At Wilderness Pursuits (WP), the student-run outdoor expeditions and gear rental program at Western, student instructors take their peers outside at a remarkably affordable cost (student fees subsidize the trips, which include everything: instruction, gear, food, and lodging for the course of every trip).
In September, WP ran its annual mountaineering trip, a two day excursion led by lead instructor Sarah Jane (SJ) Wood, who has previously guided trips in Colorado, Chile, and Alaska.
Day one took participants up Gunsight Ridge in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and culminated with fixed-line practice at a campground in Crested Butte.
Day two combined all the skills from day one on the way up Guide’s Ridge on Mount Crested Butte.
Note: Climbing need not be terribly dangerous! While Wilderness Pursuits (WP) instructors are all students, there’s a staff progression so that lead instructors (many of whom guide professionally and all of whom have extensive experience in the disciplines they lead trips in) can train up upcoming instructors.
Want to learn how to do this and other outdoor activities in a safe, welcoming environment run by your peers?
Sign up for a trip at the WP office in the UC (across from the Trailhead and next to the Multicultural Center).
Have some experience, or just a drive to learn and a desire to get paid to take your peers outside? Apply to join the WP team on Handshake!
Day 1: Fossil Ridge Wilderness and Square Top Mountain
The group hikes up to Gunsight RidgeLead instructor SJ wood Expedition member Samuel Hahn models his glacier goggles during a snack break The view from the start of Gunsight RidgeThe characteristic “gunsight” notch the ridge is named for Wood briefs the group on how to move over loose terrain The group sets off for adventureGunsight Ridge, in all its majestyThe group ascends towards Square Top Mountain The team enjoys a snack break and stellar views from Square Top MountainLubowicki takes advantage of a down moment to squeeze in some shut eye
Day 2: Mt. Crested Butte
Wood points across the scree field at the base of Guide’s Ridge to the summit of Mt. Crested ButteWood crosses the scree field as the sun rises“Be bold, start cold!” Lubowicki and Wood shed layers before they start up the ridge
Lubowicki and Wood ascend the start of ridge (which WP doesn’t rope up for since it’s less technical)
Wood prepares to start placing gear for the fixed line up Guide’s Ridge at the start of the first pitchWood and Lubowicki start the fixed line Hahn finishes the first pitch Largent looks relieved to finish the first pitch Wood prepares for the second pitch Largent and Lubowicki swap gear The end is in sight! Largent finishes the second (and final) pitchMission accomplished.Made it! The group at the summit of Mt. Crested Butte What goes up, must come down… the group descents Mt. Crested Butte (this time, by trail)
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