Learn How to Summit Your First Colorado Fourteener!
In my complete online course I’ll teach you everything you need to climb your first Colorado 14,000 foot peak. From planning, trip research and packing, to emergency preparedness, physical fitness and altitude, I cover it all. Enroll and get started today or learn more below.
Training & Support for Your First 14er!
Colorado’s fourteeners offer an amazing chance for adventure, for anyone who can hike and camp in the Colorado backcountry. However, these peaks aren’t easy, and every year a growing number of people get lost, are injured, or worse, while hiking and climbing these peaks.
In this online course, you’ll learn from six video lectures and chapters of written lessons, each with a downloadable resource to use for your trip. You can email me with questions at any time during the course to get support as you plan your first ascent. Sign up for the course and get started today!




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Wondering if This is for You?
Who is This Course For?
- Hikers and backpackers who'd like to try ascending a peak.
- Those who are curious about peak bagging and may want to summit all the 14ers
- Anyone new to Colorado looking to summit their first 14er.
- Those traveling to Colorado who wish to summit a 14er on their trip.
Who is This Course Not For?
- Experienced mountaineers and technical climbers.
- Those who've already climbed more than two or three 14ers.
- Anyone who wants to climb a peak in winter or with technical sections.

Meet Your Instructor: Alex Derr
Alex is an Eagle Scout and experienced Colorado Mountaineer. Contact him at any time during the course to ask questions and get advice.
What Will You Learn in This Course?
Increase Your Chance for a Successful Summit!
From training advice to planning and research tips, my course provides the edge needed to have a successful first summit.
Acclimate Properly to Avoid Altitude Sickness
There's a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to altitude sickness. We'll share best practices to reduce your risk of AMS.
Plan & Bring the Gear Needed to Stay Safe
A lot can go wrong on a 14er if you aren't prepared. We'll walk you through the steps to plan for the worst and bring key gear.
Route Info & A Virtual Climb to Guide You
Finish the course with a virtual ascent of Mt. Bierstadt. I'll walk you through this easy climb close to Denver and provide route info.