Colorado Private Guided Ice Climbing Trips & Courses

Our private guided ice climbing trips and instruction allows you to pick how many people, how long, and where you'd like to climb. Whether you'd like to get some 1:1 instruction and progress as quickly as possible, or you'd like to arrange a trip for your group, we will work with you to assure you get what you're looking for. See below for a list of our ice climbing locations and routes that we can guide you on in the SW Colorado area.

Locations

The Ouray Ice Park
Each year, thousands of climbers visit the park, either to learn the basics, or hone their developing ice and mixed climbing skills. The park has an incredible variety of climbs from which to choose, and a great number of them, so you'll never feel limited by the selection. We've been guiding in the park since it's inception back in the early 90's, so we know our way around. The ice park is a one of a kind location, and the town of Ouray isn't bad either. Please call well in advance to book your ice climbing adventure!

Ouray Backcountry
We also instruct and guide ice climbs in the Ouray backcountry. Areas we guide in include the Uncompahgre gorge and the Skylight area at the end of Camp Bird Mine. Some of the classic climbs we guide are:

• The Ribbon (WI 4)
• Bird Brain Boulevard (WI 5/6)
• Skylight (WI 5)
• Choppo's Chimney (WI 4)
• Slippery When Wet (WI 3)
• Horsetail Falls (WI 4)
• Slip Slidin Away (WI 4)
• Gravity's Rainbow (WI 5)

Silverton's Eureka Canyon
Climbing in Silverton's Eureka Canyon is an experience like no other. There's a lot involved with climbing in this area, and prior experience is required due to the alpine nature of the routes. This area is host to some of the most classic routes in the entire San Juan Range and is our personal favorite climbing area in the winter. Route selections include such classics as:

• Stairway to Heaven (WI 4)
• Whorehouse Ice Hose (WI 4/5)
• Goldrush (WI 4)
• 1st & 2nd Gullies (WI 3)
• Hoser's Highway (WI 5)
• Highway 66 (WI 4)
• Eureka Gulch (WI 3/4)
• Fat City (WI 4)

South Mineral Creek
An excellent early season destination and just outside the town of Silverton, approaches are kept to a minimum as we can typically drive the road until around mid-December depending upon the amount of early season snow the area receives. Host to a number of classic climbs such as:

• Direct North Face of Peak 12,500 (WI 4 - 5)
• Sundance (WI 4 - 5)
• Campground Couloirs (WI 3 - 4)
• Snowblind (WI 4)

Telluride
Home to some of the most sought after and classic ice climbs in all of North America such as the Ames Ice Hose and Bridal Veil Falls.

• Bridalveil Falls

Durango: Cascade Canyon etc.
Cascade Canyon, just North of Durango, provides easy access and an uncrowded, unique experience. Our beginning teaching area is one of the best places to learn for a first time ice climber. There are many routes in the canyon, from low angle routes, to steep mixed climbs. In addition, we often have Cascade Canyon all to ourselves! Route selections near Durango include such classics as:

• 7 Year Itch (WI 5)
• Freed Canyon (WI 4)
• Haflin Canyon (WI 4)

Additional Information

Cost Includes: Guiding and instruction, group climbing equipment (ropes etc.), harness, helmet. Ice tools, crampons and ice climbing boots are available for rent.

Not Included: Hotel costs before, during or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing clothing, camping equipment, or gratuities.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit as early as possible prior to the course date. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.