Don't stop climbing just because there's snow!
In Colorado, we guide and instruct ice climbing trips and courses in the Ouray Ice Park, Silverton's Eureka Canyon and Durango's Cascade Canyon. New for 2012 we are offering guided climbing in Cody, Wyoming and the South Fork Valley. Southwest Colorado and the San Juan Mountains are well known for abundant ice climbing routes and impeccable conditions. From the single pitch routes of the Ice Park, to multi-pitch classics like Stairwary to Heaven in Eureka Canyon, you'll want to come back each year to hone your skills and tick off another classic route.
It's no secret that the sport of ice climbing has become increasingly popular in recent years, in part due to better access and improvements in equipment. Our courses and private trips focus on helping a prospective ice climber gain experience and competence on ice in the most efficient manner. Our expert guides will focus the instruction on the latest skills and techniques used to efficiently and competently climb waterfall ice. We'll assess your ability then tailor the instruction to your specific needs, helping you to improve your skill each day.
Whether your goal is to round out your alpine background, become a top ice climber, or prepare for an alpine classic like the Moose's Tooth in Alaska, we'll make sure you have the most competent guiding and instruction to get you where you want to go.
*If our scheduled climbs do not fit your needs, we can also schedule private dates for groups of 2 or more.
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)
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.
