Sawatch Range, Colorado

The Sawatch sub-range of the Colorado Rockies is home to Colorado’s two highest peaks: Mt Elbert (14,439’) and Mount Massive (14,429’). The range is known for expansive, rolling alpine terrain and multiple high peaks, and encompasses the headwaters of the Arkansas River. The source of the name is somewhat disputed but some source it to Ute words meaning “green place” or “blue water.” These regions are within the ancestral lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) nation.

Photo: Terence Copeland |📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

What is a land acknowledgment?

At the Colorado Outward Bound School, we include land acknowledgments in our work as a formal way to recognize and respect the traditional territories and Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the land. It is important to understand and acknowledge the comprehensive past, present, and future of the places we travel and to seek to understand our role therein. To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation we give to the Indigenous Peoples who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Read more about land acknowledgments at Outward Bound here. 

Leadville Mountain Center, Colorado

Colorado Outward Bound School’s 600-acre property is located in Leadville, Colorado, one of the highest-elevation mountain towns in the country. We are located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, surrounded by numerous mountains standing over 13,000 and 14,000 feet tall. Our basecamp encompasses mountain streams, fields, and forests. During the winter, basecamp is a winter wonderland. For much of the winter, the trees and cabins are covered in a blanket of fluffy snow. Snowstorms are often followed by bluebird days and clear nights. Some of the country’s finest backcountry skiing and snowshoeing can be accessed right from our doorstep. Students will be sleeping in our heated dorms and eating in our dining hall although they will be spending most of their days exploring outdoors. This region is within the ancestral lands of the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Sioux, Eastern Shoshone, Jicarilla Apache, and Pueblos Nations.

Guided Reflection and Transference

At Outward Bound we believe there is no learning without reflection. Throughout course, you will be prompted to reflect on what you’re experiencing on course, and what it means in the greater context of your life. Sometimes this is a journaling exercise, sometimes a group sharing experience, and sometimes a moment of solitude to sit and think. You spend focused time toward course progression end exploring how your new knowledge, skills and attributes can apply to your life after course.

Service

Service is a pillar of the Outward Bound experience. On each course, students learn to practice intentional service to themselves, to others and to the environment. This may look like practicing self-care or supporting a crewmate who is having a hard day. Participants also learn to Leave No Trace ethics, practicing service to the environment by preserving and respecting the fragile ecosystems they encounter. Students experience firsthand the social and emotional benefits of acts of service. They are encouraged to bring this ethic of care to their life back home.    

Alpine Touring

Starting from our basecamp, students will explore snowy backcountry terrain. The crew will travel both uphill and downhill, touring on snowshoes, skis, or splitboards through dense pine forests and across vast fields of snow and mixed terrain. The method of travel will be determined by prior experience and proficiency – all levels of experience are welcome and if necessary, we will break into groups to accommodate different needs. Regardless of how you travel, sunny days offer clear views of the mountains and frequent snowstorms at night often provide crews with fresh powder in the morning.

📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands

Avalanche 1 Training

The Colorado Outward Bound School is an American Avalanche Association Recreational Avalanche curriculum provider. Over several days of instruction in the field and at our Leadville basecamp, students will learn the Rec Level 1 curriculum. Crews will begin by learning to observe snow conditions, terrain, and winter weather patterns. Students will then learn to identify avalanche hazards and perform companion rescues. By the end of course, students will be empowered to lead a tour through the snow, assessing risks along the way. This training is an essential introductory course for anyone who wants to responsibly recreate in snowy, mountainous terrain. 

Day 1: Course Start: introduction to living and recreating in snow. 
Day 2-3: Avalanche 1 Training: build snow pits and learn to make observations about snow, terrain, and weather. Practice companion rescues and both uphill and downhill snow travel. 
Day 4: Leadership in the Backcountry: utilize new skills and knowledge to lead a day of touring through the snow. 
Day 5: Course End: course end ceremonies and transportation home. 

Our expeditions help students grow into the best version of themselves. We use adventure in the outdoors to help students discover their strengths and build authentic connections with their peers. Compassion for oneself and others is foundational to the Outward Bound experience. As students develop outdoor skills, they also gain confidence and leadership tools that will last a lifetime. Course outcomes include: 

• Belonging – students form deep connections founded upon respect, inclusion, and compassion 

• Reflection – students learn self-awareness and practice empathy towards others 
• Physical Engagement – students develop awareness and confidence in their bodies 
• Courage – students develop the confidence to speak up for themselves and persevere through challenges

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Tuition 

You can pay your tuition online through your Applicant Portal or make the payment over the phone by calling 720-381-6589.  

If your payment is not received by the due date listed in your Enrollment Email and on your Applicant Portal, you will risk losing your spot on course and your $500 deposit. Please review our Admissions and Cancellation Policies. 

Travel Insurance 

Airfare, travel costs, and non-refundable tuition payments are expensive. Insurance to protect your trip and course is strongly encouraged. We recommend insuring these costs from the third-party provider InsureMyTrip. This provider has coverage options that include travel costs and non-refundable tuition costs. For more information and to receive a free quote, click here. 

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