Mt. Elbert SUMMIT
Take on the challenge of ascending a 14,000-foot peak during the winter season. With expert guides, you’ll experience the beauty and intensity of Colorado’s winter backcountry while summiting these majestic mountains.
Guided winter ascents of Colorado’s famous 14ers
All levels welcome, from beginners to seasoned mountaineers
Safety-focused with expert guides and full gear provided
Breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and valleys
MT. ELBERT
Description
Winter 14er Peak Ascents with Apex Mountain School offers it all. Colorado is home to the greatest number of peaks at or above 14,000 feet in North America. Here, mountain enthusiasts have the chance to experience one of the most impressive mountain ranges on the continent.
In addition to winter mountaineering courses, we also offer privately guided trips the most majestic Colorado Winter Ascents. Our guides will work with you to select a route and itinerary that meet your specific needs and goals.
Topics we typically cover include:
- Trip planning
- Navigation with map & compass and/or GPS device
- Emergency shelter construction
- Movement skills
- Self arrest
Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Winter 14er journey. Reserve your spot through the calendar below, or for more information, call us at (970) 949-9111 or visit our contact page.
If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call—our team can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility. Let’s get you out in the snow!
Quick Information
Course Overview:
Enjoy these Winter Ascents in the Colorado Rockies surrounding Vail, Colorado.
All ages, 12 & up!
Dates:
Available daily
Duration:
1 day
Locations:
- Mt. Arkansas – 13795′
- Mt. Elbert – 14439′
Difficulty:
Easy – Difficult
Special Requests:
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
What you should bring
WHAT TO BRING
- Beacon (rental available)
- *No cotton – cotton does not wick moisture or insulate when wet.
- Synthetic or wool long underwear bottom (thin)
- Synthetic or wool long sleeve top (medium)
- Mid layer top and bottom
- Synthetic or wool socks
- Winter jacket
- Insulated “Puffy” Jacket
- Snow pants
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Small day pack
- Water bottle
- Food
ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Thermos of hot liquid
- Gaiters
- Extra gloves
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
- Camera
APEX MOUNTAIN SCHOOL PROVIDES
- Boots
- Crampons
- Ice Axes
- Helmet
- Harness (42”/44” max)
Trip Insurance
Safeguard your guided trips and mountain courses with our comprehensive trip insurance, offering peace of mind and protection throughout your adventurous explorations.
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.
Reviews
Katie Connolly
2024-10-21
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 12 year old son and I had an amazing time rock climbing with Scott. My son has been climbing before but I have never climbed before, and the fact that we both had an awesome experience speaks volumes about Scott's skills as a guide. What's more, my son is on the autism spectrum, and Scott was great about meeting my son where he is (which is all any parent can ask for). Scott picked us up and dropped us off, which was great because I didn't know uber and lyft really aren't a thing in the Vail valley. There is a charge for the transportation, but it is consistent with other transpo services in the area, and the bonus is that you go directly to the climbing spot from your hotel because Scott brings all the gear in the van when he picks you up!
One important thing I learned is to do your research separately from your hotel's concierge. I was disappointed, to say the least, that the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek couldn't or wouldn't help me find a good climbing guide. I'm happy to report that Apex's website was easy to use and find the information I was looking for, and they were so incredibly responsive. As soon as I reached out, Scott was in constant contact with me about what our options were and all the information he needed to make a great, safe day.
And on that last point, I'd like to emphasize how safe I felt with Scott. I'm a total scaredy-cat and never thought I would climb an actual rock in the actual outside. I did because of Scott's support and teaching. Scott had excellent tips for me to gain control of the anxiety I was feeling about the heights. And I don't trust my kid with just anybody, and I was never worried about getting home with my kid intact with Scott at the helm. Highly, highly recommend, especially if you're going out with kids or have little to no climbing experience. I'm now a climbing convert thanks to Apex and Scott.
Randy Barbano
2024-09-12
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. (Re: Jack Guay was our Apex guide up Mt. Elbert on 9/9/24).
Jack Guay was the best choice you could make! Personable, professional, knowledgeable, strong, experienced and the list can go on. Jack loves the outdoors and he is contagious in that regard. Our hike up Elbert was a success, because Jack made it so. Jack even carried many of my wife’s items to lighten her pack,
Thank you!
Adam Caputo
2024-06-13
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I came to Vail for a work conference and was looking for some fun. Apex has it all, I did some mountain bike riding, climbing, and an all day multi-pitch climb. I cannot say enough good things about Apex, and specifically, Scott. He was an excellent teacher and taught me a lot about every aspect of the climb. He made me feel safe and secure. One aspect of the trip is you spend a lot of time with your guide. Scott is one of the coolest guys I've met, super easy to talk to and get along with. I enjoyed every aspect of each outing and will recommend anyone, from a beginner just wanting to experience something new, to an advanced climber, Scott will teach you something new. I hope I can come out in the winter to experience some ice climbing. Thanks for such a great trip Apex, I'll be coming back soon.
Chris Schaefer
2024-04-07
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott took my girlfriend and I out for our first tour in Colorado. I’m an experienced back country traveler and my girlfriend had never been out before. Scott managed the dynamics of our different experience levels very well and made the day very enjoyable. If you’re going to head into the backcountry with a guide, Scott’s experience and enthusiasm is guaranteed to be an asset for your group.
Samantha Globerman
2024-03-29
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't speak highly enough of the instructors/guides at Apex Mountain School. Andy was truly one of the best teachers I have ever met- patient, understanding, and an extremely effective communicator. He explained everything so well, and added interesting or funny stories along the way. I learned an immense amount through this AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue course, but I also had a ton of fun and met some amazing people. Highly recommend!!
Dennis Collins
2024-03-13
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue with Apex and had a blast. The instructors were amazing and we had an awesome, fun time, while also learning non stop. The atmosphere was relaxed but serious. I would definitely recommend Apex and hope to join them on future adventures and courses.
Dave Stultz
2024-03-05
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Top notch guiding and educators for back country and avalanche training. I just finished my second course with APEX and it was just as good as the first.
Matt Nuzzo
2024-02-27
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic instruction. Was very appreciative of the Zoom option and being able to fit in the classroom section of my AIARE 1 course after work (as opposed to having to drive to Vail from Denver). Jill was a very knowledgeable and patient teacher, knowing when to give the answers and when to let the class think and try to figure things out on our own. Would highly recommend.
Taggart Howard
2024-02-23
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just completed the AIARE Level 1 Backcountry Avalanche Course. It was great! I took the Zoom class with Jill. It nice to have Zoom as an option for us working folks. And, the two days in the field were really informative. Jill has years of experience, and shared her tips with the team. I feel like I built a great foundation for backcountry splitboarding. Route planning, mapping, safety concerns, strategy, beacon training, etc. Apex seems to be a top notch organization. I am happy that I chose them for my AIARE Level 1.
Stella Sy
2024-02-06
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott, Chris and Jack are the most amazing guides! They are knowledgeable, patient and really made our ice climbing experience extra memorable. We had such an epic adventure ice climbing then glissading. Our group would highly recommend Apex Mountain School.
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