Course curriculum

  • 1

    Course Intro: Welcome to the World of 14ers!

    • Meet Your Instructor: Alex Derr

    • An Overview of the Course

    • An Introduction to Colorado's 14ers

    • What Do You Hope to Learn?
  • 2

    Chapter 1: Researching & Planning your Trip

    • Chapter Overview: The Importance of Planning Ahead & Being Prepared

    • Picking a Peak & Route: Factors to Consider

    • My First 14er Recommendations

    • Best Sources for 14er Research

    • 14er Navigation: Maps, & GPS Tools

    • Checking and Planning for the Weather

    • Planning to Get There - Driving to Trailheads

    • 14er Trip Planning Template
  • 3

    Chapter 2: Training for a 14er

    • Chapter Overview: Getting in Shape for your 14er Hike

    • Cardio Training for 14ers

    • Strength Training for 14ers

    • 14er Training Plan Template
  • 4

    Chapter 3: Managing the Altitude at 14,000 Feet

    • Chapter Overview: Acclimation for a 14er

    • The Effects of High Altitude

    • The Types of Altitude Sickness

    • Treating Altitude Sickness

    • How to Properly Acclimate

    • 14er Acclimation Guide

  • 5

    Chapter 4: Packing the Right Gear for 14ers

    • Chapter Overview: What to Bring on Your Trip

    • The Ten Essentials: A Good Starting Point

    • How to Layer Clothing on 14ers

    • Picking the Right Backpack

    • Choosing the Shoes for You

    • Extra Recommended Gear for 14ers

    • Download: The Colorado Fourteener Packing Checklist
  • 6

    Chapter 5: Leave No Trace & Trail Etiquette

    • Chapte Overview: Keeping the Mountains Clean & Friendly

    • Trail Etiquette: How to Be Courteous on the Mountain

    • Practice Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics

    • 14er-Specific Considerations

    • Going on Your Climb Pocket Guide
  • 7

    Chapter 6: First Aid & Emergency Preparedness

    • Chapter Overview: Preparing for the Worst

    • 14er First Aid Preparation

    • Deteriorating Weather Conditions

    • Getting Lost on a 14er

    • Knowing When to Turn Around

    • When & How to Call for Help

    • 14er Emergency Pocket Guide
  • 8

    Chapter 7: After Your Climb... How Did it Go?

    • Chapter Overview: Post-Trip Review & Reflections

    • Post-Trip Questions to Consider

    • 14er Trip Notes Template

    • Share Your Feedback for the Future!

Meet Your Instructor...

Colorado Mountaineer

Alex Derr

Alex has been hiking, camping and backpacking for more than 15 years. With more than 40 ascents of peaks 13,000 feet or higher in Colorado and California, he's got a broad skillset fit for the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He enjoys helping others discover and enjoy these peaks, and helping protect them for generations to come.

If you're into the outdoors, definitely check this out!

by Sam Werner

This is a great course for people looking to get started in mountaineering, hone their skills, or look for new ways to enjoy the great outdoors. It has lots of great resources to look through and plenty of things I never even thought to consider when planning my trips. If you're into the outdoors, definitely check this out!

The course is launching soon!

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