CMS Blog
Colorado Mountain School Turns 40
Happy 40th Birthday Colorado Mountain School Colorado Mountain School was founded in Estes Park, Colorado in 1981 and we are celebrating our 40th birthday this
September 2, 2021
CMS Blog
CMS Blog
Ice Climbing Courses: How to Get Started
Interested in an ice climbing course, improving your technique, or prepping for the Ouray Ice Festival? Here’s everything about where Colorado Mountain School guides, what
January 4, 2022
Avalanche Training
Which Avalanche Safety Course is Right For You?
Avalanche Safety is Everyone’s Business Why take an avalanche safety course? Why not just buy the beacon, shovel and probe and get out there?
November 30, 2021
CMS Blog
What is a Backcountry Hut Trip?
AIARE 1 Hut Trips Our one-of-a-kind AIARE 1 Backcountry Hut Trips provide you with 3 days of luxury at a warm alpine hut. And, with skiing right out
November 30, 2021
CMS Blog
Becoming a Mountain Guide: Thoughts from Freshly-Pinned IFMGA Guide Norie Kizaki
Becoming a Mountain Guide: A Conversation with Norie Kizaki At Colorado Mountain School, we realize our guides have different goals and desires in addition to
October 20, 2021
Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
How to Start Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding
Why Start Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding? Want to start backcountry skiing or splitboarding? Are those fresh powder turns, untracked runs, a sense of exploration,
October 20, 2021
Avalanche Training
Early Season Snow and Backcountry Travel; What Do You Need to Know?
Preparing for early season snow and backcountry travel could make or break your next adventure. Written by Colorado Mountain School Guide Andy Hansen If you’ve
October 11, 2021
CMS Blog
What that AMGA Patch Stands for: The History of the American Mountain Guides Association
History of the AMGA The AMGA was set in motion in 1979 when a group of mountain guides in Jackson, Wyoming came together and created
July 21, 2021
CMS Blog
Is Your Mountain Guide Qualified
Is Your Mountain Guide Qualified? When tax season rolls around, you turn towards your accountant or CPA, right? Well, searching for a mountain guide is
July 20, 2021
CMS Blog
Guides Day Off: Discovering Little Alaska in State Forest State Park
State Forest State Park is located northeast of Rocky Mountain National Park near Walden, Colorado. Within the park, you’ll find the Nokhu Crags, a ski
July 6, 2021
CMS Blog
Guides Day Off at Longs Peak: Women’s Mentoring in the Outdoors
Women’s Mentoring in the Outdoors At the Colorado Mountain School, we not only share our love of the mountains with our guests. We help to
June 29, 2021
Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
Backcountry Skiing with IFMGA Guide Ben Markhart: What to Pack and Wear for Spring Conditions
By Colorado Mountain School guide Ben Markhart Do you have questions about what to pack and wear for an upcoming backcountry skiing tour? IFMGA Guide
April 21, 2021
Guiding Life
Dear Mothers,
Dear Mothers, There is finally a light at the end of tunnel. Whatever you did to keep your family and children safe in the last
March 31, 2021
Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
Spring into Backcountry Skiing
For some, when ski areas start closing down in the spring it signals the end of the season, but backcountry users know that spring skiing
March 25, 2021
Rock Climbing
New to Outdoor Sport Climbing? Get Started at These 5 Denver-Area Crags
Since Colorado Mountain School was founded in 1981, we’ve witnessed an explosion of climbing gyms across the country. These massive, ever-changing indoor facilities not only
June 5, 2020
Guiding Life
The Importance of Leave No Trace
With Colorado Mountain School Guide Rainbow Weinstock Unfortunately, we have all likely experienced a favorite place becoming littered with trash, or trampled over by people
April 22, 2020
Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
Scarpa Maestrale XT Review
I’ve owned nearly every iteration of the Scarpa Maestrale ski boot. I started skiing on the original Maestrale about 10 years ago. The way I
March 4, 2020
Avalanche Training
Analysis of a Historic Avalanche Cycle: The Spring of 2019
As we prepare for another season recreating in the backcountry, it’s hard not to reflect upon how last season ended. I, for one, feel lucky
October 15, 2019
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