Course Offerings
Alpine Mountaineering Instructor
Cost - $425
Every participant automatically receives a $1,000 tuition waiver through the generous gifts of the Peter Terbush family and friends, the Chatlos Foundation, and Western State Colorado University. These generous gifts help offset the direct program costs to make the Summit more affordable for participants.
What is the Summit?
The Summit is a skills and servant leadership-based course for collegiate outdoor program leaders. The Summit memorializes Peter Terbush who died a hero in Yosemite Valley on June 13th, 1999. Peter's last act was to save the life of his friend and climbing partner by maintaining a proper belay in the face of a rock slide that took his life. The Summit is a living memorial of Peter. The Summit takes its primary mission from Peter's life: it is through service to others that we realize our full potential as leaders. It is impossible to describe the power of the Summit experience. It is among the most unique programs available anywhere in the world today. Each year we receive applications from around the country from student leaders and program administrators looking to hone their skills. The Summit staff and WSCU are committed to the safety and quality of this program along with maintaining affordability for the participants.
Who Was Peter?
Peter grew up in Colorado and in more than a dozen places overseas. By the time he was eighteen he had climbed in the Rockies, Mexico, the Alps, New Zealand, Borneo, the Himalayas and in the desert in the Southwest US. When he was killed he had just spent the week in Yosemite climbing some of the most famous routes in the valley. What was most remarkable about Peter was not his climbing prowess, but who he was as a person; full of energy and enthusiasm - he inspired. He was giving to a fault. He cared more about others than himself. He loved to teach and motivate, and he loved the mountains. An example often repeated is that Peter would get up early to make hot drinks for everyone in his group. His encouragement when conditions were difficult caused others to overcome their own fears. Peter exemplified servant leadership. Our goal is to instill in Summit participants Peter's passion for the mountains, his enthusiasm for climbing, and his incredible service to others. More on Peter:
Facebook Friends of the Peter Terbush Summit
AMGA SPI COURSE
Through the generous support and partnership of the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) we are pleased to offer our Single Pitch Instructor Course as a certification course for the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course. Students who meet the per-requisites and wish to use the Summit Single Pitch Course as an AMGA SPI certification course may submit the following application along with an additional $75 course fee with their Summit application.
AMGA SPI Pre-Requisites and Schedule
Summit Applications must include:
- Non-refundable $25.00 application fee made payable to WSCU
- Completed application form
- Professional resume
- Experience Log including most recent relevant experience
- Current email address and phone number
Download a sample experience log form
AMGA SPI Applicants must also include:
-
Additional copy of your resume
Please submit your application by April 15th to:
Janna J. Hansen
Director of Wilderness Pursuits
Western State Colorado University
120 University Center
600 N. Adams Street
Gunnison, Colorado 81231
970.943.7107
Participants will be notified of their selection via email by April 15th. The remaining course fee for the Summit and the AMGA SPI cert fee will be due upon confirmation of your selection to participate in the Summit.
