Do I need prior ice climbing experience to join Friday Night Ice?

While prior experience is not required, you must know top rope belaying and how to tie proper knots before participating.

Is gear provided or do I need to bring my own?

Ropes are provided, and a limited selection of boots, crampons, and ice tools are available for rent; bringing your own gear is recommended.

How difficult are the ice routes at the South Platte Ice Wall?

Routes vary in difficulty; the program offers 10 distinct routes suitable for both beginners ready to learn and experienced climbers.

Can I walk up and join the Friday Night Ice climb?

No walk-ups are accepted. Reservations must be made in advance due to limited group size.

What should I wear for a Friday Night Ice session?

Dress in warm, layered clothing suitable for cold, possibly below-freezing temperatures and bring gloves and a helmet if possible.

Where is the South Platte Ice Wall located exactly?

It’s located near 2182 Co Rd 96, Lake George, CO 80827, in Eleven Mile Canyon, approximately 45 miles northwest of Colorado Springs.

Friday Night Ice Climbing at Front Range Climbing, Lake George | Events

Located just off Co Rd 96 in Lake George, Colorado, the South Platte Ice Wall stands as a must-visit destination for ice climbers chasing adrenaline under starry winter skies. This premier ice climbing park, set within the rugged contours of Eleven Mile Canyon, offers a one-of-a-kind setting where frozen waterfalls and sheer ice formations challenge climbers against a dramatic alpine backdrop. Front Range Climbing Company brings this raw terrain to life with their Friday Night Ice program, transforming the ice wall into a gathering point for climbers of all skill levels, eager to test ten distinct routes ranging from introductory to advanced difficulties.

Friday Night Ice is more than an activity—it's a curated experience forged by climbers and crafted for climbers. The event maintains a cap of just 24 participants, ensuring personalized attention with certified guides focused on safety and skill refinement. This setup makes it an ideal entry point for newcomers who already understand belaying and knot tying but are hungry to push into ice-specific technique. Seasoned climbers benefit from the variety of routes that offer crisp, technical challenges on vertical and overhanging ice.

The South Platte Ice Wall itself is an elemental playground carved by winter’s relentlessness. Massive ice flows cling to granite walls, glittering under the evening light and framed by ponderosa pines that define this part of the Colorado Rockies. Eleven Mile Canyon, historically used as a passageway during early settlement periods, now hosts modern adventurers seeking quiet but dynamic outdoor pursuits just 45 miles northwest of Colorado Springs.

Front Range Climbing Company’s attention to detail—providing ropes, some gear rentals, and expert on-site instruction—makes Friday Night Ice accessible and fun. With a solid focus on community and skill-building, it’s a standout weekly event in the region’s winter adventure calendar. Whether you want to break into ice climbing or sharpen your technique on authentic routes, this program integrates thrilling physical challenge with safe, expert guidance near one of Colorado’s finest winter climbing venues.

About Front Range Climbing Company

Front Range Climbing Company is a professional guiding outfitter specializing in rock climbing and canyoneering across Colorado and Utah. The company runs a broad range of experiences, from half-day technique sessions and private full- and half-day climbs at Garden of the Gods to technical multi-pitch objectives like Independence Monument and multi-day canyoneering expeditions in Moab and North Wash.

Guides provide on-route coaching, rappelling instruction, and route selection tailored to each group’s ability — beginner-friendly climbs (including accessible 5.9 routes) are offered alongside intermediate and advanced objectives. Multi-day expeditions include structured logistics such as roundtrip transportation from Golden, CO and most meals included on select trips, while day trips focus on targeted skills, outdoor movement, and memorable summit views.

Trip offerings highlight local areas: Moab adventures feature rock climbing and canyoneering with multiple rappels and technical challenges; Garden of the Gods options include full-day summits and half-day “Vertical Limit” skills clinics; Shelf Road, Red Rock Canyon, Boulder Canyon, North Table Mountain, and Independence Monument round out a regional program covering sport, trad, and canyoneering terrain. FRCC Guides also provide seasonal ice climbing sessions.

Safety, environmental stewardship, and clear trip logistics are emphasized. Front Range Climbing Company uses industry-standard equipment, experienced local guides, and route-specific planning to protect fragile terrain. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and a camera. Detailed trip descriptions and skill recommendations help climbers choose the right experience for skill building and adventure.