Included:

• • An experienced, local, AMGA ice climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 1 to 4 full days of individualized ice climbing instruction & coaching
  • Group equipment (climbing rope, rock/snow/ice protection, anchor material)
  • Personal climbing equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice tools, carabiners, belay device)

Not included:

• • Personal clothing and climbing gear
  • Transportation
  • Food and snacks
  • Accommodation
  • Insurance — available 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 and Silverton have plenty of options for beginner ice 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 on the ice, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced ice climbers, Ouray and Silverton have loads of routes to spend the day on, including jaw-dropping 1000 ft WI4 routes and challenging mixed climbing test-pieces. 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 ice 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)

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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 and Silverton, most people fly into Denver International Airport about 6 hours away from Ouray and Silverton. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Ouray and Silverton. Alternatively, you can take a local flight to Montrose, CO, and rent a car or take a shuttle to Ouray, where most routes begin.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. Most routes begin by meeting in Ouray at first light and involve a 30-45 minute approach hike—an early start ensures a more relaxed and secluded day ahead of other parties and gives flexibility on longer routes. 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.