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Do you like a real challenge? Try the 14,197' Crestone Needle in the Winter. Seven power-packed expedition training days built around incredible climbing on the Crestone Needle. Guaranteed that from the beginning to the end, the altitude, the exposed terrain, the wind, and the climbing itself, offer not only an incredible Winter challenge, but will provide the ideal quality expedition training base for mountains anywhere in the world.
You wil go home having learned, practiced and perfected crevasse rescue, ascending and decending fixed lines, glacier travel, walling-in tents, glacier camping, winter survival, self-arrest, snow anchors, pickets, running belays, ice climbing and more...
If you are looking for the most exciting, challenging and highest (14,197') domestic expedition we offer, combined with our top expedition training, your satisfaction, enjoyment, adventure and overall learning will be overflowing on this 14,197' Crestone Needle Expedition.
ITINERARY:
Day I: Allow bodies to acclimate while having fun Skii Mountaineering at Hermit Basin. Instruction and challenge will be generously available for beginners as well as experienced Skii Mountaineers.
Day II: Pack sleds (to lighten loads) and backpacks then ski up to just below South Colony Lakes and establish camp just below tree line.
Day III: Expedition training day, crevasse rescue, ascending and descending fixed lines, glacier travel, snow anchors, ice ax and crampon work, self-arrest and possibly some more ice climbing.
Day IV: Leave the tents cached at South Colony Lakes if snow conditions allow for a snow cave at high camp. Enjoy the overflowing freedom as our senses explode with delight as we climb up through the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sangre de Cristo range to our high camp at the base of "The Trough" on the Crestone Needle. Elevation approximately 12,000'.
Day V and VI: Fired up stoves, hot drinks and excitement will lead to crampons biting into the steep wind packed snow of "The Trough". Cameras and memories will easily fill up as the adventurous ascent unfolds higher and higher into the upper realms of the towering and magnificent summit pillars of 14,197' Crestone Needle. Celebrations will abound as we return to our high perched camp to toast the incredible climb that is now a part of our memories to enjoy and remember forever...
Note: A second summit day is planned in case of bad weather. Ice climbing is an option if a storm prevents a summit bid on day five. Ice climbing is also an option upon return if the second summit day is not needed.
Day VII: Pack up camp and hike out to trail head, hot showers, hot tubs, and more celebrations.
COST: $1,995 Includes guide for 6 days, and a celebration dinner party the last night. Price based on two climbers. 10% Discount: December 15-20, January 12-17, February 16-21, March 16-21 and April 6-11.
DATES: December 8-14, January 19-25, February 23 - March 1st, March 23-29, April 13-19, or by arrangement.
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IDEAL EXPEDITION TRAINING FOR: Mexico's Volcanoes at altitudes of 17,400' to 18,700' or Ecuadorian peaks at altitudes of 19,300' to 20,700', Aconcagua at an altitude of 22,860'; Bolivia at an altitude of 21,165; Mount McKinley at 20,320' and the Himalayas at 20,000' and up...
Questions? Comments? E-mail the SMS staff.
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