News

Peak Season -the First Snows fall high in the mountains

The seasons are changing.  It's peak autumn season here in the central rockies near Aspen, CO. The Aspen Trees are golden, the high mountains covered with a dusting of snow.

Coming out this fall? Then come let us take you on day of fall rock climbing, maybe a peak ascent or scenic autumn mountain hike.

Planning to come this winter or thinking about it?  Join us for a day of backcountry skiing, take an avalanche course, go on a custom hut trip with your friends/family or try your hand at ice climbing.

Summer's not over yet here in Aspen!

Rockies is still ideal for climbing mountains, climbing rock and trekking/hiking around the mountains.  Plenty of clear skies and a temperate climate!

The summer has been fantastic.   A thank you to all of our wonderful guests!  Below are a few images of good times in the mountains;

Guest feedback:

Craig says;

"Hey just wanted to say had an epic day. Jack is freakin' awesome.  Loved every second of it.  Can't wait to do more with you guys. "

Whit Kelly

"A quick note of thanks for a great day yesterday on Pyramid! Scott was a fantastic guide, keeping this flatlander on pace and on target. Truth is, I was quite unsure at the outset with my finger issue, my boots having blown out the day before and just general trepidation. We had perfect weather, saw plenty of goats and experienced views that cannot be beaten.

Scott engineered a great summit day for me and I appreciate his patience dragging me up where the air is a tad thinner than Fort Worth and the rocks a bit bigger. So, thanks to you and your team for a very memorable day."

Rock this Summer in Aspen/Snowmass!

Get outside and enjoy the mountains! Plan your day or multi-day trips now.

• Go for a fun day of rock climbing up on Independence Pass. 
• Get in an alpine climb up Pyramid Peak, the Maroon Bells or Capitol Peak and more.
• Wander amid wildflowers in the high alpine wilderness on a mountain hike, overnight camping trip, or a trek to Crested Butte. 
• Got a group or party? Consider an adventure ropes course Terrain Challenge including fun elements such as a zipline across a gorge, a climb out of an ice cave, a slack line across a river and more. (Customized for your group.) 
• With snow still high on the peaks come on snow climbs and/or ski off of Independence Pass.

The staff and professional AMGA Mountain Guides at Aspen Expeditions excel at providing a custom outdoor experience for you and your group. From easy half day private hikes and rock climbs to multi-night "turn-key" camping and technical peak outings, let us help you plan some outdoor mountain fun!  Contact us today via email or voice at 970-925-7625. 

Tidbits

• Aspen Expeditions Worldwide is a US Forest Permittee since 1976
• AEW only hires the most professional mountain guides with formal AMGA training or certifications!
• AEW was voted 'Business of the Year' by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association
• We love our staff & mountain guides ... and know you will too!

Thank You For A Stellar 2015/2016 Season!

Ahh, what a season it has been...

I will admit I've made the "best day ever" statement a few times this year. Each day would come and trump the one before. With our zone averaging a relatively stable snowpack, the backcountry scene was going off. We got to big zones and big lines all season long - and in excellent condition (for the most part). The overall vibe around town seemed to hold at a high level of stoke. 

Here at Aspen Expeditions, we were reaping the benefits of Mother Nature's blessing. We had a very busy ski guiding season, with lots of new clients and our wonderful returns.

Some memorable hut trips went down. Two of my favorites included our rockstar all-women's hut trip that landed right smack in the middle of a two-foot powder storm, and a Crested Butte to Aspen hut traverse that landed several peak summits along the way, (just to highlight a few...)

This year's ice climbing season was also a strong one, with some great melt-freeze cycles bringing some of our local classics into fat condition. 

On the international front, we had a successful Haute Route with an incredible group of folks - some Aspen locals and some folks from a far. They traveled through everything from total white-out conditions, to bluebird glacial skiing. They explored Chamonix and drank beers & wine along the way, experiencing the exclusive European ski culture. 

We are soon heading down to Bolivia with some clients to climb Mururata. Mururata is a mountain in the Cordillera Real of Bolivia. It offers accessible climbing with moderate routes. Good luck to the team!

Congratulations to several of our guides, who completed/passed AMGA courses/exams, adding quite a bit of credentials to their resumes. Congratulations to Britt Ruguer on his AMGA ski guide exam, and Sammy Podhurst and Nate Emerson on their AMGA ski guide course!

All-in-all, it was a top-notch season and I think we can all say we got our fill of exceptional ski days. While we are still spring skiing and mountaineering, I can say it is just about that time for me to turn my attention to the rock - send mode!

Thank you all for a great season - we wouldn't be here without you all and without the support from our great community.  

You're invited - 5 pm, March 9, Highlands - Group Dynamics in the Backcountry

Come to Aspen Expeditions' Backcountry Snowpack Roundtable Discussion this Wednesday, March 9, 5 pm at the Aspen Highlands' Taqueria .  Featured guests include Aspen Expeditions' Guides &  Staff and local journalist, ski aficionado Tim Mutrie to discuss the differences and similarities between the interpersonal dynamics of a 'guided group'' vs. a 'peer group' going out on a backcountry ski tour. 

This Friday, March 4, Get Outside on a Local's Backcountry Ski Tour

Join Aspen Expeditions' Local's Backcountry Ski Tour this Friday, March 3 with IFMGA guide Mike Arnold. Meet at Aspen Highlands.  You must preregister either online, stop by our shop or call us at 970-925-7625 (SPACE IS LIMITED TO 4 per guide).

IFMGA guide Mike Arnold will share his intimate knowledge of the local backcountry conditions and more.

Join us this Sunday (2/28) on Intro to Backcountry or Light & Fast BC Tour

• Introduction to Backcountry Skiing- This tour is ideal for the accomplished alpine skier that wants to explore skiing the backcountry. Learn the basics from appropriate alpine touring ski equipment to traveling on skis through the winter backcountry. This mini-course is offered for either the entry level uphill skier and/or those who are new to the backcountry. Topics will include: Proper gear choice and use of skins, AT boots, dressing and packing for a day's BC tour, uphill technique/track setting, kick turns, basic route finding... all with access to the Aspen backcountry yet completely avoiding any "Avalanche" terrain. This tour is limited to 6 guests and will meet at the Gondola Plaza at 9:00AM, returning by 2:00PM. Cost is $125/person (plus a one ride lift ticket for the Gondola) and reservations are required at Aspen Expeditions.
  
  

• Touring LIGHT and FAST - This tour is designed for the fitness skier that wants to explore efficient ski touring in the backcountry. Just how light is 'right' and how fast is fast enough? With an emphasis on the use and choice of lightweight skis/boots and layering for conditions while covering lots of terrain and quality 'fall-line' skiing. This mini-course offers the optimal performance techniques to shave time, energy and weight without compromising the safety, comfort and ultimately the goal/destination! This tour is limited to 4 guests and requires pre-registration and appropriate gear prior to the tour, so reservations are required at Aspen Expeditions...970-925-7625. Cost is $150/person and the tour will meet at 9:00AM returning by 4:00PM.

• Visit us on Saturday at Base of Aspen Mountain Gondola or sign up online or please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form  to request more information. Custom dates available. (price based on minimum guide ratio of 3:1 and maximum of 4:1 - supplement for more)

Locals Backcountry Ski Tour this Friday and/or Saturday

Join Aspen Expeditions' Local's Backcountry Ski Tour this Friday, February 19 AND/OR or Saturday, February 20 with either AMGA guides Britt Ruegger or Amos Whiting. Meet at Aspen Highlands.  You must preregister either online, stop by our shop or call us at 970-925-7625 (SPACE IS LIMITED TO 4 per guide).

Amos Whiting and Britt Ruegger have been skiing and guiding the local backcountry for over 10 years. They'll share their intimate knowledge of the local backcountry conditions and more.

Saturday, February 13 - Free Demos of New Scott Sports AT Skis and Boots

Stop by Aspen Expeditions'  Aspen Highlands backcountry center and try the new Scott Sports AT skis and ski boots for free! 

New in 2015-16 is the SCOTT Cascade 110 backcountry ski which breaks onto the scene as a lightweight, progressive twin-tip rockered, backcountry destroyer. With composite paulownia wood core, the Cascade 110 bridges the gap between long tours and deep powder. 

Also new is the SCOTT Superguide 95, a high-performance backcountry ski. The Superguide 95 is lightweight for the uphill, thanks to an advanced carbon/kevlar wood core construction, and utilizes SCOTT’s renowned sidewall elliptic construction for downhill power.

SCOTT`s AT ski boots are a blend of lightweight performance and agility for variable conditions. Thanks to POWERFIT technology, skiers will find both mobility of the cuff on the way up and firm strength during skiing.

SCOTT Sport's high-end bike, wintersport, products showcase our passion for sports and the great outdoors. INNOVATION - TECHNOLOGY – DESIGN is the essence behind all SCOTT products and the vision of our engineers and designers.

Tuesday, February 16 - for Women, by Women - go on an introductory backcountry ski tour! This day tour will introduce you to touring in the backcountry.  This involves an uphill tour followed by a downhill descent most likely in the upper Castle Creek Valley.

Friday, February 19 &/or Saturday February 20  - Local's Backcountry Tours -  Take advantage of this opportunity to ski some unique local terrain and ski some deep, cold smoke. Individuals will take away a lot from this tour, allowing participants to understand how to travel and make terrain choices wisely during times of major loading.

Next Local's Backcountry Tour: Friday, Feb. 5th

Thank you Ullr!!! Over 3 feet in 3 days has people left with perma-grins hours after they have left the mountain. Local's are claiming that this storm was "all-time," and "top, deep powder days since '07/'08." Now that the storm has come and gone, there lies some sunny, cold days ahead. This will keep the quality of the snow high and the skiing great. 

This Friday, February 5th is our next Local's Backcountry Tour. Take advantage of this opportunity to ski some unique local terrain and ski some deep, cold smoke. Individuals will take away a lot from this tour, allowing participants to understand how to travel and make terrain choices wisely during times of major loading. With 'high' and 'considerable' ratings forecasted from the CAIC, there is a lot to look out for off-piste.

With the right terrain choices and good decision-making, the skiing will provide big rewards :)

Minimum ratio 3:1, maximum ratio 4:1 @ $175 per person. Give us a call at (970) 925-7625 or sign-up on our website at aspenexpeditions.com to reserve your spot today!