Learn to survive in the most primitive environment with our talented Telluride Academy backcountry instructors. This adventure of high-alpine, off-the-grid living will include workshops on safe mountain travel, navigation, foraging, fire starting, shelter building, and other essential skills. Accessed by a short trek into the backcountry, students will live in the massive mountain lodge of High Camp Hut. This alpine campus is fully equipped with a kitchen, lounging areas, a wood-burning stove, and cozy sleeping quarters! From our base at High Camp, we’ll trek through dense forests and into grand, rolling meadows where we can practice our survival skills far from any signs of civilization. Students will be given survival scenarios that they will work through both as a team and through friendly competition. On our final night, campers will participate in a “Survivor Night,” where they’ll put their newly learned skills to the test by cooking for themselves and sleeping in a hand-built outdoor shelter.
Important Notes: The trail to High Camp is two miles with a moderate grade. Students should feel comfortable hiking this trail with some weight on their backs. High Camp sits at over 11,000 feet. We recommend arriving in Telluride a few days early for any student prone to altitude sickness.
All participants in need will receive Telluride Academy backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads while participating in this program. We ask that you bring your child’s belongings in a duffel bag on the first morning so instructors can help students properly pack their provided backpacks. Students must also bring a bottom sheet and a towel to High Camp!
Please click here to read our overnight policy.
A detailed daily itinerary will be provided to you on the Monday morning of the program.
Schedule:
Daily: 9:00 am – 4:45 pm
Monday, July 13th – Friday, July 17th
Overnights on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Pick-up on Friday at 4:45 pm
