Advanced Mountaineering Course through AMS up in Alaska this year.

Winslow Passey will be guiding this trip.  She has years of experience climbing and playing in Alaska having guided 9 trips on Denali and many mountaineering courses and personal trips in the area. If you have some climbing experience and want more fun & training in the gorgeous Alaska Range come on this trip! We will be out for 12 days refining your climbing and glacier travel skills with the option for a variety of fun climbing objectives. Traveling in the Alaska range near Denali we will focus on alpine climbing, glacier travel, rock climbing, etc. This trip will be a blast!  And of course with Winslow you can expect she will share some yoga as well.  

May 2-13th $3100.  This trip is run through Alaska Mountaineering School! Check out the details here!

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Hi all!  We are excited about our upcoming adventures this year, and hope you can join us in the fun!

March 2012

Yoga and Backcountry Skiing retreat with Winslow,   March 14-16th at the Alta Lodge !! 

Valdez Backcountry/Heli Ski trip with Winslow & Todd,  March 19th-23rd 

April 2012

Carstensz Pyramid with Winslow & Todd, April 2nd-16th

May 2012

Alaska Ruth Gorge - private trip in the mountain house and beyond, or advanced mountaineering course, please inquire! 

June 2012

Bolivia, June 25th- July 11th, climbing in the Cordillera Real, Condoriri Valley and Illimani.  Email for more information: todddpassey@gmail.com

July & August 2012

Tetons and the Wind River Range with Winslow and Todd

Climbing in the Alps with Todd and Tim!

September 2012

Mt. Elbrus Russia, email if you are interested!

toddpassey@gmail.com

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March 14th-16th, 2012!  

Learn to Backcountry Ski and to do Yoga!  No experience needed!  Stay at the beautiful Alta Lodge, eat amazing meals, soak in the hot tub, and learn a ton!  You must be an intermediate to advanced skier able to ski off piste at the resort.  We will go out of the resort using the lifts to gain altitude and then head out of bounds.  One day we will do a bicanyonal tour skiing up an over the ridge into Big Cottonwood Canyon where we will take a shuttle back around!

You will learn how to find do beacon searches, used backcountry ski gear, avalanche awareness, as well as alignment techniques for uphill and downhill skiing.  We do yoga in the morning in the bar as we watch the sunrise over Mt. Superior.  In the afternoon we do yoga in the Our Lady of the Snow's chuch perhaps watching the snow falling through large windows facing the resort.  Yoga classes are optional!  

You Tube videos from previous trips:  Short version!    Long version!

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 Find this trip on the Alta Lodge website as well!

This trip is permitted through Utah Mountain Adventures!

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April 2nd-16th, 2012

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Carstensz Pyramid (16,024 ft, 4,884 m) is the highest peak in the oceanic continent and one of the seven summits.  This expedition in West Papua a providence of Indonesia, is possible the most exotic of the seven summits, and a unforgettable adventure even for those not seeking the seven summits.   It is located on the island of New Guinea, and is the highest peak between the Himalayas and the Andes, as well as, the highest island peak in the world.  This peak was first climbed in 1926 on an expedition led by Heinrich Harrer an Austrian mountaineer.   

We begin this trip in Bali, Indonesia a fun place to relax and celebrate on its beautiful beaches.  From Bali, we take a commercial flight to Timeka on the West Papuan Island, and onto Sugapa.

The next five days are spent trekking in through the jungle most of which is above 10,000ft with unique and incredible scenery.   On day five we arrive at our base camp situated by a high mountain lake and the 4000ft limestone walls.  

Our route ascends the limestone face with the crux moves at 5.6 rock climbing up to the ridge where we will traverse the ridge, using a Tyrollean traverse on a fixed cable at one point, then continuing on snow and mixed terrain to the summit.  

From the summit we can see the Freeport mine one of the world’s largest producers of gold and copper with private roads reaching very near.  Though these roads are off limits to all but those who work there.  

The morning after our summit we retrace our tracks back to Sugapa, continuing to Bali the next morning.  

Price:   $15,500

Includes:

One night before and after trip in hotel in Bali, from Bali - Timika - Illaga roundtrip tickets and lodging, food on expedition,  international mountain guide and liability insurance, local porters and cooks, and group gear

Does not include:

Extra nights in Bali, tickets to Bali, personal gear, food and incidentals in Bali, travel insurance, international rescue insurance, and gratuities for guides and staff

Day 1:  Arrive in Bali, gear check, welcome dinner

Day 2:  Fly to Timeka, stay in hotel

Day 3:  Fly to Sugapa, walk to Suanggama village

Day 4:  Hike to camp 1

Day 5:  Hike to camp 2 , Inda tsiga

Day 6:  Hike to camp 3, Ebay

Day 7:  Hike to camp 4, Nasidome

Day 8:  Hike to base camp

Day 9:  Summit day includes rock climbing, a traverse across snow on the summit ridge, and a tyrollean traverse

Day 10:  Base camp to Nasidome

Day 11:  Nasidome to Inda Tsiga

Day 12:  Inda Tsiga to Suanggama

Day 13:  Suanggama to Sugapa, fly to Nabire

 
Day 14:  Fly to Bali via Kaimana-Ambon-Makassar

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Alp classic week 

So often we are asked ‘ I want a week long Alps classic… a little snow, a little rock, huts, trams… get an idea of the whole area and have a great adventure!  What are the possibilities?’ 

Love that! Are you in for a treat. With flexibility like that you are sure to be thrilled and we can orchestrate an excellent adventure that suits your desires, skill range and time. 

Based out of Chamonix we have easy access to the heart of the Alps where a quick tram ride brings you to such rock and alpine classics that dreams are made and realized on. 

Alpine classics examples: 

Cosmique arête .(5.5 rock, snow, exposure)

Midi/ Plan traverse (5.5 rock, snow/ ice, exposure)

W ridge Rochfort  (exposed ridge traverse, fantastic) 

Dente de Giante   (5.9, without using the fixed lines – uber classic!) 

Briethorn half traverse (mixed rock and snow to Altitude)

Pollux and Castor (steep rock on one and steep snow on the other --- perfect twins)

Monta Rosa (A five summated massif bordering Switzerland and Italy, sure to have something to ‘peak’ your interest) 

Dente Blanche (a remote pyramidal peak, classic of the Alps)

Price:

$600 per day:   1-1 ratio

$400 per day:   2-1 ratio

The Trilogy 

Of all the classic Alps trips that we have been asked about it is the trilogy of Mt Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Eiger.  Three great peaks steeped in history and mountaineering fascination. A dream of many an Alpinist to challenge oneself upon each of these peaks in ones lifetime and a great achievement to have at least tried let alone stand upon all three summits.

If one is ready and the weather and conditions are favorable we have many times been able to climb all three in a ten day period including acclimatization and traveling. It has been done and will be done again but giving a few extra days for weather and rest certainly ups the chances of success and so we feel that a full 13 day trip will give you the best chance possible to complete this audacious trilogy.

Time is precious, think about what you want to do and ask us for any advise. This will truly be an outstanding feather in the cap of any alpinist. 

Price: 

10 day trilogy:   $7000

13 day trilogy:

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Todd and Winslow will be back in the Tetons next summer as it is so nice up there.  There are many fun climbing adventures!  The Grand Teton is a must if you have not done that one, and if you have I will mention a few other good ones such as Irene's arete or Open book on Disappointment Peak, Symmetry Spire, and Mt. Moran - CMC route, a fun two day adventure.  

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You tube videos: 

 Owen Spalding Route!

Exum Ridge! - Chicago boys

Wind River Range and the Grand Teton combo! - Chris Cresente

Grand Teton - Owen Spalding with the Scull's

Climbing and Skiing the Grand Teton!

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I was happy to be home after nearly 2 months away in Africa and Europe, but my rest was short lived.  Winslow had made plans for us to head to the Teton's for one last Grand trip.  I was game..I love the Tetons and I would have been climbing around here anyways...so why not go make a few more bucks!

We had a great group of guys, three friends for New York: Steve, Larry and Bruce.  They kept telling us that the climbing was way more difficult than they had anticipated..But they all did great!  We braved the wind and summitted just after 8 a.m.  We really enjoyed our Bonus trip on the Grand Teton!!

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We have some fun stuff planned!  Check it out on Video here!   The boogie down moves here by Tim, Allison, and Terry are outstanding as well!

October - Yoga and Rock Climbing in Red Rocks Canyon, NV  This is a 3 day event that combines yoga and rock climbing.  No experience necessary.   The climbing here is really amazing.  It is only 25 minutes outside of Las Vegas.  

Nov. - Jan - Todd, Winslow and Tim will all be down in Antarctica.  If you wnat to climb Winson Massif, learn to kite ski, or take a trip to the south pole for the hundred year anniversary of explorers reaching the pole, then let us know!

Feb - Mar.  - Utah Powder Sking is rad!  Winslow and Todd guide backcountry ski tours and teach avalanche courses.  Tim will be     in La Grave, France which is amazing steep skiing.

March 14th-16th - Winslow is leading a 3 day yoga and basckcountry skiing retreat at the Alta Lodge!  This will be the 3rd year.    You will love this one! You need to be a good skier able to ski intermediate to advanced runs off piste at the resort.  No backcountry or yoga experience required.  Yoga is optional! 

March 18th- 30th Carstensz Pyramid.  Winslow and Todd are leading a trip together.  Todd had a sucessful trip last year, and is set to go again.   This is one of the 7 summits, but not easy to get to .  It involes a 5 day trek through West Papua to reach the mountain.  It is a long alpine rock climb rated at 5.6.   We are off the beaten path.  The climbing is super fun and beautiful!

April - Haute Route Ski Tour in the Alps from Chamonix to Zermatt.  This is an 8 day adventure through the stunning Alps range with great skiing and evenign lodging in the high European huts.  Exact dates to be determined.  Please inquire soon with your request.

May - 12 day adventure in the Ruth Gorge, Alaska Range.  Space for 1-2 more only!!!  This is 7 nights lodging at the mountain house in the Ruth Gorge ampitheather, and 5 nights in the middle we will fly to another area for skiing, alpine climbing, and/or rock climbing!  Sign up soon!!!!

*** Inquire about other privates in Alaska!!

June - July - Winslow and Todd in the Tetons and the Wind River Range!!! Climb the Grand Teton, or other great surrounding peaks, or take 5 days and rally in the Winds with amazing granite, towers, wildflowers, high mountain lakes, trout fishing, and yoga!  ** Trips are booking for next year already!

Aug.- Sept.  - Back to the Alps for climbing Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Eiger, and so many more interesting things!  Also look for a yoga and trekking adventure in Interlaken near the Eiger!

Let us know what trips you are interested in!  Thanks for your input!  Love to you all!

Winslow

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This summer has been a busy one for all three of us here at In The Company of Guides.  l (Todd Passey) promised one of my clients (Larry) that I would put some stuff on the blog, and am only now finding a few moments to do so.  

I guess I will begin with Alaska.  I began my Alaska season in May with a trip into the Ruth Gorge with Mike.  We spent a week camping near the mountain house and ski touring all around the Gorge.

After the Ruth Gorge trip I lead 2 seperate Denali trips.  These were my 16th and 17th trips on Denali and both were successful as far as summit, fun and safety. 

I went home to Salt Lake City for a couple of days and then headed to Jackson Hole, WY to guide a couple of trips on the Grand.  It is an awsome scene up there, great mountain, great community and fun guiding!  I can't seem to locate my photos from the Teton's.  Both trips reached the summit...The first via the complete Exum Ridge, and the second via the upper Exum ridge.  

Straight from the summit, Winslow and I loaded up the car and headed for home..We wanted to stay and celebrate with Larry and the So. Cal. boys, but I needed to catch a plane to Nirobi the following mourning.

This was my first trip to Africa, and I will definitely be back.  I was really impressed with the people, the landscape and the Climbing!  Lillian and I climbed Mt. Kenya's highest peak Batian by way of the North Standard route.  This route is a 5.8 20+ pitch route, and we were the first team to summit this year (not that others were'nt trying..nearly a dozen did try while we were there).

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A 6 day course where we attempted the Matterhorn and Mount Blanc, and climbed the Cosmiques arrete.

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My Time in the Alps came to a close with one last Matterhorn trip.  Dean showed up in Zermatt ready to get it done..and we did!!

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I just came by this video I made a while back.  We had a great day of powder skiing south facing Aspen trees!  It was a higher avalanche day, and we set off a big slide remotely from the south side of the ridge.  The whole north facing slope went.  There is some good dancing here too!

Video

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This is going to be a cool trip.  This is a 12 day journey with 7 days at the Mountain House hut in the Ruth Gorge Ampetheatre, and 5 days in the middle we will get a bump to a different spot such as to Little Swizterland, the root canal below the Mooses Tooth, or over to Mt. Huntington.  This area is completely astonishing with rock walls that rise up 5000' above the glacier ice.  There are options for skiing, rock climbing, alpine climbing, and steep snow climbs and long glacier treks. Send me a line if you are interested via facebook or email winslowpassey@gmail.com.  Sign up soon!

Also if you want to do a shorter tour during this time, let us know!

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Rock Climbing & Yoga

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, NV

October 19th - 21st, 2012

 We will spend 3 days camping in the beautiful desert landscape of Red Rocks Canyon climbing and doing yoga (optional) daily.   Uniting yoga and rock climbing in this serene setting is an adventure not to be missed.   There will be instruction in climbing techniques and skills such as belaying, rappelling, and multi-pitch climbing.  We will enjoy yoga and use the principles of breathing and alignment practiced on the mat to enhance and improve our rock climbing skills.  

Lead Guide  -  Winslow Passey

206-920-7849

winslowpassey@gmail.com

Sign up Now!

This trip is permitted through Exum Mountain Guides!

Please call them to reserve your spot!

307-733-2297

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 Cost:  $1750.00  Includes price of porter, food and camping (rate based on 2 people), does not include rental car fee! 

Dates:  August 11-15th, 2012

Schedule:

Day 0:

Arrive in Salt Lake, drive to the trailhead

Depending on the time of arrival, we will make the 5hr. drive to the trailhead this evening.

Day 1: 

Hike into the Cirque of the Towers.  It is about a 6hr hike into camp passing many lakes and streams along the way.  (10mi, 6km)

Day 2-4:

We will climb peaks such as Pingora, Wolf’s head, Overhanging tower, and Shark’s nose depending on the weather and individual desires!  Lots of great granite peaks to keep us entertained!  We will do daily yoga (optional) in this pristine setting, and possibly some fishing as well.

Day 5:

Hike out (3.5-4.5hr), and drive (5.5hr) back to Salt Lake City.

Day 6:

Fly home or enjoy a day in Salt Lake touring around or rock climbing in the Wasatch!

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I have been to Nepal now 8 times in this region, and I am more and more moved each time.  It is a trip of a lifetime that lifts the heart and soul.  We will spend several days in Kathmandu visiting some of the special places there such as Pashupatinath (the Hindu temple), Swayambhunath (the Buddhist "monkey" temple), and Bodnath (a Tibetian Buddhist stupa).   

We will then fly to Lukla (9000') and begin the trek from there.  You will need to be in good physical condition able to hike 3000' and 5mi. a day.  We will take a slow pace to acclimatize.  

Day 1 & 2  -  Fly to Kathmandu

Day 3  -  Tour in Kathmandu

Day 4 -  Fly to Lukla (9000') and trek to Phakding (8700'  3-4hr)

Day 5  -  Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,300'  5-6hr).  This is the central trade center for goods from Tibet!

Day 6 -  Rest day in Namche Bazaar

Day 7  - Khumjung (12,500'  3-4hr), visit the Hillary School and the Hospital

Day 8 - Trek to Tengboche, visit the monastary, gift shop, & bakery (12,660' 4-5hr) There are great views of Ama Dablam from here, descend slightly to Deboche (in the Rhodendron forest) for the night

Day 9 - Trek to Pheriche (14,000' 6-7hr) , We will visit the Himalayan Rescue Association for a high altitude talk!

Day 10 - Day hike from Pheriche

Day 11 - Trek to Lobuche (16,200'  6-7hr)

Day 12 - Trek to Gorak Shep (16,961' 6-7hr), afternoon hike up Kala Patar (18,200' 3-4hr) weather permiting

Day 13 - Trek to Everest Base Camp (17,600'  8-9hr) and back to Gorak Shep

Day 14 - Descend to Dingboche (13,900' 5-6hr)

Day 15 - Descend to Tengboche (12,600' 5-6hr)

Day 16 - Descend to Namche (11,300' 5-6hr)

Day 17 - Descend to Lukla (9000' 5-6hr)

Day 18  - Fly to Kathmandu

Day 19 & 20 - Fly home

COST INCLUDE: 

All meal during the trek, hotel accommodation in standard hotel at Kathmandu in bed and breakfast at the Yak n Yeti & en-route trek, a trekking guide, cook, kitchen helper, porters for carrying all loads during the trek. Trekking permit & national park permits, all trekking crews insurance, foods, accommodation, salary & all ground transport as per the itinerary. 

COST EXCLUDE: 

All meals during the stay at Kathmandu, Hard & soft drinks on the trek, first aid kit, personal insurance, rescue flights, airport tax, and any personal nature expenses and personal trekking gear.

Please email if you are interested and would like more information!

winslowpassey@gmail.com

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Spring skiing in La Grave, France!!! We had such a fun trip.  The skiing there is steep, and you often have to wear a harness for mid route rappels.   We carried crampons and ice ax daily to get up to some of the fun skiiing.  It is an adventure not to be missed!

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If you enjoyed the short version, and you want to get a little more of the story, then check this out too!  Even this version has been shortened down from the original 45min. length.  It is hard to put 3 months of adventure into a short flick, but I have done my best!  Thanks for watching!

Here is a summary of the three months:

I flew down to Punta Areanas on November first.  It was a long journey from Salt Lake (37hr travel time).  We then were delayed for 3 weeks waiting to fly onto the ice.  We kept busy with projects in town, going to the climbing gym, and getting to know each other.  There were a crew of people that had flown in early to Union Glacier on the Twin Otters and the Basler who were on the ice in some crazy storms.  They still manage to get a lot of things set up and cleared the runway for the Illyushian.  I flew in on the second flight on Nov. 25th.  It was absolutely stunning when we landed on the Union Glacier.  There are mountains in every direction, and inspration was easy to find.  

The next day I flew to Vinson Base Camp with some other guides to set up camp there and start to prepare the mountain.  We only had a few days to get set up before the first Vinson climbers arrived.  It was a team effort for sure.  A few guides went up and put up the fixed lines, a few others went up and set up the camps, and Pachi and I started right in with our first groups.  

My group was Guiseppe from Itay, Eric from Poland, and Francios from Canada.  They were great, and we had a super fun trip.  We climbed on the first day from Base camp to the top of Ski Hill.  From here we had amazing views of Epperly and Mt. Shin.  

The next day we went to Low camp.  From Low camp we did an acclimitization day and took a day hike to the col where we were looking at the face of Epperley, and down onto the Pyramid shaped Shcultz peak! 

Then we climbed up the fixed lines to High camp.  It is a long day getting up there.  We were glad to have Rob and Simon helping us set up tents.  The winds were already picking up as a storm was approaching.  We spent the next 5 days waiting out a storm.  The winds were blowing up to 60 at times with an average temperature of -20C.  We hunkered down!  When we ran out of hot chocolate, we were glad there were enough chocolate bars up there to make some homemade hot chocolate.  

When the sotrm passed we had a beautiful and warm summit day, until we reached the summit ridge where the winds were blowing 20-30mph.  It was cold up there and every bit of skin had to be covered!  

I did a ranger patrol with Pachi on the mountain, and then we went to Union Glacier for awhile.  We marked many routes with bamboo poles, climbed a few routes on Mt. Rossman, did a little kite skiing, and enjoyed a festive Christmas at Union Glacier.  

On New Year's Eve, I flew to the 89th parrallel to ski the last degree to the South Pole with the Chinese group.  Average temperature here was -25C with a 3-5 knot wind.  It took us 7 days to complete the journey.  It was an interesting experience to get dropped off in the middle of nowhere on this large white expanse.  Near the south pole it is a large glacier plateau that is mostly flat.  We could see only white in all directions to the the horizon.  Without a compass and GPS, it would be impossible to walk in a straight line.  Imagine the South pole in the summer is pointed at the sun, so as the earth spins, the sun just moves around you in a circle.  It became very apparent to me how fast the earth is spinning, as my shadow visible spun around me.  I thought, hear I am trying to walk in a straight line when the earth is spinning so fast.  

We settled into a pace of hiking for 2 hr and taking a 25min. break.  It was too cold to stop for long.  We had our Hileberg tent ready to pop up with the poles taped together when we got to camp we could set up in about 20min.  Once in the tent it was quite warm because the sun was always shinning and would warm it up quickly.  We wore face mask most of the time, and cruised along on our cross country skis pulling sleds in tow.  It was a great opportunity to be alone with your mind.  I thought about all my family and friends.  It occured to me how I choose my attitude at any moment in time.  When at times I would get frustrated with my sled, or my back would hurt, I would then realized that it was all an opportunity.  So I learmed our to walk better using my core and not my back, I appreciated the hard work and began to enjoy this unique opportunity.  

The group did great and got up to doing about 20 km a day.  We were elated to arrive at the South Pole.  However it was not in our cards to leave right away, and we spent 4 days there waiting for the weather to cooperate for a plane to get in to pick us up!  Another opportunity, and a great time to catch up on our sleep.  We were not alone.  An owner of ALE, a guide, and one client had opted to spend one night at the pole as well.  That one night turned into 4!  You never know what may happen.  So we have lots of photos from the south pole!  

We did finally make it back to Union Glacier, but again there were delays of weather, a fuel strike in Punta Areanas, and a broken fuel pump on the plane that had to be flown from Russia!  So we played ping pong, volley ball, went for hikes, did yoga, and had an Olympic competition.  Always an adventure.  Now mater what you do in life, there is change, there is adventure, lessons to learn.  May we always be grateful and happy, no matter what comes our way!  Thats what I want to take from Antarctica 2011! 

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It sometimes takes me a bit to get around to the video production.  Here is the short version!  Hope you enjoy!  I feel fortunate to be a part of the whole opperation with ALE (Antarctic Logistics & Explorations) that supports Antarctic exploration!  

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