Junior Mountaineering Team
giving adventurous youth the tools they need to safely explore their local mountains and beyond
As the only program of its kind in the United States, the Junior Mountaineering Team teaches high school students how to be safe, respectful, and skillful alpinists.
While this mission may have a clear technical focus, the impact that the JMT has on its participants goes far beyond learning climbing and skiing techniques. Through real-world experiences, the JMT also helps participants gain a deeper awareness about their own inner landscapes, develop a land ethic and sense of place, and become positive contributors to their communities.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026-27 SEASON ARE OPEN
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1st, 2026*
*Applications received after April 1st will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Program Description
The Junior Mountaineering Team is open to students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, as well as gap year students. Under the tutelage of qualified and experienced instructors, this program teaches the techniques and methods necessary to safely enjoy alpine climbing and backcountry skiing. Participants also gain essential life skills while collaborating with a unique and talented group of mentors and fellow youth athletes.
The team meets for instruction throughout the year and will learn technical climbing skills such as knots, rope handling, cleaning anchors, belaying, rappelling, rock climbing, ice climbing, backcountry travel, and self-rescue. Trip planning and logistics are also covered in preparation for an extended climbing trip in the summer.
In addition to acquiring mountain sport techniques, students will learn about cultural geography and the history of Southwest Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Students will also participate in a community service project during the spring in a place where the team climbs or skis.
The JMT calendar runs from late September through June with a total of 35 program days. Students can expect to commit an average of 2-3 days per month to the program. There will be a combination of day trips and weekend overnight trips. The program culminates in a 6-day alpine expedition in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in June. Full attendance is expected and prior communication is required if a student must miss a program day for any reason. The program will make schedule considerations for holidays and special events.
Participation in the end-of-year trip is dependent upon completion of the rest of the program calendar and a demonstration of technical and physical competency—neither of which is guaranteed.
JMT Calendar
note: the preliminary 2026-27 season calendar is available. Dates are subject to change.
2026-27 Schedule Outline
September - October - Rock climbing — full days
November — rope rescue and technical skills
Wilderness First Aid course
December — Ice climbing and backcountry skiing — full days
Recreation Level 1 avalanche course
January - February - Ice climbing — full days
March - Backcountry skiing and ice climbing — full days (overnight trip dependent on conditions)
April - May - Rock climbing — full days
June - End-of-season alpine climbing trip
Program Cost
2026-27 season cost is $4300
* THE JMT IS A PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN PROGRAM*
The cost covers all field day costs, instructor wages, and group gear for the season. Certain equipment items are available for use during JMT program days, see equipment list for details.
Every team member is also responsible for their own transportation and food expenses and any individual equipment purchases.
* THE JMT IS A PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN PROGRAM*
This means: Montana Mountaineering is fully need-blind when reviewing and accepting JMT applications. After applications are reviewed and accepted, team members and families will be given the opportunity to determine their own financial contribution.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026-27 SEASON ARE OPEN
Certifications
As part of the JMT program, graduates attain:
Recreation Level 1 and Rescue Fundamentals avalanche certification
PENDING - Opportunity for college credit through the University of Montana - Western Dual Enrollment program
JMT Alumni Testimonials
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"I received mentorship and discipline that I desperately needed and found a community that still supports me to this day. I have intentionally tried to share the skills and appreciation I learned to help spread the amazing knowledge and experience I gained. My life path would have been very different without the JMT"
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“JMT is a pivotal program for young females who are interested in learning technical skills but do not know of or have access to other programs. This program allowed a painfully self-conscious young women, like myself, accomplish things that I thought I would never be competent and capable enough to tackle. Without this program and the dedication of its volunteers, I would not have had the opportunity to grow and challenge myself. The skills I learned in JMT have translated to every aspect of my life and has had a large impact on my professional pursuits.”
JMT Alumna
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"“JMT was a total game changer for me. As a 16 year old, the program redefined what was possible and what I needed to do to get there, both physically and intellectually. The standards were high, the outings informative and I accessed technical high alpine places for the first time. This allowed me as a youth to step outside the normal boundaries of what kids my age could do and how far I could go in life. When other high school students were at soccer tournaments, we were deep in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, climbing alpine ice and rock high on the Grand Teton or skiing couloirs in the Spanish Peaks. I was given real responsibility, navigated real risk, and lived up to high expectations with unparalleled mentorship from instructors. At the heart of the JMT was gaining self-knowledge -- honesty in risk, leadership in small groups, creativity and self-discipline. These skills transfer directly into non-alpine life for me. Skills fostered in the alpine and subsequent experiences climbing on 6 continents has and continues to shape the work I do today and who I am today"
JMT Alumnus
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"JMT and the mentors involved shifted my world-view to be more encompassing and inclusive. In part, I think being put into leadership roles and building confidence through climbing has allowed me to be confident in my pursuits, both professionally and personally."
JMT alumnus
JMT FAQ
What is the required climbing and skiing ability? - You do not need to be an expert climber or skier to be part of the JMT. Many past JMT students have come to the JMT having never climbed a day in their lives. It is recommended to have some familiarity skiing/snowboarding and be able to navigate blue runs smoothly at a ski resort at minimum. Climbing and skiing objectives are chosen based on conditions and group ability.
How hard are the mountain days? - Not always easy! Expect to be in the mountains for up to 8-10 hours on JMT weekends in a variety of conditions. Instructors will work with students to plan and pack appropriate layers and food for full days of movement, and help coach pacing through the day. With few exceptions (sustained sub-zero temperatures, torrential rain, planned indoor tech days, etc) we will be outside each JMT weekend. Many JMT alumni state that the hardest days of the program were also their favorite memories and the most impactful.
How do you ensure appropriate risk management? - All our instructors have years of experience moving in the mountains and teaching the JMT program, and all staff are required to maintain current wilderness first responder or higher medical training. While all of our staff have a background in professional mountain guiding, they also bring a diverse set of additional professional experiences from teaching high school, to public health, art, music, and more. Beyond the expertise of our staff, students are included in the risk management and decision-making process through mentorship and coaching and are expected to be active participants in assessing risk and making appropriate decisions in the mountains. Each instructor carries a first aid kit, and the group also carries a satellite messaging device to make contact with SAR in emergency situations.
JMT 2009
Directed by JMT graduate and filmmaker Jennings Barmore, this short film explores a truly unique alpine climbing program for keen high school aged kids.