Now taking registrations! Please call 518-576-2281 to sign up.

Ski Mountaineering Camp w/ The Mountaineer and Alpine Guides International

The inaugural Adirondack Ski Mountaineering Camp Sponsored by The Mountaineer, Dynafit and Mammut will take place February 5^th through 7^th.  The Camp is a brief 2 ½ day introduction to the skills required to travel in more advanced mountaineering and ski terrain, covering aspects of touring, climbing and descent as it relates to steep and challenging terrain. We are now taking registration for this event–please review the information below and call us to register.

Students should possess solid intermediate ski touring knowledge, advanced skiing ability and winter travel skills. We are serious about this–you must be a relatively proficient backcountry skier with advanced downhill skills already before taking this class.  It is also imperative that students have an open mind to the changeable conditions and weather in backcountry mountain terrain.  This is Ski Mountaineering in the East, not Powder Hunting!

The Camp will be limited to 5 skiers and led by IFMGA/AMGA certified guide Mark Puleio, the owner of Alpine Guides International. Dynafit rep and accomplished skier Mike “Kaz” Kazmierczak will be the assistant guide.

Skills Covered:

Slide Skiing (Conditions allowing)
Route Finding and Trip Planning
Self Arrest with and w/o skis on
Rappel and belay techniques
Steep Terrain Techniques for descent
Using an Ice Axe and Crampons, both on and off rope
Basic Avalanche Awareness/Avoidance

Schedule:

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5

Arrive at The Mountaineer anytime between 4 and 6.  to go over all of your gear, discuss the next two days in the mountains and fit those who would like to demo gear.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6

Early start- head into the Backcountry of the Adirondacks.  Destination will depend on group ability and conditions.  Plan for a 10 hour day.  Meet at The Mountaineer at 7:30am.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7

“Alpine Start” We will spend the day honing our descent techniques on steep, challenging terrain.  How to ski in control with safety in mind. We will plan on getting an early start (in the dark) in order to be back at The Mountaineer in the early afternoon out of gas. If conditions allow a summit objective with a steep ski decent will be planned.

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The idea of this course is to introduce the student to the wider range of possibilities of ski descents around the country…from the Adirondacks to the Whites, Wasatch, Tetons, Cascades and Alaska!  To travel safely in these mountains, an additional skill set is needed and we will provide you with an introduction to these skills.

Included in the Cost of Admission:

Copy of AMGA/IFMGA Guide Martin Volken’s book “Backountry Skiing”
Free use of Dynafit Ski Gear and Mammut Snow Safety Gear (Beacon/Shovel/Probe)
Guided Instruction
Pizza/Beverages Friday Night
Lunch Saturday
Lunch Sunday

Lodging and Breakfast will be available at the Keene Valley Lodge next to The Mountaineer (not included in the cost of the camp).

You will be on your own for dinner Saturday night. We have several great restaurants here including The Great Range, Ausable Inn, Baxter Mountain Tavern and Tip A Canoe.

Your Personal Gear List:

30-40L Day Ski/Climbing Pack
Skis/Boots/Poles/Skins (We will have demo Dynafit Ski Gear available but skiers should bring their own gear also)
Mountaineering Axe and Crampons
Synthetic or Down fill parka for stops/breaks
Soft Shell or Hardshell Jacket and Pants
Synthetic or Wool Base Layers
2 Pairs of Gloves
2 Hats
Goggles and Sunglasses
2 pairs of wool ski socks
Ski or Climbing Helmet
Harness (if you have it)
Belay/Rappel Device and Locking HMS Biner if you have them
Headlamp
Water Bottles

Dynafit Ski Equipment can be provided if you are interested but you must reserve ahead of time with ski boot size/preference and ski size/preference. Please bring your own gear even if you plan on trying Dynafit equipment.

Camp Cost (does not include lodging): $495

Recommended lodging is at the Keene Valley Lodge (518) 576-2003