Apex Mountain School

Our Story

Who we are

Apex Mountain School is a full-service mountaineering adventure company located in Vail, Colorado. With roots in the community and the climbing culture of Colorado for 20+ years, Apex stands by its reputation for excellence. Scott Smith, Apex founder, and director has more than 35 years of climbing experience and over 20 years of commercial guiding experience. He trained under the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) and is certified as an AIARE avalanche educator. Apex guides have more AMGA and AIARE certifications than any other guide service in the area. Close attention to client wellness and quality of experience is at the heart of the Apex mission. Company Mission Apex Mountain School shares a passion for excellence in mountaineering education and experiences through skills development and challenging adventure programs.

Team Photo

Colorado is home to the greatest number of peaks at or above 14,000 feet in North America. Here, mountain enthusiasts have the chance to experience one of the most impressive mountain ranges on the continent.
In addition to winter mountaineering courses, we also offer privately guided trips to the most majestic Colorado Winter Peak Ascents. Our guides will work with you to select a route and itinerary that meet your specific needs and goals.

Team video

Hike to the highest point in the Rockies with a private group or join an open enrollment hike! Open enrollment hikes are on Mondays throughout the season and are a great way to meet fellow outdoor adventurers.  Or if you prefer, for a more personalized experience, book a private summit outing! This way, you can do your part to lessen human impact on local ecosystems—hike with a guide and know you are choosing to help sustain alpine habitats. Explore the wonder of the Sawatch Range in the Rocky Mountains and summit Mount Elbert, the highest 14er in Colorado!  Apex Mountain School is looking forward to summiting with you soon – reserve your spot today to stand on the highest point in Colorado – the summit of Mount Elbert! 

No location Found

Start with step one

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Highlights

Some Adventure Options

Multi-Pitch Overnighter

Climbing multi-pitch routes is an exciting, different way to experience Colorado rock climbing. Multi-pitch climbing is ascending the rock more than one length of rope. The lead climber begins up the rock, with another member of the party “belaying” or holding the ropes securing him or her. He or she then establishes anchors to then belay the party from above. Once the whole party arrives at the anchors the process begins again. Using this method, the climbing group can ascend to any height, only limited by time and ability.

From beginner to advanced climbers, everyone can enjoy the exhilaration of multi-pitch climbing. Colorado is home to some of the most celebrated routes in the world. If you’re looking to build your knowledge and skills in the climbing environment, a multi-pitch adventure is a great way to get the full package.

Winter Peak Ascents

Colorado is home to the greatest number of peaks at or above 14,000 feet in North America. Here, mountain enthusiasts have the chance to experience one of the most impressive mountain ranges on the continent.
In addition to winter mountaineering courses, we also offer privately guided trips to the most majestic Colorado Winter Peak Ascents. Our guides will work with you to select a route and itinerary that meet your specific needs and goals.

Snowshoeing Vail

Snowshoeing in Vail is a great way to get out and see all that the winter season in Colorado has to offer. You can experience the serenity of the backcountry in Colorado and amazing views of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy beautiful snowy meadows or discover the adventurous high alpine environments. Similar to backcountry skiing, snowshoeing originated as an essential form of winter travel and is now a popular outdoor recreation activity in Colorado. Come join us for Snowshoeing in Vail. Or if you are interested in getting some downhill turns while taking in the views and the stillness of the backcountry, look into our beginner backcountry skiing course.

Mount Elbert Summit Hikes

Hike to the highest point in the Rockies with a private group or join an open enrollment hike! Open enrollment hikes are on Mondays throughout the season and are a great way to meet fellow outdoor adventurers.  Or if you prefer, for a more personalized experience, book a private summit outing! This way, you can do your part to lessen human impact on local ecosystems—hike with a guide and know you are choosing to help sustain alpine habitats. Explore the wonder of the Sawatch Range in the Rocky Mountains and summit Mount Elbert, the highest 14er in Colorado!  Apex Mountain School is looking forward to summiting with you soon – reserve your spot today to stand on the highest point in Colorado – the summit of Mount Elbert! 

what they offer

Avalanche Safety
Backcountry/XC
hiking
Ice Climbing
Mountaineering
Rock climbing

Reviews

What people are saying

/5
4.5
4.5/5

Check out the Views

Contact Details

Email

scott@apexmountainschool.com

Call us

(970) 949-9111