Introduction to Mountaineering

Season: Year Round

Duration: 2 or 3 day course

Group size: Up to 6

Locations: Boulder Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Park

Description

Our Introduction to Mountaineering course is designed to provide aspiring mountaineers with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for safe and confident mountain travel. Throughout the course, participants will learn optimal use of essential mountaineering equipment, including crampons, mountaineering axes, and boots, to navigate varied alpine terrain efficiently and securely.

Instruction emphasizes personal gear selection for mountaineering, proper techniques for crampon fitting, walking on ice and mixed terrain, and using mountaineering axes for self-arrest and support. Participants will develop critical movement skills, such as balanced and controlled climbing on rock and snow slopes, as well as risk awareness and avoidance techniques. We will also review knots, belaying, simple anchors, stance management and rappelling techniques. The course will also briefly review glacier travel techniques and crevasse rescue, although this will be taught in more detail in other mountaineering courses.

By combining practical skills with safety protocols and mountain awareness, this course prepares participants to confidently undertake more advanced mountaineering challenges. Graduates will finish equipped with the essential tools and techniques required for safe, competent, and enjoyable mountain adventures.

What can you expect from your course

Typical schedule

Note: schedule may change based on location and weather

DAY 1

  • 8am: Meet at a Boulder coffee shop. Introductions, review medical history and forms. Review course curriculum/itinerary and complete a risk management briefing.

  • 8:30-9am: Review clothing and gear selection

  • 9am: Travel to training site that allows for assess to easy rock and/or snow. Locations may include Boulder Canyon, Golden or Eldorado State Park.

  • 10am to 4pm: Review and practice climbing techniques

  • 4-4:30pm: Return to parking lot

DAY 2

  • 8am: Meet at pre-arranged meeting point. Time is subject to change based on the objective for Day 2 (this is weather based)

  • 8:30-9am: Review clothing and gear selection

  • 9am: Travel to training site

  • 10am to 4pm: Review and practice skills learned on Day 1.

  • 4-4:30pm: Return to parking lot.

FAQ

  • We highly recommend that you bring your own climbing gear that you will use on your expedition so you can become comfortable with it, but if you do not have it available, we can assist you with renting gear. A full equipment list will be provided with booking but will include:

    • Harness

    • Helmet

    • Mountaineering boots

    • Crampons

    • Ice axe

    • Adjustable trekking poles

    • 30L backpack

    • Clothing layers as appropriate to the weather, gloves

    • Snacks/hydration (water bottles, thermos. No bladders since the water tube will freeze)

      Helmets, mountaineering boots, harnesses, crampons are available to rent by request

  • No, this course is great for beginners just getting into mountaineering!

Jesse Tembrevilla Ramos

Owner and Head Guide

Read my bio

Why Hire a Certified Guide?

  • Professional Training & Experience
    AMGA-certified guides bring world-class skills in mountain navigation, safety, and risk management — ensuring you’re in expert hands from start to finish.

  • Customized to You
    We tailor each day based on your fitness, interests, and goals. Whether you're new to hiking or looking to level up, we’ll design the perfect experience.

  • Safety & Logistics Handled
    Route planning, permits, weather assessments, gear recommendations, and emergency preparedness — it’s all taken care of.

  • Learn As You Go
    Gain valuable mountain skills, from efficient hiking techniques to trail navigation, layering systems, and altitude management.

What's Included with all BMG Trips

  • Route planning and customization

  • Safety equipment and group gear

  • Pre-trip consultation (gear, fitness, altitude)

  • Optional transportation and gear rental coordination

All trips are operated with a focus on Leave No Trace ethics, environmental stewardship, and mountain safety.