Montana Alpine Backpacking

This course explores one of several amazing mountain ranges in the northern Rocky Mountains in southwest Montana. It takes place mostly at around 9000” and includes peak attempts as high as 12,000”. While these courses do not include technical mountaineering, the altitude and remote nature of the area make this a demanding physical environment and a good choice for fit motivated teens and adults.

From angular peaks, to alpine tundra, to geologic wonderlands of rock spires and fins, travel in Montana is unforgettable. Courses take place at 7,000 to 12,000 feet with “walkup” peaks that don’t require the heavy gear of technical mountaineering. Montana Alpine Backpacking courses take place at a variety of amazing wilderness areas in southwestern Montana. From the rugged peaks of the Pioneers and the expansive vistas and glacial lakes in the Bitterroot Range to the tallest peaks in Montana in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, a wilderness expedition in Montana will be unforgettable.

The Outward Bound Difference
Our goal is to teach you and your fellow team-mates how to bring leadership into your lives. By focusing on a progression from wilderness skills to team to leadership skills and exploring issues like environmental stewardship, compassion and group living, you will see things you couldn’t see before. This course is ideal for fit, motivated older teens and a great way to spend the summer before college. Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. The promotion of these qualities, and the discovery of what’s in you, is the purpose of Outward Bound.

This course may be the hardest thing you have ever done. Outward Bound philosophy maintains that by facing the challenges the course will offer you, you will emerge physically and mentally stronger, with an increased mastery of expedition skills as well as a better understanding of your own capabilities. We think that the payoff is well worth the work, but you should be aware of what you’re getting into and excited about tackling the challenges.

Course Description
Your instructor’s voice in the pre-dawn wakes you from a deep sleep. One by one flashlights switch on and you and your group pack up in the dark. A quick breakfast and then, with the dawn barely visible on the horizon, you set off toward the peak. As the sun pours over the horizon you are seemingly almost there. It is a bit of an illusion but as the full sun of morning hits you and you remove a few layers the anticipation of reaching the peak starts to seep in. By early afternoon you are almost there and though it is not yet 1pm you have been traveling for nearly 8 hours. Then suddenly you are at the top, the sky has tripled in size and, in the unique light of the high alpine terrain, you can see 360 degrees of dramatic mountains, green valleys and snow capped peaks that have inspired thousands before you. The challenge of climbing to the top, of opting for new perspective, choosing to go up and over rather than stay down and go around…this is the fun part, it is why we go out there.
The gorgeous northern Rockies are a spectacular backdrop for an alpine backpacking expedition. Fragrant pines, expansive views and the crazy pull of gravity at 10,000 feet will leave you wiser and glowing with satisfaction. Learn skills like outdoor navigation, rock climbing and Leave No Trace camping. Three-week course includes more extensive alpine and technical skills instruction, possibly two peak attempts. All courses include rock climbing, a solo, service and Final Expedition. Begins in Billings or Butte MT.

Mountaineering vs. Backpacking - In alpine environments like the Rockies, the Cascades or the Sierra Nevada, or any of our courses in the west, backpacking and mountaineering are very similar. On both course types the majority of travel takes place around 9000', both course require strict adherence to alpine oriented Leave-No-Trace principles and practices and both include peak ascent attempts. Mountaineering courses attempt peaks that are higher in altitude and that require ropes, anchors or rock climbing to reach the peak. Backpacking peak attempts generally can be reached on foot without ropes or other gear. Because mountaineering requires technical climbing gear, the pack weights are heavier and the course more challenging.

To enroll in this course click the enroll button next to the course dates that work for you. To shop comparatively on line visit our Advanced Course Finder or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651. Course tuitions listed below do not include our Application Fee or Transportation Fee.

Region: Montana

Activities: Backpacking, low-impact camping, peak attempt, solo, service and final expedition

Additional Information:
Application Fee
Transportation Fee

Sorry, there are no current offerings for this course.