 Marc Hanselman Passes AMGA Ski Mountaineering Exam
On May 4th longtime SMG guide, Marc Hanselman, passed his AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Exam. The exam is eight days long and evaluates candidates in categories including technical systems, risk management, client care, skiing skills, and professionalism. Marc is also a certified Rock Guide and only the alpine discipline remains before Marc is fully IFMGA certified. Congratulations Marc! |
Upcoming Events
May 13th: A Year in the Alpine-- A slide presentation by Erik Leidecker on two years of guiding, adventure, and the pursuit of IFMGA certification from Mexico to Alaska. 7:00pm, Wood River Community YMCA, Ketchum.
May 18th: Black Diamond/Elephant's Perch Demo Night--free clinics/instruction from SMG, Black Diamond gear demos, and drawings for stuff!. 5:00-8:00pm, Wood River Community YMCA, Ketchum.
May 28th: Free Anchor Building Clinic--6:00pm, Wood River Community YMCA, Ketchum. We've teamed up with the Elephant's Perch in promotion of Lead Climbing 101, May 30-31 at the City of Rocks. **Sign up for Lead Climbing 101 at the Perch and receive 10% off course fees and a one-time gear purchase (good for summer 2009). |
| New Guiding and Lodging Packages
SMG is excited to announce two new lodging packages, one at the City of Rocks and one in the Sawtooth Valley. Both packages offer discounts on lodging, food, and guiding.
For the Sawtooths the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch has created
the June and September Easy Adventure Package. "Accommodations, meals, and days of activities all rolled into one! Join us for 5 nights in a Cabin, enjoying the Ranch program as well as guided fishing with Sawtooth Fishing Guides, guided climbing or hiking with Sawtooth Mountain Guides, white water rafting on the Salmon River with White Otter Outdoor Adventures, and an on-Ranch horseback ride with Pioneer Outfitters. Discounted cost for two people is $2810, plus applicable taxes, service charge and guide gratuities. Please call to reserve your Cabin."
For City of Rocks climbing programs SMG has partnered with the Almo Inn for 10% discounts on guiding, lodging, and food when booked together.
Please contact SMG, Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, or the Almo Inn for more information.
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 Courses and Climbing
Schools
Throughout the summer we have scheduled courses and trips offered at discounted rates. See our Summer Calendar and our Courses and Climbing Schools page for more information. New this summer is a 4-day Alpine Rock Camp with an ascent of Mt. Heyburn.
Every weekend from June 13 to September 5 we offer our Mountaincraft/Rockcraft climbing school on the Super Slabs behind Redfish Lake. This can be done as two one-day trips, or with an overnight at the Canyon Camp, our fully-stocked basecamp located twenty minutes from the climbing venue. These two courses are a comprehensive introduction to rock climbing with an emphasis on multi-pitch techniques.
We also offer our McGown Snow School on June 6-7th. This class covers basic snow climbing, self-belay and self-arrest with an ice axe, cramponing and rope skills for snow climbing. We cover these topics on the first day and climb McGown Peak on the second day.
Also on our Summer Calendar: Lead Climbing 101, Alpine Kids Camp, Mt. Borah Ascent, and Autumn Climbing at City of Rocks.
Photo: Climbers on the summit of Mt. Borah. |
 Alpine Climbs
June and July are the best months for alpine climbing in our area. The classic couloirs are filled in and firm, and the talus fields are still covered with snow!
Check out or new Alpine Climbs pages for a sampling of some of our favorite routes in the Pioneers, the Lost Rivers, and of course, the Sawtooths. Photo: Climbers in the North Couloir on McGown Peak, Sawtooths. |
 Rock Climbing
Climbing ranges from the City of Rocks in southern Idaho, to singe and multi-pitch routes on the Super Slabs in Redfish Canyon, or classic traditional multi-pitch like the Finger of Fate and the Elephants Perch.
We do custom trips as well as scheduled events w/ discounted prices.
Beginner, Intermidiate to Advanced! See our Rock Climbing page for more information.
Photo: Climbing at the City of Rocks
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 Custom Trips/Guiding
Whether it's you and your family, a business trip, or a couple friends, we can put together a great trip. Combine activities like backpacking, fishing, whitewater rafting and climbing.
Check out our Custom page for some ideas - or call us with your own!
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| Featured Route: Cirque Lake Peak
Southwest Arete IV 5.9
By Erik Leidecker
If you're looking for adventure climbing on alpine granite this route should not be missed! The upper pitches on the ridge crest offer incredible movement, dizzying exposure, and exciting protection! Little to no evidence of previous ascents exists until you begin rappelling which gives this route a wild and committing character. The first ascent was sometime in the 80's by Reid Dowdle and friends.
Photo: Cirque Lake Peak is 2nd from the right. The route follows the left hand skyline. |
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