Colorado Adventure Guides provides guided ice climbing tours and lessons in Central Colorado. Join us this winter to take your ice climbing skills to the next level or simply try it for the first time. Like skiing untracked powder, ice climbing is both an artistic dance and a demonstration of musculature. Finesse meets power with the hopes of reaching the top. Our professionally trained guides are experienced with the local climbing zones and can choose the best area for a given group.
From beginners swinging ice tools for the first time to advanced climbers seeking expert instruction, experience a day of ice climbing in the mountains of Central Colorado.
We offer half and full-day, single and multi-pitch, guided sessions for all ability levels as well as instructional courses throughout the winter season. We provide all of the ice climbing specific gear, including helmets, harnesses, ice tools, crampons, etc. Contact us for an unforgettable day on the ice!
We operate a full backcountry demo shop out of our basecamp in Silverthorne, CO with over 100 different items. We have what you need including a/t touring and splitboard setups from Weston, Faction, Dynafit, and Stereo. Snowshoes, ice climbing gear, avalanche rescue gear, and more. Discounted options are available for those who book a course or trip with us!
Half Day (3-5 hours) or Full Day (6-8 hours)
Guided ice climbing tours generally operate from December to April depending on conditions.
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.
204 Ryan Gulch Rd. Silverthorne, CO 80498
Pre Trip – Clients will be contacted directly from their guide no later than 48 hours before trip start to discuss trip details
Day of Tour – Meet at TH or CAG basecamp to meet your guide and then travel into the field for a great time of learning and fun
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
Joining CAG for a Summit based adventure? Check out our partners at The Pad, Silverthorne’s first boutique hotel/hostel, centrally-located along the Blue River, in the heart of Colorado ski country. Built for the modern traveler, their affordable, yet high-amenity, lodging in beautiful Summit County, Colorado allows our guests to prioritize experience, adventure and to focus their spending on activities and experiences in the Rocky Mountains and our community. Just ask the folks at CAG for details or click the button below to visit their website.
Refunds will be honored for cancellations with more than 48 Hours PRIOR notice 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 kids, families, and 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 to complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted 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%.
Our ice climbing tours have limited capacity and tend to book up months in advance. It is strongly recommended that you reserve your spot before the winter season starts.