What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local ice climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area A half or full day of ice climbing depending on your chosen itinerary All technical ice climbing and protective equipment Assistance arranging post-trip activities in the area What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations Food and snacks

How fit do I need to be?

No previous ice climbing experience is necessary, but some rock climbing experience is beneficial. Reasonable level of strength and fitness is required. It is also beneficial to have some indoor wall climbing experience. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a wall using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

Telluride has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never ice climbed before or are transitioning from the rocks to the ice, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun! For intermediate to advanced ice climbers, Telluride has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best-hidden gems the area has to offer.

What do I need to bring?

All technical ice climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need: Helmet Harness Crampons Belay and rappel device Ice tools Mountaineering boots Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring: Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 30-45L pack) Heavyweight gloves Medium weight gloves Base layer top Light fleece hoody Puffy light insulated jacket Hardshell jacket Softshell wind jacket Softshell pants Hardshell waterproof pants Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear, and socks Water bottle and 2L of water Food you can eat on-the-go Sunscreen and lip balm Sunglasses Camera — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For the half-day and full-day ice climbing tours, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. For the advanced multi-pitch ice climbing tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1. The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family! Ice climbing in Telluride can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Telluride CO, most people fly into Denver International Airport 7 hours away. From there, you can take a local flight to Telluride, Fly to Montrose and take a shuttle, or rent a car and drive there. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop in Telluride or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Covid measures in Telluride, Colorado

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Telluride, Colorado, please refer to Colorado’s COVID-19 travel guidelines . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

Two ice climbers on the ground in Telluride

Telluride | Colorado

Ice Climbing in Telluride

5.00 ()

Season

December through April

Nearest city

Denver, CO, is 7 hours away from Telluride

Duration

1 day

Difficulty

Guides

Bill Allen, Mountain Trip

From $379 () / 1 day

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Climbing a frozen waterfall in San Juan’s snow-capped wilderness is as exciting as it sounds! Telluride’s backcountry is home to the finest ice routes in Colorado—the climbs are long and physically demanding, but the ice is always excellent and the views breathtaking. If you are looking to get into the sport, the accessible Bear Creek and Lower Ames areas provide the perfect practice grounds. Those more comfortable in their crampons usually opt for the classic routes on Ames Ice Hose and Ingram Falls, widely believed to be some of the best ice climbing areas in Colorado! And when you muster enough courage, take on the legendary Bridalveil Falls. This fearsome 365-foot ascent up Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall is one of the most physically draining and mentally challenging climbs in the country. However, the sense of achievement you feel at the top, not to mention the mind-blowing views, make the sweat and the struggle worth it. Visit this ice-climbing paradise guaranteed to make you completely fall in love with the sport and upgrade your skills on amazing routes!

Upgrade your ice climbing skills on Colorado’s finest routes
Take on Bridalveil Falls, one of the most demanding ice climbs in the US
Learn the fundamentals of ice climbing in the scenic Bear Creek and Lower Ames climbing areas

Available itineraries

Half-Day of Ice Climbing With a Private Guide

Head to Telluride for 4-5 hours of ice climbing in a safe and engaging learning environment! Explore Lower Ames and Bear Creek, beginner-friendly climbing areas with top-notch ice and world-class routes. An experienced local guide will help you find your ideal climbs, show you the ropes, and make sure you stay safe on the ice.

Full-Day of Ice Climbing With a Private Guide

If you have previous ice climbing experience or believe that a half-day of climbing just isn’t enough, this tour is ideal for you. Spend 5-8 hours on amazing ice walls improving your skills, honing your technique, or simply enjoying the climbs. Your guide will help you select the perfect route—the Telluride and Ouray areas offer hundreds of classic single and multi-pitch climbs to choose from.

Advanced Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing With a Private Guide

Are you a seasoned ice climber looking to push your boundaries even further? If so, this tour is right up your alley. Take on Telluride’s formidable local classics: Bird Brain Boulevard, The Talisman, or Gravity’s Rainbow, multi-pitch routes guaranteed to challenge and engage even the most experienced ice climbers. A professional local ice climbing guide will accompany you to make sure your tour goes by without a hitch.

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Meet your guides

5.00

Bill Allen

An Oregon native, Bill grew up playing in the Cascade Mountains, where he fell in love with the outdoors. His guiding career started over 20 years ago in Alaska and has taken him to all of the Seven Summits (thrice to the top of Mount Everest). Although he spends most of his time in the San Juan Mountains, he retains his love for Alaska, where he has guided around 30 expeditions on Denali.

5.00

Mountain Trip

Mountain Trip has a lot of experience leading teams of climbers on the Seven Summits. Their professional certified guides are thoroughly familiar with each destination. They’ve been guiding climbers in Denali and the Alaska Range since 1973 and were one of the original permitted concessionaires for leading guided expeditions in the Park, and they’ve grown to help more climbers ascend Denali than any other guide service!

5.00 (2 reviews)

Best outdoor experience for complete novices and near expert rock climbers

David W. (source: Tripadvisor)

Fischer and Dave were the best, most knowledgeable mountain activity guides I have ever met. They gave our entire group of 8 a fun and information-packed half day. These guys could be doing just about anything with a wide array of knowledge and genuine personalities. Thankfully they have chosen to guide in the great outdoors. And Mountain Trip was great to work with. Easy to follow website, email communications, and every detail covered. We had complete novices and experienced rock climbers in our group and we ALL felt very safe and had a great adventure doing something we had never done. Highly Highly recommend going ice climbing if you have not and if you can get Fischer and Dave to take you, even better.

Ice Climbing with Mountain Trip

Mike B. (source: Tripadvisor)

Just wanted to thank the Mountain Trip organization for our recent great adventure ice climbing with Carley. My son Michael and I had the pleasure of doing the Via Ferrata with you guys a few years ago, which was amazing, so naturally, we were thrilled to do our first ice climbing adventure with you guys as well in February. Carley was fantastic and made us feel comfortable throughout the experience. We look forward to sharing another adventure with you guys soon. Thanks again and hope to see you soon.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local ice climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A half or full day of ice climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
  - All technical ice climbing and protective equipment
  - Assistance arranging post-trip activities in the area
What’s not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Food and snacks
No previous ice climbing experience is necessary, but some rock climbing experience is beneficial. Reasonable level of strength and fitness is required. It is also beneficial to have some indoor wall climbing experience. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a wall using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
Telluride has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never ice climbed before or are transitioning from the rocks to the ice, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced ice climbers, Telluride has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best-hidden gems the area has to offer.
All technical ice climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
- - Helmet
  - Harness
  - Crampons
  - Belay and rappel device
  - Ice tools
  - Mountaineering boots
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
- - Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 30-45L pack)
  - Heavyweight gloves
  - Medium weight gloves
  - Base layer top
  - Light fleece hoody
  - Puffy light insulated jacket
  - Hardshell jacket
  - Softshell wind jacket
  - Softshell pants
  - Hardshell waterproof pants
  - Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear, and socks
  - Water bottle and 2L of water
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For the half-day and full-day ice climbing tours, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  - For the advanced multi-pitch ice climbing tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1.
  - The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family!
Ice climbing in Telluride can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Telluride CO, most people fly into Denver International Airport 7 hours away. From there, you can take a local flight to Telluride, Fly to Montrose and take a shuttle, or rent a car and drive there.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop in Telluride or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Telluride, Colorado, please refer to Colorado’s COVID-19 travel guidelines.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.