Bob Culp Climbing School and Guide Service .

Climbing Trips

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We offer guided rock, ice, and mountain climbing trips in Colorado and elsewhere. Our international trips are made in cooperation with IFMGA guides. The following trips are suggested. We can plan a trip for you to any climbing area in the world. Contact us for further information.

Dolomite Climbing Adventures

Our Dolomite Climbing Adventures are 3 days (or longer), July through October, for climbers of all experience levels - beginner to more advanced.

Hermann Buhl, the legendary Austrian climber writes "The Dolomites - an endless sea of mountains! . . . Proud and upstanding, like fairy castles, they soar above the green and pleasant valleys beyond counting, their spires, towers, and needles crowning sheer ridges and walls. Exciting, wildly romantic, their yellow faces soar perpendicular from the green meadows or gray tongues of rubble at their feet. Where else are the tarns, the rushing waters, and the whispering woods so enchanting as here in God's garden, the magic Dolomite country?"

We stay at the hotel Montana in the picturesque mountain village of Cortina. It is a charming place directly across the plaza from the church bell tower.

The weather in the Dolomites is generally sunny and pleasant in the summer and fall. The rock climbing is unparalleled.

If you would like to join us on one of these trips, please contact us - and be prepared for the climbing adventure of your life!

Bob - Charlie and I have pledged to make our climbs an annual affair. It was really excellent meeting you. We had some really terrific climbs on the Cinque Torri. And your tales rocking and rambling across the globe made you excellent company at the dinner table at the end of a long day's climb. (Romas Viesulas, Milan)

Trip Summary

TRIP DATES 2008: We will be in the Dolomites for the month of Aug. Call us to schedule or plan a trip for other dates.

Bob - I trust you made it back safely, many thanks again for a terrific trip. Enclosed is one fragment of the video you/we took. I can send you more if you would like. (Darren, Seattle)

Trip Prices

Bob - Thanks so much for such a tremendous few days in Cortina, it was really fantastic! As Tauras' email says, we are both very keen to do Round 2 and next Sept / Oct in Colorado sounds like a great plan. It was great to meet you as well as climb with you, I also really enjoyed our dinners together. If you do find yourself planning a trip to Tokyo do give me a call and a bed (well, tatami mat!) is definitely available and the food here is every bit as good as Italy's, and the beer ain't bad either. I hope the rest of your trip was lots of fun, do stay in touch. (Charlie, Tokyo)

What to Bring

Clients must bring personal climbing gear including rock climbing shoes, harness, belay device with large locking biner, nut tool with biner, helmet, daisy chain with locking biner, day pack, and hiking/approach shoes. This equipment can also be rented.

Clothing for the Dolomites should include rugged, loose-fitting pants, t-shirt, long sleeved shirt, cap, lightweight gloves, warm fleece pullover (or equivalent), and Gore- Tex (or equivalent) rain jacket.

Hey Bob - Just a note to again say how much fun I had climbing with you guys in the Dolomites. It was totally fun and I hope to do it again one day. (Cathy, Seattle)

Itinerary

Clients will receive appropriate instruction. Schedule will be planned to suit clients' abilities and wishes.

We either meet in Cortina or (by arrangement) at the Venice airport. We spend nights in town (usually at the Hotel Montana) and drive daily to the climbing areas.

We may drive to other areas such as the Sella where we would spend nights in a nearby town.

Some nights may be spent in climbing huts, and lunches are often available in nearby huts.

Bob - The climbing trip was successful beyond all my imaginings. Dolomite climbing is pretty challenging, but I am really glad I did it. Next time the Alps? (Greg, Los Angeles)

For more information email bob@bobculp.com (303) 444 -2470 or (866) 442 - 8355

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Chamonix Climbing Adventures

These 3 days (or longer) climbing trips are held in the Mt Blanc range of the French Alps. The trips will consist of rock, ice, and mountain climbing providing the perfect introduction to alpine mountaineering and an experience not to be forgotten.

Gaston Rebuffat the renowned Chamonix guide writes about the Mt Blanc range "What an extraordinary creation this is, wrought by earth and time! Magnificent seen from a distance, for climbers it is a real paradise."

Chamonix offers some of the finest climbing in the world. Chamonix granite is legendary and the snow and ice climbs in the high mountains are world class. The Gaillands crag area just outside of town is very convenient for day rock climbs with Mt Blanc and the Aiguilles as a backdrop. High country glaciers provide easily accessible ice climbing practice and the telepherique station on the edge of town offers quick access to the high mountains.

Chamonix village is a charming mountain town with a delightful mix of traditional Savoyard and modern alpine cultures. Alpine shops, modern restaurants, comfortable hotels, and cobblestone streets with sidewalk cafes in the shadow of the Aiguilles help to create a unique mountaineering atmosphere.

Our trips include climbing on rock, ice, or both in an alpine setting. For beginners wishing instruction, it is our goal to develop all modern alpine climbing skills. Route finding and planning the climb are the first order of business for each day. Rock climbing techniques such as belaying, rappelling, moving on rock, and anchor placement will be put into practice. Steep ice climbing with hand tools and crampons will be taught along with ice anchor placement. Glacier travel and snow climbing situations will be encountered with practice in using the rope for traversing crevassed areas. The structure of mountain glaciers will be seen up close and personal. Avalanche awareness will be developed along with an understanding of mountain weather. Safety will be emphasized at all times. It is our belief that the hazards of climbing in the mountains can be controlled with proper training, a safe attitude, and respect for the mountain environment.

Some nights will be spent in Chamonix, at other times we will stay in mountain refuges.

The mountain refuges are small hotels perched in outrageous mountain settings where you can get meals, drinks, and lodging.

Trip Summary

What to Bring

Personal climbing gear such as harness, belay device, and nut tool will be provided if needed.

Personal equipment client must bring includes rock climbing shoes, helmet, climbing day pack, crampon compatible mountaineering boots, crampons, and ice axe. We can make suggestions if you need to purchase any of these items. Crampons, mountaineering boots, rock climbing shoes, and ice axe can be rented in Chamonix. Any items can be purchased as needed in Chamonix in the excellent mountain equipment shops.

Clothing for the Alps should include rugged, loose-fitting pants, polyester undershirt, light fleece shirt (or equivalent), cap, fleece gloves, warm fleece pullover (or equivalent), and Gore- Tex (or equivalent) jacket.

Other recommended items include sun glasses, sun screen, camera and film, and water bottle.

Trip Prices

Price includes all guide fees. Clients pay for their own room, board, and telepherique tickets (when needed).

Itinerary

Schedule will be planned to suit clients' abilities and wishes. The trip can be an excellent introduction to alpine climbing or it can focus on making ascents. It is up to you.

Meet in Chamonix. Rock climbing and instruction will take place in the Gaillands crag area or the Tour Rouges. The Gaillands crags can be reached by a pleasant 30 minute walk from town. The rock is very good with crisp holds and steep, well-protected practice routes at every level of difficulty. This area is great for instruction or warming up for experienced rock climbers. The entire panorama of the Mt. Blanc range is spread out before you. The Tour Rouges are the peaks on the north side of the valley and provide wonderful day climbs. Beginners will learn climbing safety, rope handling, top rope belaying, communication, rappelling, rappel self rescue, leader belaying. and moving on rock. They will practice climbing on routes rated for novices. More experienced rock climbers will tune up on climbs selected to suit their experience and ability level.

Rock Climbing. Further rock climbing will take place in the Chamonix Aiguilles, the imposing towers on the south side of the valley. Experienced climbers will test their skills on some of the finest Chamonix granite.

Ice Climbing. Ice climbing practice will be held on the Mer de Glace (reached by the train from Chamonix to Montenvers), the Petite Verte area (reached by the telepherique to the Montet), or the areas on Mt Blanc du Tacul (reached by telepherique to the summit of the Midi), a spectacular peak in the Aiguilles. We descend the East Ridge on crampons. This descent, although technically quite easy is very exciting and an experience not to be missed. Ice climbing instruction and practice snow and ice climbing will be held on the glacier, a perfect setting for instruction in all basic snow and ice techniques. Moving on snow and ice, avalanche awareness, mountain weather, self arrest, and basic tool use will be covered. Everything taught will be put into practice again on subsequent days. We may spend the night in the Cosmiques refuge, a small alpine hotel perched on an outcrop between the Aiguille du Midi and Mt Blanc du Tacul. The refuge offers beds and excellent meals.

Climbs. We will select climbs appropriate to the experience and skill levels of the clients. The north face of the Tacul is a good example. This moderate snow climb is the perfect setting for improving your alpine ice climbing technique. Ice axe and crampons are required for the climb. The climb ends on a wonderful summit with spectacular views. The Cosmiques Arete to summit of Aiguille du Midi is another. This climb is a Chamonix classic and is described in Gaston Rebuffat's book The Mont Blanc Massif (the 100 Finest Routes). It is frequently the culmination of the course and requires the use of all rock and ice climbing techniques you have learned. The setting is magnificent with the Vallee Blanche and Mt Blanc in the background.

For more information email bob@bobculp.com (303) 444 -2470 or (303) 442 - 8355

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Climb Eldorado

Climb with Bob Culp in Eldorado Canyon, one of the world's finest rock climbing areas. Bob particularly enjoys guiding his first ascent routes such as Ruper or Rewritten as well as Eldo classics such as The Bastille Crack, The Bulge, Wind Ridge, or the Yellow Spur.

Eldorado is internationally known and a favorite stop for visiting climbers. Its steep, 600 ft cliffs of metamorphosed sandstone provide outstanding face climbing.

It is a year-round climbing area. Climbs are sheltered from the wind and have good exposure to the sun, making winter rock climbing possible.

Economical accommodations are available at the Boulder International Hostel. For more luxurious accommodations we suggest the Hotel Boulderado. We are happy to help with reservations if needed.

Trip Summary

Notes

Price includes ground transportation from Boulder. Clients provide their own meals and lodging.
Early registration is suggested.

Trip Dates and Prices

For more information email bob@bobculp.com (303) 444 -2470 or (303) 442 - 8355

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AAC Rescue Insurance

The American Alpine Club offers excellent rescue insurance to its members. We recommend climbers who are planning trips to Europe get insurance because of the rising costs of rescues. We consider the Club to be a valuable organization and encourage all climbers to join.

FAQ’s ABOUT AAC RESCUE INSURANCE

As one of its many membership benefits, The American Alpine Club (AAC) proudly offers world-wide rescue insurance to all AAC members. If you are interested in becoming a member (regular memberships are $75 per year) and being covered immediately log onto www.americanalpineclub.org or call (303) 384-0110.

The Basics

Anyone who is an AAC member receives world-wide rescue insurance, with coverage beginning the moment your membership application is processed and continuing as long as you are a member in good standing. Coverage is for emergencies incurred while climbing, hiking and backcountry skiing on peaks up to 6000 meters. Coverage begins and ends at the trailhead. Rescues or evacuations relating to accidents while traveling to or from the trailhead are excluded, as are costs relating to searches for missing persons. The maximum payment per club member is $5,000.00 in any annual policy period. In addition, up to $2,000.00 will be reimbursed for the costs of retrieving and transporting to the nearest international airport the body of any covered AAC member who died while engaging in the above covered activities. There is a deductible of $200.00 per club member per accident.
This is not health coverage and this coverage is excess (secondary) to any other collectible insurance. It is for emergency expenses for transportation, medical services and supplies necessarily incurred during the rescue and evacuation. Once you are admitted to a hospital, you are responsible for covering the costs of your own medical care.

Additional Coverage Above 6000 Meters

Coverage for peaks above 6000 meters is available, according to the following fee schedule:

•$6.00 per day or $85.00 minimum charge for peaks 6,000 to 6,999 meters
•$8.00 per day or $125.00 minimum charge for peaks 7,000 to 7,999 meters
•$12.00 per day or $200.00 minimum charge for peaks 8,000 meters and up.

Our insurance company must receive your application for additional coverage at least 30 days prior to your departure date. Any applications submitted less than 30 days from departure date incurs a late fee of 50% of the total original fee. Applications received less than one week prior to departure will not be processed. Also, the deductible is $500.00 when you are using this additional coverage.

Claims

All claims must be made within 30 days of the emergency rescue or evacuation. Claims must be submitted in writing, together with all supporting documentation, to the AAC and its insurance company. If the local rescue team or agency needs you to pay for the rescue on the spot, you are responsible for paying for your rescue at that time. Request and keep all the paperwork and receipts from the rescue. Within 30 days of the emergency rescue you will need to file a claim with the AAC’s insurance company.

To join today in order to be covered tomorrow log onto www.americanalpineclub.org or call (303) 384-0110.