FAQs - Outdoor
Outdoor Climbing FAQ
Is climbing outdoors safe?
As our acknowledgment of risk forms and every book on the topic will tell you, climbing has inherent dangers; it is an adventure sport. Statistically in our records, however, more people injure themselves hiking to and from the climbs than while roped in technical terrain, and most of those injuries are sprains and strains. One of our main goals as a guide service is to help make climbing and mountaineering safer. We hire guides who are experts in risk management skills, and they employ these skills while climbing with you.
Is it proper to tip guides?
Yes, gratuities are customary if you feel you have received good service. How much should I tip? Tip amounts are similar to other service industries like restaurants. Tipping is never an obligation, but your guide will greatly appreciate the gesture.
How long will the climb take?
The answer to this depends on what you are doing with us. Regular days begin at 8:00 am, and we try to have you back by 4:00 pm, though it might be a little earlier or later depending on a number of factors. Mountain days and peak climbs are more variable and are best discussed with your guide prior to your climb. To use the classic Kieners route on Longs Peak as an example, we’ve climbed it with clients in as little as 8 hours, car to car, and we’ve also had it take up to 20 hours. Route and weather conditions, your acclimatization and fitness level, other parties on the route, and a number of other factors can affect this.
Climbing sounds hard. Will I have fun?
Climbing can be hard. Climbing is true adventure, and adventures are both challenging and tremendously satisfying. But there is only one way you can find out if climbing adventures are for you – try it. One suggestion – the satisfactions will be greater and the challenges fewer with good fitness.
How do I get in shape for climbing?
Mountaineering and climbing have different training needs. For mountaineering, excellent cardiovascular fitness is paramount. Trail runs and bicycling are ideal, but if your living situation does not allow you to train outdoors, you can do quite a lot on Stairmasters, Versaclimbers, Treadmills and other machines readily available in health clubs. Your goal, when you arrive, is to be able to hike 1000’ vertical feet in an hour while carrying a pack. Weights are useful for balanced strength development, but specific climbing strength for rock climbing is best developed through climbing. Most cities in the U.S. now have indoor climbing gyms. These can be both great fun and a very specific and beneficial training method for outdoor rock and ice climbing. The book Climbing, Training for Peak Performance by Clyde Soles, published by The Mountaineers Press is also an excellent resource.
At what airport would I land? How do I reach your office?
Most people fly into Denver International Airport, approximately 45 minutes from our Boulder office, 1.5 hours from our office in Estes Park. When you sign up for a course, we send you a map that will get you here from anywhere in Colorado. Directions to Colorado Mountain School
Where can I stay? What else is there to do in town?
In Estes Park, we operate a simple hostel, a bunk and a shower for $25 a night. In addition, there are over 100 hotels and lodges in the Estes Park area. The website www.estesparkcvb.com offers a comprehensive list of all lodging possibilities, with additional pages devoted to area recreation, entertainment, shopping, dining, and special events. Camping is also available in both Rocky Mountain National Park and on Forest Service land. Boulder is larger and more cosmopolitan than Estes Park – www.boulderchamber.com will help you sort the possibilities.
What do I need to bring?
Once you sign up, gear lists will be sent to you along with additional information about your course or climb. Gear lists for all courses are also available on our gear list page. In general, you need to bring your own clothing and camping gear (if camping is part of your itinerary). We provide all group technical gear such as ropes and climbing protection. Individual climbing gear such as harnesses, helmets, and shoes are available for rental.
How will altitude affect me?
Our local climbing areas range in elevation from 5300’ to 14,259’. If you are coming from sea level, you will almost certainly notice the difference. You will fatigue more easily, you may find your sleep patterns and appetite affected. These symptoms can progress to the headaches and nausea of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and to the potentially fatal illnesses of high altitude cerebral and pulmonary edema (HACE and HAPE), though these are rare at these comparatively low elevations. Individual reactions to altitude vary greatly, and there are very few rules of thumb. Most people acclimatize fairly quickly.
If you have had problems acclimatizing on past occasions or want to maximize your potential, the very best thing you can do is spend as much time as possible in Colorado at the altitude at which you will be climbing prior to climbing with us.
Your doctor can also recommend certain medications such as Diamox which have been proven to aid in acclimatization.
Most problems with altitude result from people rushing to altitude, climbing too high too fast. You should stay well hydrated with electrolytes, get plenty of rest, eat well balanced meals and exercise moderately at first.
What texts on climbing do you recommend?
The Mountaineers Press now has several excellent rock climbing texts: Alpine Climbing: Techniques to Take you Higher by Houston and Cosley, Climbing: From Gym to Crag, and Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. The How to Rock Climb Series, particularly Advanced Rock Climbing, How to Ice Climb, and several other volumes authored by Colorado Mountain School guide Craig Luebben are also superb. Mark Houston’s and Cathy Cosley’s Alpine Climbing and Mark Twight’s Extreme Alpinism pick up where The Freedom of the Hills leaves off; they should be of interest to beginning alpinists, but are intended for more advanced climbers.
What are conditions like in Rocky Mountain National Park?
On any given day, conditions can vary dramatically. Please view our weekly Park Conditions Report.
Is there a outdoor course cancellation policy?
Yes there is. A 25% deposit (minimum $100) is required to confirm a reservation. Final payments must be made 30 days before the scheduled date. Cancellations made less than 30 days before the scheduled date are non-refundable. You may reschedule it, but the deposit amount will be retained by the Colorado Mountain School. Cancellations made less than seven days prior to the event are non-refundable and non-reschedulable.
What are your office hours?
Boulder Headquarters: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Estes Park Lodge: Our lodge is often unstaffed, and daily hours of operation vary. Please call 1-800-836-4008 ext. for more information.
Where are you located?
Boulder Headquarters: 2829 Mapleton Ave, Boulder, CO 80301
Estes Park Lodge: 341 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517
Directions to Colorado Mountain School
Looking for answers to other questions?
Call us: 1-800-836-4008 ext. 3
Email us: info@totalclimbing.com
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