U.S. National Forest Ranger, Katy Nelson, joins the Non-Standard 14er Podcast in this episode to talk about the permit system at Conundrum Hot Springs, Leave No Trace, bear bags, overcrowding, and life in the White River National Forest.  Katy is the Wilderness and Trails Specialist in the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District of Colorado.  We got to learn about the data of 3 years of Conundrum Hot Springs permits and hear about the Wilderness Act which requires the mandate to provide “outstanding opportunities for solitude.”

The author, Jeri Norgren, and the photographer, John Fielder, of the new book entitled “Colorado's Highest: The History of Naming the 14,000-Foot Peaks” joined the Non-Standard 14er Podcast.  We learned about the Hayden Surveys of Colorado in the 1870s, discussed the naming history of some 14ers, debated the renaming of some peaks, got some photography tips, and got to learn what prompted Jeri to begin her research and how she teamed up with John.   We also were delighted to hear some captivating stories from the two that have spent decades exploring, researching, and photographing the Colorado 14ers. 

Justin Ibarra----guide, avalanche educator and founder of Colorado Snowboard Guides, joins the podcast to discuss avalanche safety.  We pick his brain about avalanche classes, beacons, airbags and skiing 14ers.  We also get tips about educating yourself if you’re getting into backcountry skiing, and we get to hear stories about life as a winter guide in Summit County. 

The TornadoMan and Short-Rope chatted with Matt Payne (climber, Centennial Peak Finisher, photographer and podcaster) in the latest episode.  We talk about the pros/cons of a website Matt used to run that detailed and discussed Colorado mountain accidents.  We also got to learn a bunch of mountain photography tips from Matt and hear stories about capturing those rare mountain shots when the light is just perfect.  You can find his website at https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/

What are creative backpacking trip plans that link 14er Peaks and Centennial Peaks? That was the question of this episode of the Non-Standard 14er Podcast as Tornadoman, Walk-Mode Patrick, JacerJack and Short-Rope competed with Ellen as the judge to find out who could design the best trip.  How do you get Hagerman and Snowmass?  Can you get Castle and also soak in Conundrum Hot Springs?  What’s the best way to get Gladstone?  How about the Jones Group and Handies?  Do you do Columbia Point from South Colony or Willow Lake?  All questions discussed in this competitive episode.

Three CO-14er-Finishers join the podcast to talk about their successful summits of Mount Rainier (14,410’): MonGoose, Exiled_Michigander, and Walk Mode Patrick. The conversation was centered around comparing Colorado 14ers to Washington’s Rainier and offering a Colorado climber’s perspective.  We learned about Camp Muir, what it’s like to be in a roped team, and the rope skills and preparation recommended before tackling a glaciated peak like Rainier.  You can find MonGoose’s detailed and entertaining story in his Rainier trip report here: https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=15155

In anticipation of the Winter Welcomer, we sat down with Britt Jones who is one of the organizers of the annual hike of Quandary Peak.  The event was started by Steve Gladbach (sgladbach) and Jim DiNapoli (dancesatmoonrise), who both had a desire to help others learn to hike safely in winter conditions and have fun. Britt has climbed all the 14ers, the Centennials, and the 50 state high points. We got to learn all about the Winter Welcomer event and the selfless nature of the climbers who inspired it. 

The 4 Great Traverses between Colorado 14ers (El Diente/Mt. Wilson, Crestones, Maroon Bells, Little Bear/Blanca) was the topic of discussion on this episode of the Non-Standard 14er Podcast.  Josh Collman re-joins the podcast to chat with Short-Rope, JacerJack and Ellen, who is our latest guest to the podcast.  Ellen climbed the 4 great traverses this summer along with 46 different 14ers.  You should check out her well-researched and detailed trip report of the Crestone Traverse and Blanca/Little Bear Traverse here: https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=20681

We sat down with Seth Linden whom many might know from the popular Facebook group “Seth’s Weather Report” in the latest Non-Standard 14er episode. We learned how a passion for tracking and skiing powder can turn into a career, what exactly you study in meteorology school, and how you apply that to enjoying Colorado’s high country.  Seth also taught us the difference between El Nino and La Nina and their effect on snow in Colorado; what to look for during thunderstorms in the mountains,  and why Mt. Eolus always has storm clouds above its summit among other meteorologist-related topics and laughs.

A full crowd showed up for this podcast to tell stories of their experience climbing arguably the hardest 14er in Colorado:  Capitol Peak.  Johan joins the podcast for the first time with Short-Rope Stiffler, the Exiled_Michigander, Walk-Mode/Colorado Trail Patrick, JacerJack and TayJack.  We hear stories of loose rock falls, dodging hail on the descent from K2, and troubles with bear canisters.  We also discuss non-standard approaches of Capitol and debate whether it is the toughest 14er.  We had a lot of fun re-telling the stories of Capitol we’ve told many times before.