MENDON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Path to the Peak: Guided Uphill Clinics and Summit Tours at Pico Mountain — Free Registration
A guided uphill-travel program at Pico Mountain that teaches fundamentals for beginners and advances technique and avalanche awareness for more experienced participants; this guide helps you prepare and know what to expect.
Path to the Peak: Guided Uphill Clinics and Summit Tours at Pico Mountain — Free Registration.
Set on Pico Mountain in Mendon, Vermont, the Path to the Peak Uphill Program pairs indoor clinics with guided uphill tours. Designed for a range of abilities, the program teaches equipment basics and skinning for novices while offering intermediate and advanced participants technique refinement and an introduction to avalanche-safety gear, all culminating in guided approaches to mountain summits.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Clinic to On-Snow Practice
Sessions begin with an indoor clinic that covers uphill equipment, layering, packing, skinning and transitions, then proceed outdoors for a guided uphill tour to put those skills into practice.
Demo Setups and Rental Options
A limited number of complimentary ski and snowboard demo setups and packs are available for the beginner-focused session; discounted splitboard and touring rental options are available locally for the intermediate/advanced session.
Guided Approaches to Pico’s High Points
Guides lead short uphill tours to the base of the Summit Chair for the beginner session and a summit tour of Pico Peak for the intermediate/advanced session, offering guided exposure to summit approaches.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The program pairs classroom instruction with hands-on practice: an indoor clinic that walks through apparel, layering, packing and basic skinning, followed by an on-snow uphill tour where participants apply transitions and climbing technique under guide supervision.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each session runs approximately four hours; check session start times and meeting points (see meeting-location details) for the specific date you sign up.
Participants must bring their own boots, outerwear, and helmets. If you own a pack and poles bring them; all participants must also have a valid Killington/Pico Uphill Travel armband.
A limited number of complimentary demo ski/snowboard setups and packs are available for the beginner session only; discounted rental options are listed for the intermediate/advanced date—reserve in advance and mention "Path to the Peak."
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do we meet for the February 21 session?
On Saturday, February 21 the Uphill Session meets in the Last Run Lounge on the third floor of the Pico Base Lodge.
Where is the meeting point for the March 14 session?
On Saturday, March 14 the meeting point is the third floor above the Pico Retail Shop.
What must I bring to participate?
Participants must bring their own boots, outerwear and helmets; if you have a pack and poles, bring them, and all participants must have a valid Killington/Pico 2025-26 Uphill Travel armband.
How long is each session?
Each session is approximately four hours in duration.
Are demo skis or snowboards provided?
A limited number of complimentary demo ski and snowboard setups and packs are available for the beginner-focused session only; demo setups are not available for the intermediate/advanced session.
Where can I rent splitboard or touring gear for the March session?
Discounted rentals are available at local shops listed for the intermediate/advanced session—participants are advised to reserve gear in advance and mention "Path to the Peak."