SkiMo Aspen Haute Route
$ 2,500.00
Join us April 30th-May 4th, 2019 for our inaugural Ski Mountaineering "Aspen Haute Route" Hut Adventure. This is without a doubt one of the most impressive hut-to-hut traverses in all of Colorado. This year we are going clock-wise around Taylor, Star and Mace Peaks. This trip follows a similar route as our "Aspen Haute Route" hut-to-hut adventure, but with an emphasis on ski mountaineering and big mountain summit skiing along the way. We will be using crampons, axes, whippets, ropes and harnesses to safely ascend and descend steep Elk Mountain summits that are adjacent or en-route to the huts we will be staying in. Departing from the ghost town of Ashcroft, our first night is at the Opa's Taylor Hut, then over Star Pass to the famed Friends Hut, culminating with an epic link up over Pearl Pass to the Tagert Hut for two nights and three days of peak ascents/descents. We will ski from hut to hut over three 12,000' high mountain passes off the shoulders of Star, Taylor, and Pearl Peaks.
Day 1 - Meet at our shop at Aspen Highlands for gear check and finalize the food packing/ distribution. Relocate to Ashcroft and skin up Express Creek to the Little Italian basin and Little Italian Pass (12,184'). Here we pull skins and have a mostly down hill run to the impressively beautiful and newest hut in the system - The Opa's Taylor Hut (11,850'). With 280 degrees of high peak views from inside the hut, ski lines appear in every direction. Easily accessed tune-up objectives from the summit or shoulders of Taylor Peak (13,435') are options. Snacks and dinner prepared by our guides.
Day 2 - After an early morning breakfast we depart Opa’s for a quick descent into the Taylor Creek valley. Transitioning to skins, we ascend to the top of Star Pass (12,330') situated between Star and Crystal Peaks. From here we may choose to ascend Star Peak (13,521') and ski the South Face or "June Couloir" for an epic technical descent to the famed Friends Hut (11,370') (http://www.huts.org/The_Huts/hut_history.php). For the super motivated, we may ski tour again that evening off of one of Star Peak's fabulous shoulders back to the Friends Hut. Snacks and dinner prepared by our guides.
Day 3 - From the Friends Hut we ascend to the top of Pearl Pass (12,705') with a possible summit of Pearl Peak (13,362'). Here The 360 degree views of the Central Elks offer mind-blowing views of countless imposing steep faces such as Castle, Cathedral, Pearl, Star and Mace Peaks (to name a few), with Crested Butte lying just off to the south. Pulling skins we have an epically long descent to the Tagert Hut (11,240'). With quick and easy access to great skiing behind the hut a late afternoon/evening ski-tour will surely be in order. Snacks and dinner prepared by our guides.
Day 4 - Perfectly situated at the Tagert Hut, we are in quick striking position for a possible ski ascent/descent of Castle Peak's (14,279') famously renowned East Face. This is an all time technical ski descent of the Elk Mountain's tallest 14'er in the range. A bucket list must-do for any ski-mountaineer! If conditions do not allow for a Castle Peak descent, there are countless worthy objectives surrounding this hut that can be attained in most conditions such as - Mace Peak's north couloirs, Pearl Peak's north face or any of the many couloirs coming off of the Castle Peak ridge.
Day 5 - With a quick 6 mile/1,780' downhill ski all the way to the trailhead (and libations at the Pine Creek Cookhouse), we have options of a leisurely morning or an early ski objective before departure.
You should have previous backcountry skiing experience, strong uphill fitness and strong technical downhill skiing abilities. This trip will include steep boot-packing, use of crampons/axe, and steep technical ski descents.
Price starts at $2,500 per person based on a max 3:1 ratio. Price includes AMGA/AIARE trained/certified guides, 3% USFS surcharge, private huts for our group, all needed Alpine Touring gear (including avalanche safety equipment – beacon, shovel, probe), harnesses, helmets, crampons, axes, and new The North Face backpacks/lightweight sleeping bags. All food, planning and shopping are also included on this epic trip.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to book your trip or to request more information!
Related Items
Aspen Lift Access Backcountry Ski/Ride
$ 650.00
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For many resort skiers and snowboarders, there is something decidedly romantic, wild west and even risque, perhaps, about riding a chairlift up the ski area, then exiting the ski area and skiing down untracked chutes and bowls - potentially as far down as the valley floor.
The mountains of the Elk Range and the access provided by our local ski areas - Aspen Mt., Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk - combine to make Aspen/Snowmass an incredible destination for backcountry skiers. From the top of a lift, a short hike (or just a traverse, in some cases) opens up infinite options for hand-crafted backcountry skiing tours.
Depending on snow conditions and specific clients' ambitions/abilities, our AMGA-certified guides will tailor a memorable, one-of-a-kind untracked adventure just for you and your group.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
Off of Snowmass Mountain
Backside of Aspen Mountain -
Duration: Day Tour - Approximately 9:00am - 3:30pm
Location: The guide will be in touch with you the day before to determine your meeting place. If you need AT gear call us at 970-925-7625; we will schedule a time to get setup at our backcountry center at Aspen Highlands.
Maximum Guide Ratio: 4:1
Fitness Level: All tours are custom and suited for your physical ability and needs.
Includes: AMGA trained/certified ski guide, Alpine Touring (AT) ski, or splitboard equipment, use of avalanche beacon, shovel, probe & ski pack, 3% USFS land use surcharge
Not included: lift tickets, lunch/snack food.
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 appropriate terrain for you and to onfirm a meeting place and start time.
You will be provided with a pack w/probe, shovel & avalanche beacon. If you need alpine touring ski equipment (AT skis, skins, boots) we can arrange to set you up the morning, or preferably the night before, at Aspen Highlands. (You will receive a $15 discount.)
The Day- Meet your guide at our shop or at a pre-determined location. From there your will head out to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group. You will stop for lunch and snacks en route. (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. -
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING EQUIPMENT LIST
SKI EQUIPMENT
The following items are provided for your day tour:
- Day-tour backpack: (airbag available)
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Probe
- Avy shovel: metal blade is a must
- Touring skis and boots or splitboard (we do not have snowboard boots)
- Climbing Skins
- Ski Poles (adjustable length optional)
CLOTHING
- Socks: Wool or synthetic ski socks
- Base layers: Synthetic, wool or silk bottom, underwear and top
- Mid Layer: Synthetic or wool zip shirt
- Hard Shell or Softshell pants: A pair with side vents are best.
- Insulated vest or jacket: down or synthetic.
- Hard or Soft shell jacket: waterproof and breathable, no or little insulation.
- Gloves: a pair of heavy gloves and a pair of medium weight gloves
- Hats: one with brim, one for warmth
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: optional, but nice to have
- Helmet (recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
OTHER ITEMS
- Water bottle
- Small thermos: (Optional)
- Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
- Headlamp
- Toiletries, Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs
- Camera or Smartphone
- Lunch/Snack food
-
Participants will travel through the winter backcountry on skis, splitboard with skins, or snowshoes. Come dressed appropriately with warm layers for moderate physical exertion in cool and wintry weather.
THE FIRST STEP
It is suggested that you maintain a good level of physical fitness. Maintain and build heart and lung endurance with cardiovascular activities such as swimming, cycling, running and hiking. Hike up hill, up stairs or do squats to prepare your legs for mountain travel.
THE NEXT STEP
Follow a day of backcountry ski touring with another ski day, a lift access backcountry ski tour, a hut trip with friends/family or one of our renowned international ski trips.
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.
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.
Backcountry Ski Tour
$ 650.00
-
The mountains surrounding Aspen offer countless backcountry ski touring options for both the intermediate and advanced skiers. A day trip to Ashcroft and the Castle Creek Valley is the perfect backcountry skiing destination while in the Aspen area. Just 10 miles from town, the solitude of Green Mountain, combined with it's relatively easy access makes for some great touring and powder skiing. It's a perfect tour for those seeking great skiing and untracked snow amid scenic terrain.
Depending on snow conditions and specific clients' ambitions, our AMGA-trained/ certified guides will tailor a memorable, one-of-a-kind untracked adventure just for you and your group.
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 ski resorts are skied out, but we are still skiing amazing untracked powder! Come on out!
Posted by Aspen Expeditions on Thursday, January 14, 2016 -
Duration: Day Tour - Approximately 8:30am - 3:30pm
Location: The guide will be in touch with you the day before to determine your meeting place. If you need AT gear call 970-925-7625 to schedule a time to get setup at the backcountry center at Aspen Highlands.
Maximum Guide Ratio: 4:1
Fitness Level: All tours are custom and suited for your physical ability and needs.
Includes: AMGA trained/certified ski guide, use of avalanche beacon, shovel, probe & ski pack, 3% USFS land use surcharge
Not included: personal skiing equipment (Alpine Touring (AT) ski, or snowboard equipment (available for demo at $15 discount), lunch/snack food.
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 appropriate terrain for you and to confirm a meeting place and start time.
You will be provided with a pack w/probe, shovel & avalanche beacon. If you need alpine touring ski equipment (AT skis, skins, boots) we can arrange to set you up the morning of at 8:30 am at Aspen Highlands shop or the night before between 3:00-5:30 pm. (You will receive a $15 discount).
The Day - Meet your guide at our shop or at a pre-determined location. From there your will head out to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group. You will stop for lunch and snacks en route. (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. -
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING EQUIPMENT LIST
SKI EQUIPMENT
The following items are provided for your day tour:
- Day-tour backpack: (airbag available)
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Probe
- Avy shovel: metal blade is a must
The following Demo AT rental ski package is available for $15 discount per person:
- Touring skis and boots or splitboard (we do not carry snowboard boots)
- Climbing Skins
- Ski Poles (adjustable length optional)
CLOTHING
- Socks: Wool or synthetic ski socks
- Base layers: Synthetic, wool or silk bottom, underwear and top
- Mid Layer: Synthetic or wool zip shirt
- Hard Shell or Softshell pants: A pair with side vents are best.
- Insulated vest or jacket: down or synthetic.
- Hard or Soft shell jacket: waterproof and breathable, no or little insulation.
- Gloves: a pair of heavy gloves and a pair of medium weight gloves
- Hats: one with brim, one for warmth
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: optional, but nice to have
- Helmet (recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
OTHER ITEMS
- Water bottle
- Small thermos: (Optional)
- Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
- Headlamp
- Toiletries, Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs
- Camera or Smartphone
- Lunch/Snack food
-
Participants will travel through the winter backcountry on skis, splitboard with skins, or snowshoes. Come dressed appropriately with warm layers for moderate physical exertion in cool and wintry weather.
THE FIRST STEP
It is suggested that you maintain a good level of physical fitness. Maintain and build heart and lung endurance with cardiovascular activities such as swimming, cycling, running and hiking. Hike up hill, up stairs or do squats to prepare your legs for mountain travel.
THE NEXT STEP
Follow a day of backcountry ski touring with another ski day, a lift access backcountry ski tour, a backcountry ski camp, hut trip or international ski trip.
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.
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.