Snowmass Mountain

  • Offering the unique ability to alpine climb on snow for most of the summer, Snowmass Mountain (14,092') is an ideal setting for the "new-to-snow 14'er climber". Snowmass is perched above breathtaking Snowmass Lake. A 3 or 2-day climb this peak experience offers a true backcountry adventure with a remote feel of being far away from civilization. Climbing from the lake, next to a 1,000' waterfall, through a boulder field, across snowfields and steeper slopes, attaining a rocky ridge and steep ledges to the summit - Snowmass Mountain truly offers it all.

    The "S Ridge" which ascends the SW side of the mountain climbs one of the better quality scrambling routes in the Elk Range. This is guarded by a fairly legit 4x4 approach and is either done in one very early day or from a camp at Geneva Lake.

    With 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, and horse-supported options available - please speak to our office to determine the best fit; our AMGA trained and certified mountain guides will tailor a memorable, one-of-a-kind climbing adventure just for you! ( horse support is available through our USFS permitted partner outfitters)

    Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
  • Duration:Minimum 2-day approach/climb

    Location: The guide will be in touch with you the day before to determine your meeting place and any miscellaneous details. Please call 970-925-7625 for any questions.

    Maximum Guide Ratio: 2:1

    Fitness Level: You should maintain an overall general level of fitness as this climb is challenging.

    Includes: AMGA trained/certified mountain guide, use of all technical equipment (helmet, harness, climbing equipment, ropes, packs, etc.), use of all necessary camping gear, and a 3% USFS land use surcharge.

    Not included: water, extra snack food, guide gratuity.

    Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
  • Prep- Your guide will contact you the day before at the voice number you give us to discuss an appropriate plan for you and to confirm a meeting place and start time. You will go over necessary gear to pack and meal planning. Think about what type of foods you want to eat while climbing in the backcountry and coordinate with your guide.

    You will be provided with a helmet, harness, climbing equipment, ropes, a pack, and all necessary camping gear.

    The Day- Meet your guide at your pre-determined location and head to the Snowmass Lake trailhead parking lot. Begin the hike in to Snowmass Lake with heavy packs, approximately 6.5 miles. There are great campsites and the lake is very scenic. The next day is your summit day. You will begin the approach well before dawn.(Water, food/lunch/snacks are not included).

    Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
  • CLIMBING EQUIPMENT LIST

    The following items are provided for your climbing day:

    • Harness
    • Helmet
    • Climbing Equipment
    • Ropes
    • Backpack
    • Camping Gear

    CLOTHING

    • Socks: thin hiking socks, wool or synthetic
    • Bottoms: pants or shorts should be comfortable & allow the freedom of movement
    • Top: synthetic or wool t-shirts, tank-tops or long sleeves - no cotton!
    • Warm layer: nice to have along as the temperatures can vary with altitude and shade
    • Warm Jacket: a down or synthetic - perfect for night time and early am start
    • Rain Jacket: a waterproof jacket, in case of occasional afternoon rain showers
    • Hats: one with brim to keep sun off your face and one for warmth
    • Helmet (provided for you by AE)

    OTHER ITEMS

    • Water bottle
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
    • Toiletries, Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs
    • Camera or Smartphone
    • Water, Lunch/Snack food

    If you are missing a piece of gear, we have a selection of outdoor technical gear / backcountry supplies - at our retail shop at the base of Aspen Highlands - including the Summit Series from The North Face.

    Summers in Aspen tend to be warm and mild, but temperatures can easily drop as you head up in elevation, for example on Independence Pass. Rain/thunderstorms occasionally occur, more often than not in the afternoon rather than mornings. Rain gear will be essential if necessary. Participants will travel in the backcountry and should be prepared for any or all weather conditions.

    Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.

     

  • THE FIRST STEP

    It is suggested that you maintain a good level of physical fitness, as these climbs are challenging. Exercise uphill with a moderate-sized pack. Go for long runs or bike rides - try to increase your cardiovascular health.

    THE NEXT STEP

    Colorado has 58, 14,000-foot peaks! Let us help you summit the ones here in the Elk range, including South/North Maroon Peak, Pyramid Peak, Capitol Peak, Snowmass Peak, Castle Peak and Mount Elbert (the highest and one of the easier 14’ers).

    Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
  • POLICIES

    Booking/Cancellation policy:

    AE requires a full credit card or cash/check payment to hold your reservation. If you choose to cancel within 7 days of a scheduled trip, you will be charged full price. Within 7-14 days of your trip, we would be happy to work out a date to reschedule. If you choose to cancel 2 weeks or more (3 weeks or more for multi-day trips of 5+ people) prior to your scheduled trip, you will receive a full refund. If your guide decides that weather makes your scheduled trip a no-go, we will work with you to reschedule, give you a credit, or refund your trip. Travel Guard insurance is available via our website homepage.

    For weather and extenuating circumstances: if when you reach the trailhead and the guide calls the day off, you will be entitled to a full reschedule. If the trip begins (0-2 hours in), you will be charged for a full day hike, with a credit in the difference of price, which can go towards a rescheduled trip with us. After 2 hours into the day, full payment for the scheduled trip is due.

    Risk Management

    Please note: AEW's number one priority is your safety. Many conditions affect our guides' decisions in the mountains, including client fitness and comfort, weather conditions and route conditions. There are inherent hazards in mountain travel such as inclement weather, avalanches, rock fall, ice fall that our guides manage yet cannot eliminate. The combination of our guides' formal training and wealth of experience assures that their sound decision create an enjoyable and safe mountain experience. Aspen Expeditions reserves the right to turn around or change routes without refunds or credits under any conditions.

    Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.



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