Intro to Ice Climbing Clinic
Learn how to ice climb with personalized coaching from expert AMGA Alpine Guides. The Introduction to Ice Climbing clinic is for beginner ice climbers looking to immerse themselves in a comprehensive ice climbing course. Our 2-day introductory ice climbing course, based in the Ouray Ice Park, is designed to teach climbers to be confident and self-sufficient so they can understand fundamental climbing systems, build their own anchors and continue to improve their ice climbing techniques. Throughout the clinic you can expect to learn:
Equipment selection
Fundamental climbing knots
Top-rope anchor construction
Risk management strategies specific to ice climbing
How to be a contributing partner in a self-sufficient team
Introductory ice climbing body positioning and movement techniques
Improve efficiency for longer and steeper ice climbing routes
Introductory ice climbing course
No previous ice climbing experience required
2 full days (8 hours each)
See open enrollment dates below or choose custom dates
Ouray, Colorado
7,792 ft / 2,375 m
Introduction To Ice Climbing Course In the Ouray Ice Park
Experience the thrill of ice climbing in Ouray, Colorado, the “Switzerland of America” and arguably the ice climbing capital of United States. Skyward Mountaineering’s Introduction to Ice Climbing Course takes place in the world-famous Ouray Ice Park, located in the heart of the San Juan mountains. Led by AMGA certified guides, this beginner ice climbing course covers the fundamental safety systems, movement techniques and next steps for climbers to develop the confidence and competence to be self sufficient. No prior climbing experience is required, this introduction to ice climbing course is a fun and inclusive entryway into the world of ice climbing.
Book your Ouray Ice Park beginner ice climbing course today with Skyward Mountaineering and see why Ouray, Colorado is the ultimate destination for guided ice climbing in the United States.
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Your guide will discuss course logistics, your goals, learning outcomes and conditions updates in the days prior to the course.
07:00 Meet your guide and fellow course participants at a local bakery in Ouray for a meet and greet with a quick breakfast and coffee before heading out for the introduction to ice climbing course.
07:30 A short drive up the road to the Ouray Ice Park. We’ll begin with an introduction of our equipment and a short hike into the Ice Park.
08:00 We will cover the steps to construct top rope anchors with bolts and trees and choose moderate routes for us to start on.
08:45 We will then spend some time with essential climbing knots, safety systems, and communications before focusing on the fundamental ice climbing movement techniques.
15:30 Wrap up the day and hike out of the Ouray Ice Park. Drive back to Ouray and finish the course for the day. We highly recommend relaxing with an après-climb soak in the town’s hot springs. -
07:30 Meet your guide at the Ouray Ice Park parking lot and gear up for day.
08:00 After setting up anchors and reviewing skills from the previous day, we’ll focus on building on the efficiency of ice climbing techniques and getting on steeper routes.
15:30 We’ll wrap up the climbing and walk back to the cars.
16:00 Course is finished, summary of skills and next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to common questions about ice climbing in the Ouray Ice Park with Skyward Mountaineering:
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No, you do not need to have previous climbing (rock or ice) experience to enjoy our beginner level ice climbing course at the Ouray Ice Park. If you do have rock climbing experience, there are some overlapping systems such as belaying and tying in, but there are still some nuanced differences as well as plenty of novel material for you to learn.
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Ice climbing difficulty grades are based on the steepness of the route. The grades typically have a WI (waterfall ice) rating from 1 - 6. 1 being a smooth low angle frozen river and 5 being vertical sustained ice. Routes in the Ouray Ice Park vary in difficulty from WI2 low angle slabs that are great for introductory ice climbing and practicing balance drills such as climbing with one ice tool. There are numerous zones with 30 meter long WI3 and WI4 routes with unique features, bulges and caves. Or even challenging and steep pillars and daggers of WI5 and 6!
Approaches in the Ouray Ice Park are around 5 - 15 minutes on slightly uphill trails, it is the most accessible concentration of ice climbing routes in North America.
The Introduction To Ice Climbing Course will focus primarily on WI3 and WI4 routes with the security of a toprope as we learn efficient movement techniques and best practices. We will climb in several zones within the Ice Park so you have the opportunity to climb different routes and see different formations of ice and styles of climbing.
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Yes! Skyward Mountaineering puts a lot of value in working with you to personalize every guided climbing trip. Our Intro To Ice Climbing Course does have a curated curriculum to help climbers develop a solid base of skills, but our instructors are happy to dive into a topic that you’re interested in and cater the course to help you learn. Your guide will reach out in the days before the trip to discuss the logistics, please let your guide know if you have any questions or specific requests.
Additionally, our administrative staff are climbers and guides too and we’re here to support you through the whole process. If you have any questions before booking your guided climb or before the trip starts please reach out to us and we are happy to answer your questions.
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Yes, we offer all of our ice climbing courses, including the Introduction To Ice Climbing course in Ouray, on a custom basis as well as open enrollment. Contact us to book a private ice climbing course in Ouray!
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We have a detailed equipment list to help you prepare and pack for your trip. If you have questions about any of the gear please let us know, we’re happy to help make recommendations or clarify.
Skyward Mountaineering provides all of the technical group climbing equipment, this includes ropes, anchor material, protection, etc. Many of clients are experienced ice climbers and prefer to use their own equipment, though we do maintain a small fleet of personal gear for climbers on trips with us to borrow. We are also happy to have you use a new pair of ice tools or crampons if you’re interested in trying out different, modern tools. Please let the admin staff or your guide know ASAP if you expect to borrow personal climbing equipment such as backpacks, harness, helmet, belay device, carabiners, personal tether, etc.
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The Ouray Ice Park is reliably open from Christmas through the first week of March. It is possible with a cold start to winter that the Ice Park opens by mid December and if winter sticks around to stay open until the end of March, though it’s not a guarantee. Thankfully, there are several nearby higher elevation climbing zones that we can shift to in the event that the Ouray Ice Park closes earlier than hoped for. Ice climbing on the backcountry routes are most reliable late November through early April.
We recommend booking a guided ice climbing trip during weekdays to avoid crowding, though it’s still reasonable to climb in the Ouray Ice Park or backcountry areas with an early start during weekends or holidays.
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Sun or snow, we’re able to climb in the Ouray Ice Park during almost all weather events. Due to the nature of the terrain in the Ouray Ice Park, there is little to no avalanche hazard in the Ice Park, making it a reliable option in comparison to many of the backcountry areas around Ouray and Silverton during large snowstorms. Also, as local guides in Ouray we are able to precisely monitor conditions and weather to provide you the most up-to-date information.
In the rare event that the weather or conditions prohibit the team from ice climbing and your guide deems conditions to be unsafe/unreasonable we will work with you to reschedule your climbing trip.
For more information on our cancellation policy, please see our terms and conditions and contact us with any other questions.
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If you know what dates you want to climb in the Ouray Ice Park, you can book your trip directly on our website. You can also get in touch to discuss your goals and ask any questions, we’re happy to help and send you a custom booking.
Though we often still have availability for last minute trips, please always reach out and ask, we highly recommend booking your trip at least 2 weeks in advance so we can guarantee your guide’s availability and ensure that you are confirmed with all the logistics.
