Included: An experienced, local, AMGA ice climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area Ice climbing course, duration and program depending on the one you choose (includes 8 hours of personalized ice climbing instruction each day) Group equipment (climbing rope, rock/snow/ice protection, anchor material) Personal climbing equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice tools, carabiners, belay device) Not included: Transportation Accommodations Meals Personal clothing and boots Insurance — available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up an ice wall using brute strength. There are several itineraries to choose from, so both beginners and experienced ice climbers will find something suitable. 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 ice climbed before?

Ouray has plenty of options for beginner ice climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from rock to 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 on the ice, and most importantly, have fun! For intermediate to advanced ice climbers, Ouray 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?

Required equipment All group and personal climbing equipment will be provided by your guides. If you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. Here’s a list of what you’ll need: Climbing helmet (UIAA certified) Vertical frontpoint crampons Technical ice tools Harness Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner Two or three locking carabiners and one or two non-locking carabiners Clothing Warm hat thin enough to fit under the helmet Insulated parka Neck gaiter Synthetic underwear Heavyweight socks Mixed and softshell climbing gloves Midweight top base layer Heavyweight bottom base layer Midweight fleece jacket Active insulation jacket Softshell jacket and pants Fully rigid crampon compatible mountaineering boots Sunglasses Sunscreen and lip balm Water bottle and 2L of water High-energy food and snacks you can eat on-the-go Hand warmers — optional Climbing backpack (35 liters with ice tool attachments)

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For these Ouray ice climbing courses , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4 :1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 4 participants . Ouray ice climbing courses 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 Ouray ice climbing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Ouray, CO, most people fly into Denver International Airport 6 hours away. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Ouray. Alternatively, you can take a local flight to Montrose, CO and rent a car or take a shuttle to Ouray. 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 or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Ouray | Colorado

Ice Climbing Tours in Ouray

5.00

An ice climber on the Upper Bridge in Ouray

From $770 ()

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Travel and medical insurance available

Got questions or need a private booking?

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

Duration

2-3 days

Season

Mid-December through mid-March

Group size

Up to 4 people

Hidden away at the heart of the San Juan Mountains, the old mining town of Ouray has recently struck a new vein—ice climbing. The mile-long Ouray Ice Park was equipped with a human-made and gravity-fed sprinkler system, maintaining around 140 world-class ice climbing routes ranging from newbie-friendly ascents to bone-chilling vertical challenges. And because the spectacular natural gorge housing the routes is basically in Ouray’s backyard, accessibility is not an issue. Add in San Juan’s majestic mountainous vistas to the mix and you get one of the most amazing ice climbing destinations in the States! Whether you’re looking to put on a harness for the first time or you’re someone who feels naked without their crampons, Ouray is the place to be.

Adventure highlights

Stunning views

Get lost in San Juan’s rugged and picturesque backcountry
Work on your skills

Push your ice climbing skills further on Ice Park’s thrilling routes
All levels welcome

Whether it’s ice climbing 101 or an advanced course, you’ll have a blast in Ouray, the “Switzerland of America”

From $770 ()

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Travel and medical insurance available

Got questions or need a private booking?

Book a call

Highlighted reviews from other travellers

Laura H.

I was in Ouray and decided to book a last-minute ice climbing lesson. Having no climbing experience I was a little nervous and had unending questions. Micah was very patient and guided me through everything so I was able to build tons of confidence. His passion for climbing is contagious and I’d love to join on one of his adventures! I would definitely recommend him!

Caleb H.

Micah taught me how to ice climb last year. I have used his guide service twice sense then. He has always picked great climbs for me that push my limit but I’m able to climb. Micah is incredibly patient and spends time teaching as much as you want to learn. I highly recommend using Micah for your next climbing adventure.

Show all reviews

Available itineraries

Download itineraries

2-Day Intro to Ice Climbing Course in Ouray

If you’ve been wanting to give ice climbing a go, consider this your sign! This two-day comprehensive ice climbing course in Ouray will have you mastering WI3 and WI4 routes in no time. You’ll learn ice climbing fundamentals, proper gear usage, basic climbing knots, foundational and efficient movement skills, and constructing ice anchors. There will be a professional instructor by your side, giving you personalized tips and encouragement so you can confidently climb on your own in a top-rope setting. Our time-tested course is shaped around your skills, goals, and the unique routes we explore together.

Mixed Climbing Course

Ready to push your ice climbing to the next level as an already experienced ice climber? Spend two days in Ouray learning advanced mixed and steep ice techniques with a supportive, experienced guide! Whether you’re dreaming of big alpine peaks or want to move more efficiently on overhanging routes, we’ll tailor each climb to your goals and abilities. With a huge variety of mixed climbing, dry tooling, and steep ice, the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding backcountry make the perfect playground. Small groups, personal coaching, and handpicked routes—no cookie-cutter instruction here. Check out a few of our favorite local classics: Dukes of Hazzard (WI5, M6, 4 pitches), Talisman (WI6, M6, 4 pitches), Birdbrain Boulevard (WI5, M5, 8 pitches), and Skylight area (multiple routes from WI3 - WI5+ and M4 - M8).

4-Day Learn to Lead Ice Course in Ouray

This 3-day Ouray course is designed to give ice climbers the knowledge, skills, and confidence to safely and efficiently lead backcountry ice routes. It typically involves 2 days of focused instruction, allowing you to build skills which will culminate with a student-led backcountry multipitch climb. The itinerary was specifically designed by instructors with an intimate understanding of the nuances of being a competent ice climbing leader. You'll learn to climb without being pumped, how to read micro and macro terrain, understand and place strong protection, how to build various styles of ice anchors, you'll learn efficient multipitch transitions, and develop confidence in your decision making and ice leading skills.

Ice Climbing Tours in Ouray

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Skyward Mountaineering

Skyward Mountaineering is a small, highly skilled team of AMGA-accredited guides dedicated to helping climbers and skiers reach their goals. With deep experience in complex mountain terrain, they combine technical expertise, personalized instruction, and a genuine passion for adventure. They prioritize safety, fun, and meeting each client at their skill level—while inspiring them to push past perceived limits. As an AMGA-Accredited Business, they follow the strict Scope of Practice, and most of their guides hold full AMGA certifications in their disciplines, ensuring world-class guidance on every outing.

5.00(2 reviews)

Laura H.

Caleb H.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local, AMGA ice climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Ice climbing course, duration and program depending on the one you choose (includes 8 hours of personalized ice climbing instruction each day)
  - Group equipment (climbing rope, rock/snow/ice protection, anchor material)
  - Personal climbing equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice tools, carabiners, belay device)
Not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Meals
  - Personal clothing and boots
  - Insurance — available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up an ice wall using brute strength.

There are several itineraries to choose from, so both beginners and experienced ice climbers will find something suitable. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level!
Ouray has plenty of options for beginner ice climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from rock to 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 on the ice, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced ice climbers, Ouray 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.
Required equipment

All group and personal climbing equipment will be provided by your guides. If you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- - Climbing helmet (UIAA certified)
  - Vertical frontpoint crampons
  - Technical ice tools
  - Harness
  - Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner
  - Two or three locking carabiners and one or two non-locking carabiners
Clothing
- - Warm hat thin enough to fit under the helmet
  - Insulated parka
  - Neck gaiter
  - Synthetic underwear
  - Heavyweight socks
  - Mixed and softshell climbing gloves
  - Midweight top base layer
  - Heavyweight bottom base layer
  - Midweight fleece jacket
  - Active insulation jacket
  - Softshell jacket and pants
  - Fully rigid crampon compatible mountaineering boots
  - Sunglasses
  - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Water bottle and 2L of water
  - High-energy food and snacks you can eat on-the-go
  - Hand warmers — optional
  - Climbing backpack (35 liters with ice tool attachments)
Group sizes and pricing
- - For these Ouray ice climbing courses, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 4 participants.
Ouray ice climbing courses 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 Ouray ice climbing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Ouray, CO, most people fly into Denver International Airport 6 hours away. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Ouray. Alternatively, you can take a local flight to Montrose, CO and rent a car or take a shuttle to Ouray.

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 or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
To secure your spot, you’ll be asked to pay the full amount at checkout.
- - Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 45 days from the time of the booking.
  - Cancellations made 8 to 45 days before the trip start date are refundable 50%.
  - Cancellations made within 7 days of the trip start date are non-refundable.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.