We’re excited for this brand new course offering! Learn the art and technique of ice climbing with a full-day, skills-based course in Colorado’s central mountains. Instead of just following a guide up a top rope, you’ll progress through a structured curriculum covering gear use, movement, belaying, rappelling, and avalanche awareness—all while getting plenty of time on the ice. Leave with the confidence and foundation to take your climbing beyond a single adventure.
Experience a full day of ice climbing on the starkly beautiful ice falls of Colorado’s central mountains with all technical gear provided. This course is designed for novice adventurers seeking a structured day of learning and fun out on the ice.
Instead of simply sending you up on a top rope, our certified guides progress the group through a curriculum designed to give participants the knowledge and skills required to navigate the often intimidating activity of ice climbing. You will leave with a foundation of outdoor ice climbing skills after plenty of time actually climbing.
We operate a full backcountry shop in Silverthorne, Colorado. For this introductory course, we will provide all of the technical ice climbing gear you need, in addition to professional guide instruction.
Full Day (8AM-4PM)
5 Clients : 1 Guide
Location may vary based on group and conditions. All areas we climb are within a 30-45min drive from our basecamp located in Silverthorne.
Pre Trip – Clients will be contacted directly from their guide no later than 48 hours before trip start to discuss trip details
Day of Course – We will meet at the CAG office or a convenient rendezvous point, gear up and hike out to the field. Meeting time is 8AM. We will spend the day in field instruction where we turn the winter backcountry into an experiential classroom where you will learn and practice your new climbing skills.
Helmet, Harness, Crampons, Ice Tools (provided by us)
Medium sized backpack (approx. 40L)
Sunglasses
Cold weather layering (see recommended clothing below)
Hard or softshell pants
Synthetic or merino wool base layer
Softshell jacket (optional)
Down or synthetic insulated jacket
Hardshell or water/wind resistant jacket
Light gloves for uphill travel
Warm gloves
Brimmed hat or visor
Sunglasses
Neck gaitor or buff
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 14 days before your course or camp to receive a refund, minus a 10% admin fee.
Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable unless we can fill your spot. If we can, you’ll receive a refund minus the 10% fee.
Rescheduling Policy
You can reschedule at least 14 days before your course or camp for a 10% admin fee.
Within 14 days, rescheduling is only possible if we can fill your spot. If we can, a 10% fee applies. If not, rescheduling is not available.
No experience necessary. From novice to advanced, we have climbs for climbers of all experience levels.
Local qualified and professional Instructors
5:1 maximum client:guide ratio
All climbing gear included
Because we show the total price upfront.
Many outfitters advertise a base rate and add booking fees, processing fees, or other charges at checkout. We don’t.
What you see is the total you’ll pay- clear, transparent, and all-in from the start.
Colorado Adventure Guides is priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will be asked for relevant health information. The failure to disclose pertinent information could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. Your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
All of our guided ice climbing trips are booked private and custom and priced accordingly. If you are looking for a group trip option please see our Ice Climbing Courses or contact us to see if we have any group trips available on the schedule.
For field based trips clients will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding. Your instructor/guide will contact you with more details at least 48 hours prior to the date of your trip that will include meeting time and location.
Your guide works hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated and if you had a safe, educational, and fun experience. Gratuities typically range from 15-20%.
This ice climbing course has limited capacity and tends to book up. Please reserve your spot as soon as you can.