Ice Climbing in Telluride

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!

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.