Alumni Trips: Reconnect with HMI & the American West
Our alumni trips invite you to step away from everyday life, explore stunning landscapes, and share meaningful experiences with other members of the HMI community. Alumni trips are open to HMI alumni of any program, former staff (including apprentices), and their friends & family.
Can’t make the dates listed below? Each trip can run as a private custom trip on a timeframe that works for you.
All trips are subject to change and/or cancellation.
March 2027:
Dates: Thursday, March 4th –
Sunday, March 7th, 2027
Price: $500
Prices include all lodging, meals, wilderness gear, telemark and/or Nordic ski rental, Ski Cooper day pass, and transportation from/to Denver International Airport.
- Lodging: HMI cabins
- Meals: HMI-provided meals on campus
- Group Size: 6-12 participants & 1-2 HMI field instructors
- Trip Conditions: Come prepared for winter weather! Winter clothing and ski equipment can be rented from HMI for no additional cost.
Signup Date: Signup by February 1st to confirm availability.
Can’t make these dates? Book this trip privately with your family/friends at the same per-person rate (4-person minimum).
Nowhere does winter quite like Leadville. This four-day trip involves a day of downhill or Nordic skiing at Ski Cooper and a day of backcountry ski touring in the mountains around Leadville. After the ski tour, participants will get to enjoy Leadville’s legendary Ski Joring competition, where skiers pulled by horses whip down Main Street to the cheers of thousands of spectators.
*NOTE* Ski Experience Required: Participants should have previous ski experience and be comfortable intermediate (blue) skiers or higher. No previous backcountry ski experience is required. Bring your own backcountry setup, or be outfitted with HMI telemark skis.
Itinerary:
Thursday: Arrive at Denver Airport, shuttle to Leadville. Settle into your cabin and enjoy dinner on campus.
Friday: Ski Cooper Day! We’ll head out to Ski Cooper, Leadville’s local ski mountain where participants have the option of downhill or Nordic skiing. Participants can borrow telemark skis from HMI for free or bring/rent their own alpine/Nordic skis.
Saturday: Ski Joring & Touring Day! Start off the day with a backcountry ski tour in the high alpine, then head into Leadville to spectate the legendary Ski Joring competition. Enjoy a farewell dinner with Sam Critchlow at the HMI Head of School house.
Sunday: Shuttle to Denver Airport
Start/End Location: Denver International Airport or Leadville, CO.*
*Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to/from Denver, CO. Before booking flights, please contact us to ensure airport shuttle service is available.
September 2027:
Dates: Thursday, Sept 16th – Sunday, Sept 19th, 2027
Earlybird Price (by June 15): $400
Regular Price: $450
Prices include all lodging, meals, hot springs entry, and transportation from/to Denver International Airport.
- Lodging: HMI cabins
- Meals: HMI-provided meals on campus & a final meal out in town
- Group Size: 6-12 participants plus 2-3 HMI field instructors
- Trip Conditions: Fall weather in the mountains is somewhat unpredictable. Come prepared for possible cold weather.
Can’t make these dates? Book this trip privately with your family/friends at the same per-person rate (4-person minimum).
Return to HMI and Leadville to experience the beauty of fall in the high Rockies! This long-weekend trip involves spending three nights on HMI’s campus, heading out on day hikes each day, leaf peeping, and a soak in Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. Interested participants will have the option to get up early and summit a nearby 14,000 ft. peak.
Itinerary:
Thursday: Arrive at Denver Airport, Shuttle to Leadville. Prep for the weekend ahead. Dinner and campfire on campus.
Friday: Head out for a fall foliage hike followed by a luxurious soak at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.
Saturday: Optional early morning start for local 14er attempt. Or opt for the chiller morning with another “leaf peeping” hike. Return to Leadville for showers and a final dinner in town.
Sunday: Shuttle to Denver Airport.
Start/End Location: Denver International Airport or Leadville, CO.*
*Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to/from Denver, CO. Before booking flights, please contact us to ensure airport shuttle service is available.
FAQ
Who is elegible to participate in HMI alumni trips?
All alumni of an HMI program (ages 18+) as well as former HMI apprentices and staff, along with any friends or family members who want to join in.
Can I bring friends or family who did not attend HMI?
Yes. Please feel welcome to bring friends, partners, or family members who want to experience an HMI expedition. Groups of 2+ people who book together receive a 15% discount off the list price (discounts may not exceed 50% of full list price)
How can I get more information or sign up?
Give us a call or send us an email to learn more!
Phone: (719) 486-8200 x109
Email: alumni@hminet.org
Is each alumni trip guaranteed to run?
No. We reserve the right to cancel any alumni trip if the minimun enrollment is not met. In that scenario, all deposit or tuition payments will be refunded.
How do I signup and pay for a trip?
After communicating your interest you will be asked to fill out enrollment forms and pay the tuition via ACH transfer or check. We do not accept credit cards.