
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)
This exclusive ice climbing course is offered on January 31, 2026 and February 21, 2026.
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
Refunds will be honored for cancellations when notice is given more than 48 Hours PRIOR to trip start time. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations.
Rescheduling will be honored 48 HOURS prior to trip start date. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling.
All activities are Rain or Shine. In case of operator cancellation due to adverse or unsafe conditions prior to start time, first the operator will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, the client will receive a full refund. Operator, including guides in the field, reserve the right to shorten or reroute activity in the case of unmanageable hazards or inability of guest to complete the objective. Completion of objective-based routes is not guaranteed.
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
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.