiced in the last course. Refresh your avalanche knowledge with a focused review of key skills and concepts.
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Often when we return to the backcountry it is difficult to remember everything we have learned and practiced in the last course. Refresh your avalanche knowledge with a focused review of key skills and concepts.
INTRO TO BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL
Learn the basics of backcountry travel and safety in this introductory course.
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and enjoy the backcountry safely and confidently.
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Gain the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and enjoy the backcountry safely and confidently.
Meet our guides
Our guides are dedicated to giving the safest, most fulfilling experience to our clients. With the most AMGA certifications we have the most qualified guides in the area.
Winter Guided Trips
Mountaineering
Embark on a mountaineering adventure with courses ranging from 101 to advanced skills training. Learn essential techniques to safely explore alpine environments.
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Backcountry Skiing
The Colorado Backcountry is world renown. The backcountry skiing in and around Vail is hands down the best in the state.
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Ice Climbing
In winter, cascading waterfalls and trickling alpine flows freeze and form fantastically beautiful and surreal ice climbs.
These short lived sculptures offer phenomenal climbing opportunities hence a chance to experience a truly unique and unforgettable adventure.
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These short lived sculptures offer phenomenal climbing opportunities hence a chance to experience a truly unique and unforgettable adventure.
Ski Mountaineering
Ski mountaineering is a challenging and exhilarating activity that combines skiing and mountaineering techniques.
Master the skills of ski mountaineering, combining skiing and climbing in high alpine terrain. Ideal for adventurous skiers seeking new challenges.
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Master the skills of ski mountaineering, combining skiing and climbing in high alpine terrain. Ideal for adventurous skiers seeking new challenges.
Mixed Climbing
Blend ice and rock climbing in this exhilarating sport.
Climbers use specialized equipment, including ice axes and crampons, to ascend routes that feature both rock and frozen terrain.
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Climbers use specialized equipment, including ice axes and crampons, to ascend routes that feature both rock and frozen terrain.
Snowshoeing
Explore the winter wonderland of Colorado on snowshoes. Our guided snowshoeing tours take you through serene landscapes blanketed in fresh snow.
It is an accessible and enjoyable way to explore the outdoors in winter.
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It is an accessible and enjoyable way to explore the outdoors in winter.
Trip Insurance
Safeguard your guided trips and mountain courses with comprehensive trip insurance, offering peace of mind and protection throughout your adventurous explorations.
Private Clinics
Mountaineering 101
Learn the fundamentals of mountaineering in this beginner-friendly course. Perfect for adventurers ready to explore high alpine environments safely.
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Mountaineering 102
Take your skills to the next level with Mountaineering 102, where you’ll deepen your techniques for more challenging winter climbs.
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Mountaineering 103
Master technical climbing skills in Mountaineering 103, designed for experienced adventurers ready for serious alpine challenges.
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Ski Mountaineering
Blend skiing and mountaineering in this advanced course. Tackle steep ascents and exhilarating descents with expert guidance in high-altitude terrain.
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Level 1 Private
Enjoy a customized AIARE Level 1 course designed to fit your schedule and group needs. Perfect for personalized avalanche training.
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Level 2 Private
Take a private AIARE Level 2 course for advanced avalanche education tailored to your group. Flexible and focused on your specific goals.
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APEX MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
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Contact Us
Get In Touch Anytime!
admin@apexmountainschool.com
Phone
970 401 2736
Office Location
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7 Avon, CO 81620
