Winter Backcountry Basics

Snowshoeing is harder than hiking, but if you are a hiker than you are ready to snowshoe on this trip as we will take many breaks throughout the day for educational and recreational activities.  If you are a strong skier or snowboarder you will particularly enjoy these trips and are welcome to travel by Splitboard, Tele or AT setups.  

Active and healthy participants will enjoy all of these trips.  The hiking is challenging but there will be many breaks.  Backcountry snow travel during the final trip will be moderate for teams that choose a low elevation gain route but incredibly cardio intensive for a team that chooses to attempt a summit.

 This trip is gear intensive.  You should dress to spend long period of times in very cold (below freezing) temperatures.  It is much colder up in the park than in Denver.  Hat, gloves, warm layers, ski jacket, ski pants, face mask….If you are on a Spring course this all might be needed or completely overboard.  Bring the gear and you can store it in the car if needed.  You will also need either Snowshoes, Tele/AT Skis or a Snowboard.  Which ever method you choose to travel we recommend you bring poles (telescoping if traveling by board.)  You will NOT need the avalanche rescue equipment including a beacon, probe and shovel for this trip   

Gratuity: The outdoor industry depends on gratuity to ensure quality in the field.  Your guide goes to incredible lengths to keep you safe.   A tip of  ten dollars per person per day is recommended for excellent service.

Cancellation Policy:  All trips are non-refundable.  In the case of inclement weather prior to the trip start you will be credited the amount paid for future use with Apex Ex valid for up to 1 year from the scheduled trip date.  If you need to change your trip date there is a $20 rescheduling fee.  No date changes are allowed within 7 days of your trip as we  likely will not be able to fill your spot/s within that time frame.

Responsibility: In the case that a member of the party becomes sick or injured it is the responsibility of the group to abandon the summit attempt and assist in rescue.  Additionally, if for any reason the guide determines the group is in unreasonable danger, it is the responsibility of the climbing members to stay with the guide.  These situations are part of mountaineering and are non-refundable.